4 Preface NTA 8776 contains requirements for helmets intended for use by electrically assisted high-speed bicycles (EPAC). The S-EPAC is a new means of transport and a new product for which the Dutch bicycle industry has recognised the need to provide users with an appropriate helmet. In the new European Regulation No. 168/2013 on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, the S-EPAC is classified as a two-wheeled moped L1e-B. Although the electrical mount supports the S-EPAC user up to a speed of 45 km / h, the S-EPAC requires significant pedaling power from the user. The challenge for the bicycle and helmet industry was therefore to develop a set of requirements for an S-EPAC helmet that offers an increased level of safety compared to the EN 1078 bicycle helmet due to the higher speeds, but also offers the same comfort of use during physical exertion. This means that the helmet should be well ventilated and lightweight. In collaboration with the Dutch Bicycle Manufacturers` Association (RAI), neN conducted a broad consultation with national and international stakeholders and set up a project group consisting of S-EPAC manufacturers, helmet manufacturers, testing institutes and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). A complete list of participants can be found under this foreword.
In order to set the deadline for transposition of European Regulation No. 168/2013, the project group used existing knowledge on head protection (a range of existing helmet standards, literature and test results) and defined requirements that reached the limits of current technical possibilities in the context of the development of a ventilated and lightweight helmet with an increased level of safety. After initial meetings, research and testing, the project group decided that the NTA for helmets for S-EPAC users should be a modified EN 1078 helmet for pedal cyclists and for skateboard and roller skate users. This choice was made for three reasons: EN 1078 is closest to what the project group stakeholders see as a suitable S-EPAC helmet, starting with EN 1078 which allows the group to focus on the requirements that need to be adapted, and starting with EN 1078, NTA is part of the European standards of CEN/TC 158. Although this standard was created as an FTA to meet the specific conditions of the Dutch market, the objective of the project group stakeholders is to propose this NTA as a new proposal for a work element under CEN/TC 133 in order to create a European standard. Significant changes compared to EN 1078 concern the impact absorption capacity and the test area. The test area is enlarged to better protect the sleeping and occipital area of the head. For the impact test, the drop speeds are increased. Attention is drawn to the possibility that certain elements of this document may be subject to patent rights.
NEN [and/or NEC] are not responsible for identifying all or part of these patent rights. 4 What is an NTA-8776 (Speed Pedelec) headset? A speed pedelec is a two-wheeled vehicle with auxiliary drive power that supports the driver when pedaling up to a maximum of 45 km / h. According to the new EU Directive (No 168/2013) on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheeled vehicles and quadricycles, the S-EPAC is classified as a moped. The helmet consists of a durable outer shell fused with the shock-absorbing EPS inside. It offers sufficient protection to meet the standards of dutch technical agreement (NTA) 8776, a safety standard specially developed for electric bicycles. In the midst of a rapidly growing market for e-bikes, it is becoming increasingly important that the safety of cyclists remains a clear goal and priority. New e-bike-specific helmet safety tests and institutionalized certifications (NTA-8776) have been developed to ensure safe selection of e-bike helmets for cyclists in this emerging category of electrically assisted cycling. Protection “An NTA-8776 helmet is a helmet that meets the requirements of Dutch Technical Agreement (NTA) 8776. These requirements were developed by an international project group led by NEN. This helmet looks like a bicycle helmet but protects against higher impact speeds and covers a larger part of the head.
Where can I get certified for an NTA-8776 helmet? Certification bodies that have a licensing agreement with NEN are qualified to certify NTA 8776 helmets. These are VIAS Institure in Brussels, Belgium, Telefication in Zevenaar, the Netherlands and CSI in Bollate, Italy. NTA Project 8776 When establishing the NTA, the project group used existing knowledge of head protection (a range of existing standards on helmets, literature) and the results of tests carried out on high-end bicycle helmets. On the basis of EN 1078, the project group then redefined its requirements for the limits of the current technical possibilities for head protection. In addition to the increased level of safety, other important considerations in defining the requirements were that the helmet should be suitable for use during physical exertion and should not impair the hearing ability of the S-EPAC user. For e-bikes that reach higher speeds, it`s important to have a helmet designed to protect the rider from potentially greater impact forces and with wider head coverage, and that`s where NTA-8776 comes in. 21 Hang the strap on the back of the helmet. Release the weight of the drop and place it at a distance of (175 ± 5) mm. Observe if the helmet comes off or not. 5.7 Determination of the field of view To perform the test, the testing laboratory shall select the size it considers to be the most unfavourable result for the type of helmet. Place the helmet on a head shape of the appropriate size. Apply a 50 N load to the crown of the helmet to stabilize the helmet on the shape of the head.
Make sure that the vertical center plane of the helmet matches the vertical center plane of the head shape. Adjust the helmet to the shape of the head according to the manufacturer`s instructions, if applicable. In this position, determine whether the helmet meets the requirements for the field of view of the test report The test report shall contain at least the following information: (a) helmet identification information, including between sizes; (b) the results of the test referred to in points 5.2 to 5.7; (c) the date of the examination; (d) the name of the testing laboratory. 21 24 Annex B (informative) Approval mark In order to be used on public roads on S-EPACs and placed on the market in the Netherlands, manufacturers are required by Dutch legislation to affix an approval mark to the S-EPAC helmet. The approval mark is shown in Figure 6. The conditions for the use of the approval mark can be found in the attached certification system. NOTE At the time of publication of NTA 8776, the certification mark and associated certification system are still under development. NTA 8776 will be modified as soon as it becomes available. Figure 6 Mark 24 How to recognize an NTA-8776 helmet? In order to place an S-EPAC helmet on the market and use it on public roads (in the Netherlands), the helmet must contain an approval mark, which can be found in Annex B of NTA 8776. This quality label is linked to an accompanying certification process. The requirements for the certification process are set out in the NEN NCS 8776 certification scheme.
The approval mark can be found on (right) of this website, in Appendix B of NTA 8776 and in NCS 8776. Inside the Speed Pedelec headset, only the text “NTA 8776” is displayed. The complete approval mark shall be affixed to the helmet packaging and in the instruction manual. .