Motorcycle Helmet Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Full Face, Half Face, Open Face), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global motorcycle helmet market size was USD 10.41 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 12.37 billion in 2024 to USD 34.14 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period.

The motorcycle helmet market is experiencing steady growth, driven by several factors, such as increasing concerns about road safety and stringent regulations mandating the use of helmets for motorcycle riders, which contribute to market expansion. Additionally, rising motorcycle ownership rates, particularly in developing regions, fuel demand for helmets. According to the World Health Organization, motorcycle-related fatalities are highest in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the importance of helmet usage. Technological advancements in helmet design, such as the integration of lightweight materials and advanced impact protection systems, enhance safety and comfort, further boosting market growth. Moreover, the emergence of smart helmets with features like built-in communication systems and heads-up displays caters to consumer preferences for innovative products.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the motorcycle helmet market. While initial disruptions in manufacturing and supply chains led to temporary slowdowns, the market gradually rebounded as restrictions eased. Increased emphasis on personal safety and hygiene amid the pandemic drove demand for motorcycle helmets. However, economic uncertainties and reduced consumer spending posed challenges, affecting market growth to some extent.

Motorcycle Helmet Market Trends

Development of Low Weight and Technologically Advanced Helmets to Set a Positive Trend for Market Growth 

Full-face helmets weigh up to 2 kg. Modular helmets weigh even more due to their flip-up mechanisms. Further, strict safety standards cause an addition to the weight of the helmet by adding new accessories. To reduce the overall weight, the companies have developed lightweight and technologically advanced helmets. For instance, in June 2021, Helicoid Industries launched their ‘Helicoid’ helmet. It is developed using fiber-reinforced composites, reducing the overall weight of the helmet up to 25%.

With the bikes being upgraded technologically, helmets are also being upgraded using updated technology. Helmet manufacturers are developing helmets that facilitate a biker to interact with their bikes. The helmets are equipped with noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, rear and front view HD cameras, and voice control. For instance, in May 2021, Kickstarter launched their smart helmet, ‘Crosshelmet.’ It is equipped with sound management, Bluetooth features, and combines an integrated HUD (head-up display) with 360-degree visibility for the riders. Hence, helmets being upgraded technologically will propel the market growth.

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

Motorcycle Helmet Market Growth Factors

Increasing Number of Motorbikes and Sports Bike Enthusiasts Will Drive Market Growth

In developed nations, bikes are essentially used for recreational activities, and thus more often owned in addition to a car. In developing countries, a motorcycle is more often the primary mode of transport. Bikes are gaining a stronghold in the commercial sector as well. They are mainly used for food delivery and delivery of e-commerce items. Also, after lockdown, the demand for bikes has escalated substantially due to the bike-sharing business gaining traction. The number of sportbike owners in the U.S. is more than in any other region. However, in India, people’s approach toward bikes is different. India is the world’s largest motorcycle market, and though they made losses during the pandemic, the motorcycle sales in the region are projected to increase by 35% in 2024. Also, according to new Road Transport Office (RTO) regulations, it is mandated for the dealers to provide helmet with new registered two-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, as the helmets market is dependent on the motorcycle market, the growth of the motorcycle market will propel the helmet market growth.

Rising Road Safety Awareness Will Drive Market Growth

Protection of the head is the crucial aspect of rider safety, as 80% of bikers killed in road accidents had sustained head injuries. Yet, only 28 countries around the globe have extensive road safety laws concerning speeding, drinking and driving, head protector, and seatbelts. However, organizations such as the World Resources Institute (WRI), United Nations, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), International Road Federation (IRF), and the FIA High-Level Panel (HLP) for road safety are collaborating with governments and working to promote and improve road safety around the globe. Hence, due to the constant efforts of these organizations, people’s rising road safety awareness is observed. Thus, rising awareness on road safety is anticipated to propel the market growth during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Lack of Universal Helmet Laws and High Prices of Advanced Helmets Can Hinder Market Growth

One crucial restraining factor for the motorcycle helmet market is the lack of universal helmet laws and inconsistent enforcement in certain regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2024, only 48% of countries worldwide have comprehensive helmet laws that apply to all riders, and enforcement varies widely.

