Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd, one of India’s leading helmet manufacturers, has launched a new kids-only helmet range called DOODLE. The range has been created specifically for child pillion riders, with the aim of making proper head protection for children safer, lighter and more attractive, while keeping it affordable for families. Prices start at ₹999, which positions the product within reach of a large number of two-wheeler users in India.
The DOODLE range has not been adapted from adult helmets. It has been designed from scratch for children after detailed research into how a child’s head and neck differ from an adult’s, and what kind of helmet they can comfortably wear on a daily basis. One of the most important outcomes of this work is weight. Each DOODLE helmet weighs only 700 grams, with a small tolerance band, which is significantly lower than most regular helmets. This light weight helps reduce neck strain and fatigue for young pillion riders during school runs, daily commutes and family rides.
Steelbird is offering DOODLE in both spoiler and non spoiler versions. This allows parents and children to choose between a sportier look or a simpler, more classic design. The size range is wide by kids’ standards, starting from XXXS and going up to M. These sizes cover head circumferences from 50 centimetres to 58 centimetres. Within these sizes, Steelbird uses size specific EPS liners so that the inside of the helmet fits the child’s head more precisely instead of relying on an adult shell with extra padding stuffed inside. A proper fit is essential for both safety and comfort, and it is one of the main reasons a dedicated kid’s helmet is better than downsizing an adult model.
On the safety front, DOODLE carries ISI certification, which confirms that it meets Indian standards for impact protection. The outer shell is made from high strength ABS, a material chosen for its toughness and ability to withstand and spread impact forces. Inside, an EPS energy absorbing liner helps manage the shock of an impact by compressing in a controlled way rather than transmitting that force directly to the skull. The visor is made from optical grade polycarbonate, providing clarity of vision along with protection from wind, dust and small debris on the road.
Ventilation and aerodynamics have also been given attention. The shell has strategically placed air vents and internal channels that help air flow through the helmet, a critical factor in Indian weather where heat and sweat are major reasons children resist wearing helmets. The outer shape has been designed to be more aerodynamic so that wind resistance and buffeting are reduced, which in turn improves riding comfort and stability when the child is on the pillion seat.
Steelbird has also worked on hygiene and ease of use. The liners inside the DOODLE helmets are breathable and treated to resist odour, so that sweat does not quickly lead to unpleasant smells. This is a small detail on paper but can make a big difference in whether a child is willing to wear the helmet every day. The helmets also feature a micrometric buckle retention system, which makes fastening and unfastening quicker and simpler compared with traditional D ring systems. For parents managing school bags, lunch boxes and a child at the same time, this convenience matters.
Visual design is another pillar of the DOODLE concept. Steelbird recognises that children are more likely to accept and even demand helmet use if they like how it looks. For that reason, the DOODLE range comes in bright colours and attractive graphics. The helmets are finished in glossy paint and offered with a variety of decals intended to appeal to different age groups and tastes. By turning the helmet into something fun and expressive rather than a plain safety object, Steelbird is trying to shift behaviour from reluctant compliance to enthusiastic use.
Explaining the thinking behind the new range, Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd, said that safety has always been the company’s top priority. He pointed out that adults increasingly have access to certified helmets, but child pillion riders are often neglected. Many children still travel without helmets, or they wear ill fitting adult ones that do not provide proper protection. The DOODLE series has been created to address this gap through light construction, advanced impact protection and a strong focus on comfort. In his words, every child deserves a safe ride, and this launch is another step towards making Indian roads safer for families.
The DOODLE kids helmets will be sold across Steelbird’s large dealer network and authorised retail outlets around the country. By starting prices at ₹999 and providing multiple sizes and styles, the company is clearly aiming for scale rather than niche volumes. The combination of official certification, child specific fit and attractive design at this price point makes DOODLE a realistic option for many urban and semi urban families who use two wheelers daily.
The launch also fits into Steelbird’s broader history and positioning. Founded in 1964, Steelbird has grown into one of the world’s largest helmet producers with more than sixty years of experience in rider safety. The company now operates more than nine manufacturing facilities and can produce over sixty thousand helmets a day. It sells a wide range of helmets and riding accessories that aim to combine safety, innovation, comfort and style for different types of riders.
Steelbird’s presence extends across India through an extensive dealer network and continues to grow in international markets. Over the decades it has worked to set industry benchmarks while promoting road safety through awareness as well as product innovation. With DOODLE, the company is focusing that experience on one of the most vulnerable groups on Indian roads, namely children on the back seat of two wheelers.
If DOODLE is widely adopted, it could help shift social norms towards a situation where parents feel it is incomplete to put on their own helmet without also putting one on their child. By making a kid’s helmet that is light to wear, comfortable in hot weather, visually appealing and not too expensive, Steelbird is trying to remove the common excuses for skipping child protection. In a country where two wheelers are a primary mode of family transport, that change in everyday behaviour could have a real impact on safety outcomes over time.
