Founded in 2004 by Chris Leatt, Leatt has been at the forefront of rider safety for two decades, with its pioneering Leatt-Brace continuing to make a significant impact.
Chris Leatt, a neurosurgeon and passionate rider, was driven to create a cervical collar after the tragic loss of a fellow motocross rider. Recognizing the urgent need for improved neck protection, he developed a rudimentary prototype designed to work with a helmet, effectively safeguarding the rider’s neck area.
This marked the beginning of Leatt’s journey. The Leatt-Brace revolutionized rider protection, significantly reducing neck injuries as its use became widespread.
Today, Leatt’s product range has expanded far beyond the original cervical collar. It now includes helmets, body armor, knee guards, elbow guards, hydration systems, and apparel. By next year, the company plans to offer over 430 products across three main categories. These protections cater not only to adventure motorcyclists and motocross riders but also to mountain bikers.
A study by Great Lakes EMS Inc. highlighted the vital role of cervical collars. Without such protection, there was an 89% likelihood of neck injuries and a 69% chance of death from cervical spine injuries. Non-fatal cervical spine injuries had a 75% probability, and collarbone fractures were 45% likely.
Chris Leatt commented on the study: ‘These studies confirm what we have observed in our tests and validate the importance of using a cervical collar. It is incredibly gratifying and a great source of pride to see a lifetime of work making such a real difference’.
Development and testing occur at the Leatt Lab in Cape Town, South Africa, with direct collaboration with professional athletes. Chris Leatt shared the company’s mission: ‘Our mission revolves around saving lives and preventing injuries. With this core vision, we attract some of the brightest minds in the industry. As a cross-country rider, I’m excited to see our endurance line grow. Stay tuned for new product categories as we continually innovate with advancing technology. We’re exploring what’s needed in various sports, and we have some exciting new developments on the horizon. Stay tuned!’.