In regions where helmet laws are not strictly enforced, there is a higher incidence of non-compliance among motorcycle riders, leading to increased risks of fatalities and serious head injuries in road accidents. Moreover, cultural attitudes and resistance to helmet usage in some communities contribute to the challenge of promoting helmet safety. The absence of robust legal frameworks and effective enforcement mechanisms hinders market growth by limiting the uptake of motorcycle helmets and the potential for increased sales in regions where helmet usage remains low.

According to the study of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the most frequent reasons for not using a helmet are pain in the neck due to the heavy weight of the helmet, limitation of head movements, feeling of heat, feeling of suffocation, and physical discomfort. Also, premium and advanced motorcycle helmets have a limited customer base due to their high cost and affiliation with premium bike users. Hence, all these factors can hinder market growth over the forecast period.

Motorcycle Helmet Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type

Full Face Helmet Segment Dominates Market

Based on product type, the market is segmented into full face, half face, and open face.

A full-face helmet covers the entire head, the base of the skull, and the chin's front. The chin bar is a distinguishing feature of the full-face helmet, securing the rider’s chin during a frontal impact. In an accident, the chin experiences 50% of severe impacts; in such a scenario, only full-face helmets protect the chins due to the presence of chin bars. Most full-face helmets provide ventilation in the helmet, which helps to reduce visor fogging and get rid of the sweat. Moreover, manufacturers are procuring advanced materials such as fiberglass reinforced plastic and carbon fiber to reduce the overall weight of the helmets and make them safer. In addition, new features such as Bluetooth technology, high-end visibility, and visors that adjust to sunlight conditions have been popular in full-face helmets in recent years. Hence, as it provides more safety and can be upgraded technologically, the full face helmet segment is anticipated to lead and exhibit a higher CAGR during the forecast period.

Open face helmets are full-face helmets without the chin bar. The overall weight of the open-face helmet is a little less than the full-face helmet due to the absence of the chin bar. However, the exposure of the face of the rider significantly reduces its safety. Also, it does not provide the rider protection against road debris, mud, and weather conditions. To protect the face from exposure to sunlight, they are equipped with either partial or full-face visors. Hence, this segment will exhibit steady growth due to lack of safety and convenience compared to full-face helmet.

Half helmets are structurally similar to a cap made up of carbon fibers. It only covers the top of the rider’s head and provides minimal shielding from moisture, road debris, or sunlight. While these helmets facilitate the biker with maximum airflow, they offer much less protection than a full face or an open face helmet. Many half-face helmets are not equipped with a visor or face shield and they cannot be upgraded technologically as there isn’t any space for the features to be implanted and installed. Hence, due to the minimal protection and technological features, this segment is expected to exhibit slow to steady growth during the forecast period.

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

By Distribution Channel

Online Segment Will Hold Largest Motorcycle Helmet Market Share

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into online and offline.

The offline sales segment holds the largest share in the global market currently. While e-commerce websites are experiencing a huge boom, the majority of helmet sales occur offline. The dominance can be credited to customers’ preference to buy helmets personally rather than shopping online. Offline shopping benefits the customer by examining the product and even trying the helmet to check the comfort level.

E-commerce websites, such as Amazon and Helmet express, are focused on this product category to benefit from the rising product popularity. Also, social media and Google Ads act as a catalyst in altering consumer choice. With online surfing, the biker gets access to a wider range of products. Bikers can shop at any time of the day as it is available 24/7. Also, consumers are entitled to exclusive reward and deals on shopping online. Furthermore, flexible payment options such as paying online from credit and debit cards to Google Pay and PayPal are available. Hence, the online sales segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market and lead during the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Request a Free sample

The Asia Pacific region held largest share in the global market, accounting for USD 8.34 billion in 2023. It is expected to lead the market during the forecast period. India and China, the world’s two largest two-wheeler markets, compete for the top spot. India is one of the leading the two-wheeler market in this region. It is also a competitive landscape for the helmet manufacturing market, with a current annual production capacity of 35 million helmets.

