CPSC Warns of SQM and Xinerter Bicycle Helmet Injury Risks

The manufacturers, based in China, are not recalling the bicycle helmets, nor providing consumers with any safety remedies or fixes, the CPSC warns.

Federal safety regulators are warning that certain bicycle helmets sold under the SQM and Xinerter brand names may pose a serious risk of injury or death for consumers, since they do not meet mandatory safety requirements. However, their Chinese manufacturers are refusing to issue a recall to remove the bicycle helmets from the market.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued two warning notices on July 20, impacting SQM bicycle helmets and Xinerter bicycle helmets, since they may fail to adequately protect users from head injuries during a crash or fall.

Consumers are being urged to immediately stop using both SQM and Xinerter bicycle helmets, which do not meet federal safety standards for bicycle helmets, because they do not comply with positional stability and certification requirements.

Manufacturers Refuse to Issue Bicycle Helmet Recalls

The helmets are sold by SQM and US-Xiner, both of whom are Chinese manufacturers. Both sellers have so far refused to recall the helmets and do not offer safety remedies or refunds to consumers, the CPSC warns.

SQM bicycle helmets were sold in one size and are black with green accents, with a black and gray striped pattern, black and gray straps, and a red buckle. They have a label with “SQM2326, L(56-61 cm), ca. 225g, Made in China” located inside the helmet. They were sold online at amazon.com from March 2022 through January 2023 for between $17 and $26.

Xinerter bicycle helmets are teal with a white undershell, black straps, and a black buckle. “Xineter” is printed on the rear left and right side of the helmet. There is no label, model, or brand information inside the helmet. They were sold exclusively online at amazon.com from January 2020 through February 2021 for between $17 to $35.

The CPSC urges consumers to stop using the helmets, cut the straps, and dispose of the helmets immediately so no other person can mistakenly use the helmet.

Consumers should report any accidents or incidents involving product injuries or safety defects to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.