ASTM International Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities has developed a new standard, F 2416, Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMDs). The new standard, which is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets, covers headgear to be worn by people riding Segway Human Transporters (HTs) and other EPAMDs.

F08 committee members tried the Segway HT and, based on that experience and the committee’s recommendations, the new standard was drafted. Headgear for EPAMD riders needs to cater to the unique design of the devices. EPAMD headgear is designed to withstand a single impact, as opposed to requirements for a skateboarder’s helmet, which call for the helmet to withstand multiple hits at lower impact levels.

"Segway LLC encourages all riders to wear a helmet, and having a standard in place gives manufacturers the ability to provide high-quality helmets to the growing number of Segway HT enthusiasts," said Michael Taylor, product manager at Segway LLC. "The standard will also help Segway HT owners to know what features to look for when selecting headgear. We appreciate the efforts of ASTM International and look forward to continuing our involvement with Committee F08 in the future."

Committee F08 welcomes participation from any parties interested in potential revisions to Specification F 2416.

ASTM standards are available for purchase from Customer Service (phone: 610/832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact) or www.astm.org/.

Release #7085