The rest of the world registered as the second-largest market. The rest of the world consists of Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa regions. Africa is anticipated to contribute significantly to the growth of this market. This can be attributed to the increasing sales of the Chinese and Indian low-cost bikes in the African market. Two-wheeler importers providing more options to African customers are anticipated to propel the market during the forecast period.

Europe was the third-largest market in 2023. However, it does not account for a significant portion of the worldwide market as Europeans and Americans use bikes for recreational or leisure purposes, whereas Asians and Africans use them as a daily mode of transportation. Hence, with an increasing number of electric motorcycles and mopeds, this region is expected to exhibit the second-largest CAGR during the forecast period.

North America is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to motorcycle and scooter sales up by more than 11% in 2022. The sales of power sports and off-highway motorcycles boomed by double digits over pre-COVID-19 figures. The U.S. ranks first in this regional market due to the presence of most of the motorcycle helmet manufacturers. After a strict lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. reopened, and the bike industry started showing signs of recovery.

List of Key Companies in Motorcycle Helmet Market

Steelbird to Acquire the Top Spot With New Product Launches

Steelbird Helmets is a Delhi-based Indian Motorcycle Helmets manufacturer. In 1960, Steelbird was established to provide helmets with premium quality to customers worldwide.

For instance, in November 2021, Steelbird launched its SA-5 helmet, which has a dual certification (DOT & BIS certified). It had multiple air ventilation, an anti-fog shield, and reflective material at the back of the neck pad, which helps the rider while riding at night by increasing the visibility for the person behind the rider. Similarly, in September 2021, Steelbird launched SA-2. This helmet is made from a high-impact thermoplastic material shell. In May 2021, Steelbird launched Blauer open face helmets, which were ECE & ISI certified. It gets dual visors, a tinted one on the inside and a clear one on the outside.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Shark Helmets (Marseille, France)


• ARAI Helmets (Saitama, Japan)


• Manufactures Tomas SA (La Palma, Spain)


• Nolan Helmets SpA (Bergamo, Italy)


• Shoei Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan)


• Bell Helmet (Illinois, U.S.)


• Studds Accessories Ltd. (Haryana, India)


• Schuberth GmbH (Lower Saxony, Germany)


• Steelbird Helmets (Delhi, India)


• Dainese SpA (Colceresa, Italy)


• Vegaauto (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• March 2024: Steelbird Hi-Tech India, a prominent helmet manufacturer, as part of its expansion plans, the helmet and accessories maker plans to invest USD 2.5 Billion in setting up a new manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, to meet the growing demand from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and aftermarket.


• March 2024: NEXX introduced the third-generation X.WED3 adventure helmet, which is more refined, durable, and safer than its predecessor. According to NEXX, the new helmet has gone through rigorous testing, having done around 200,000 km in the most remote locations


• February 2024: The Italian manufacturer Givi launched its latest flip-up motorcycle helmet in the form of the new Givi X.27 Tourer model. Givi’s X.27 off-road motorcycle helmet is the base for the new X.27 Tourer, which is aimed at adventure touring, mixing both on- and off-road capabilities with a design intended to remain comfortable over long distances.


• November 2023: Lakeland Industries, Inc., known as a leading global manufacturer of protective clothing for industry, healthcare, and first responders on the federal, state, and local levels, acquired New Zealand-based Pacific Helmets NZ Limited at approximately USD 8.5 million.


• April 2023: KASK, the premium designer and manufacturer of head protection, introduced the Primero series of safety helmets. Primero was developed to provide advanced head protection that was easy to use for a wide variety of wearers in a wide variety of applications. KASK was chosen to launch the Primero, compliant with European Safety Stands (EN 397, EN 50365, and EN 12492), on the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28th to highlight the United Nations awareness-raising campaign that focuses on creating a safety and health culture internationally.

REPORT COVERAGE

The motorcycle helmet market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, material types, and leading product applications. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth over recent years.

An Infographic Representation of Motorcycle Helmet Market

View Full Infographic

To get information on various segments, share your queries with us

Report Scope & Segmentation