The $30 Kmart buy giving parents peace of mind – without breaking the bank | White Unicorn helmet given top safety rating

Kmart’s $30 white ‘Unicorn’ children’s bike helmet is proving parents don’t have to break the bank to keep their kids safe.

The helmet has been awarded the top safety rating of five stars at the NSW Government’s second annual Helmet Safety Testing and Assessment Ratings (STAR).

Impact tests were conducted on a range of helmets on the market, with the Fox Rampage Youth MIPS being rated as safest overall – retailing at $290.

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This was followed by the Globber Kids LED, which sells for $79, and then the Kmart Unicorn helmet.

All three of the top choices received the five-star rating.

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Each helmet was impact tested at the NSW Crashlab in Western Sydney where Transport for NSW technicians conduct examinations including vertical drops, a strap strength test, and drop tests with moving platforms.

The helmet’s ability to protect the user’s head in each scenario was tested and a star rating assigned.

Helmets tested include models specifically for skaters and foot scooter riders.

Minister for Roads John Graham said in a press release: “The children’s helmets we tested this year ranged in price from $30 to $290. That can leave parents wondering how much they have to pay to ensure their kids are safe on their bikes, scooters and skateboards.

“The good news is price does not always equal safety and value options that deliver five-star safety do exist.”

He continued: “The great news is the Helmet STAR ratings system, now in its second year, is building up a valuable resource for parents and all adult riders to check whether their helmet choice ticks all the boxes on safety.

“Similar to car safety ratings it is a simple check for lasting peace of mind.

“By wearing a five-star rated helmet you are two to two and a half times less likely to sustain a serious head injury than if you were wearing a one-star helmet. This puts the power of choice in the hands of consumers.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, reminded parents that children wearing a helmet when riding a bike “is one of the most important things you can do”.

“Research shows they can reduce head injuries by about 70 percent and fatal injuries by 65 percent,” she said.

“Choosing the right one is crucial,” she added, explaining that this year the “Helmet STAR program has expanded to include a broader range of helmet types”.

In addition to helmets for general or road use and for wheeled toys like scooters and skateboards, the program now also tests both open-face and full-face mountain bike helmets.

“The Helmet STAR awards a star rating from one to five, with one-star helmets meeting the Australian crash protection standards, while five star rated helmets provide exceptional protection in a crash,” she said.

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“With ratings for over 100 helmets across a variety of ranges and price points I encourage everyone to visit the website and make an informed decision when buying a helmet.”

Helmet Safety Testing and Assessment Ratings (STAR) were modelled on the ANCAP safety ratings for motor vehicles.

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In New South Wales, bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet that is correctly fitted and fastened.

All bicycle helmets sold in Australia must comply with an approved Australian or overseas standard for bicycle helmets.

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