Crappy Helmets? NHTSA Weighs 'Inconsequential' Safety Dodge
Published Date: 8/20/2026
Notice
Summary
Allwin Powersports found that some of their LS2 Rapid II helmets don’t fully meet safety rules. They asked the government to decide if this issue is minor and won’t affect rider safety. People have until September 21, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no money changes hands right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
6,607 LS2 Helmets May Be Noncompliant
About 6,607 LS2 Rapid II helmets manufactured between July 17, 2023 and June 30, 2025 were reported to not meet the penetration requirement in paragraph S5.2 of FMVSS No. 218 at the left rear location. If you own one of these helmets, it is identified in the manufacturer's report as not fully compliant with that Federal safety standard.
Petition Could Waive Owner Notification/Remedy
Allwin petitioned NHTSA on November 21, 2025 asking to be exempted from the notification and remedy duties in 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 for the subject helmets. If NHTSA grants the petition, the agency could relieve the manufacturer of the duties to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers and to provide a remedy for the subject equipment that Allwin no longer controlled when it discovered the noncompliance; public comments are due by September 21, 2026.
Manufacturer Stopped Sales, Discontinued Model
The manufacturer, Allwin, states it has ceased all sales and discontinued the subject LS2 Rapid II helmets. This prevents further sales of the reported noncompliant helmets from the manufacturer.
Dealers Remain Barred From Selling Noncompliant Helmets
NHTSA noted that even if the petition is decided, distributors and dealers are still prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or introducing into interstate commerce the noncompliant helmets that remained under their control after Allwin notified them the noncompliance existed. This restriction applies to dealers and distributors after they receive notice from the manufacturer.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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