It all started in 2004 with an innovative protection product: the Leatt-Brace.
Today, Leatt has become a top name in protection for mountain biking and extreme motor sports. Founder Dr. Chris Leatt says: “Over the past 20 years, it has been incredibly rewarding to know that our passion and our products have been about saving lives.”
The origins of Leatt protective equipment
After witnessing the heartbreaking loss of a fellow motocross racer, Dr. Chris Leatt, a neurosurgeon by training and a passionate racer, saw the urgent need for a cervical collar to protect against common neck injuries.
Over the next three years, Dr. Leatt developed a crude prototype designed to work with a helmet and provide significant neck protection.
This was the humble beginning of our brand. The award-winning Leatt-Brace not only defined the category but also revolutionized neck protection.
As more motorcyclists adopted the support, neck injuries decreased.
An independent study carried out over ten years by Great Lakes EMS Inc. demonstrated the effectiveness of using a neck brace: without a neck brace, neck injuries were 89% more likely, death from a cervical spine injury was 69% more likely, non-fatal cervical spine injuries were 75% more likely and collarbone fractures were 45% more likely. Link to the study: https://www.actionsportsems.com/case-study-neck-brace
“These studies confirm what we saw in our tests – and validate the importance of riding a motorcycle with a neck brace,” shares Dr. Leatt. “It’s incredibly rewarding and a huge source of pride to see my life’s work making such a real difference.”
Expanding the product line
Based on the success of the Leatt neck brace, they have expanded the range to include helmets, bulletproof vests, knee pads, elbow pads, hydration systems and clothing. By 2025, there will be more than 430 different Leatt products in three line categories.
Currently, Leatt designs complete head-to-toe protection for all types of cyclists: Mountain Bikers, Motocross and adventure motorcyclists.
The commitment to research, development and continuous testing takes place at the Leatt Laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa. Here, products are meticulously designed and rigorously tested. The result is high-performance protective gear for both professionals and casual motorcyclists. They collaborate directly with professional athletes, using their feedback in our R&D efforts to ensure that each product is state-of-the-art.
The future of protective cycling equipment
From day one, Leatt has been dedicated to protecting cyclists, whether on bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles or other outdoor vehicles.
Dr. Leatt notes, “Our mission revolves around saving lives and preventing injuries, and with this core of our vision, we’ve attracted some of the smartest minds in the industry.”
“As a cross-country cyclist, I’m excited about the growth of our endurance line. But watch out for new product categories. We’re constantly innovating as technology advances. We’re exploring what’s needed in different sports and we have some exciting news on the way. Stay tuned!”