Steelbird Helmets On Government Policies, Future Plans And More

The brand’s managing director, Rajeev Kapur shares his insights on the helmet industry and some interesting plans for the brand

One cannot emphasise enough on the importance of wearing a helmet when on a two-wheeler, even as a pillion. Steelbird Hi-Tech India, one of the oldest and popular brands of helmet and accessories India has been one such brand that actively promotes the use of helmets. Founded in 1964, the brand has grown into a company that is an OEM for brands like Honda, Yamaha, Royal Enfield and Suzuki. We caught up with Rajeev Kapur, managing director of Steelbird Hi-tech India to know his take on the government policies regarding helmets and the company’s vision.

Also Read: Ather 450X: Road Test Review

Future Plans: Scale Up Production And Build Tech-Savvy Helmets

As per Rajeev Kapur, the demand for helmets in India would be close to 100 million helmets annually. With the government mandating helmets for the rider and pillion in some cities, Rajeev is positive that eventually the demand for the helmets is bound to increase. Currently, Steelbird manufactures around 22,000 helmets daily and intend to scale up to 50,000 units this year.

Steelbird not only plans to scale up its production to meet the growing demand for helmets, but is also investing in better products to cater to a broader audience. The brand unveiled the SBH-26 Bella helmet last month, intended for women riders. Not just that, Kapur says that the brand will also be launching new helmets with Bluetooth and handsfree tech, to aid navigation and communication when on the road. Some of these features will set a benchmark for the industry, claims Kapur. Steelbird is even working on the new riding gear and helmets for kids. Of these, quite a few would follow European design.

Also Read:  Aprilia SXR 160: First Ride Review

More Premium Offerings?

Steelbird has some premium products in its portfolio, however, they do not cater to enthusiasts looking for an alternative to any imported products or premium brands. That said, Kapur insists that the helmets manufactured adhere to the same quality standards with their ISI-certified helmets and are in fact, sold at a better price. In fact, the brand had introduced a range of carbonfibre helmets back in 2011.

Also Read: KTM 250 Adventure Road Test Review

Government Policies

The rule mandating the BIS-certified helmet is a welcome move. However, out of the 224 helmet manufacturing companies certified by the Bureau Of Indian Standards, many produce sub-standard helmets, claims Kapur. Rajeev Kapur, however, is happy that the new rule will curb the sales of non-ISI helmets. Another issue is the 18 percent GST applicable on the helmets, which according to Kapur shouldn’t exceed 5 percent, considering this isn’t a luxury product, but a life-saving product.

Kapur sums it up by saying that though appropriate laws are introduced in the country to ensure safety of motorcyclists, it is equally important that the authorities ensure that the laws are implemented and followed everywhere.