Understanding Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards - Moto CentralAt Moto Central, we know that a helmet isn’t just an accessory – it’s a lifesaving essential. That’s why we only stock helmets certified to the highest safety standards. Whether you’re commuting, touring, or racing, understanding helmet safety standards will help you make the best choice for your riding needs.
As a leading UK motorcycle helmet retailer, we offer a range of helmets that meet the ECE 22.05, ECE 22.06, and FIM safety standards. These certifications represent the most advanced safety technologies, ensuring ultimate protection for every rider.
What Are Helmet Safety Standards?
Helmet safety standards are regulatory benchmarks designed to test and certify the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets under specific conditions. These tests simulate real-world accidents, ensuring helmets provide adequate protection for the head during an impact. Different standards exist globally, reflecting regional road conditions, crash statistics, and regulatory philosophies.
The Key Safety Standards
ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 (Europe)
The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) standards are legally required across Europe and recognised in over 50 countries. These standards ensure helmets provide robust impact absorption, penetration resistance, and retention strength.
ECE 22.05: The widely used ECE 22.05 standard focuses on core safety requirements for road riders. It includes testing for impact absorption and retention systems, making it a reliable certification for daily riders.
ECE 22.06: Introduced to replace 22.05, this new standard takes safety to the next level with:
- Rotational impact testing to measure the effects of angular acceleration.
- High- and low-speed impact testing for comprehensive safety across scenarios.
- Accessory testing to ensure visors, intercoms, and other add-ons don’t compromise safety.
ECE 22.06 is now regarded as one of the most advanced helmet safety standards worldwide. At Moto Central, we stock a wide range of helmets certified to both ECE 22.05 and 22.06, catering to all riders.
FIM Racing Standard
For professional racers and track enthusiasts, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) standard represents the gold standard of helmet safety. Designed specifically for high-speed racing, FIM certification is focused on extreme impact protection.
FIM Helmet Tests:
- High-speed impact testing to simulate racing conditions.
- Rotational force testing to evaluate helmet performance in oblique impacts.
- Stringent quality control to ensure consistent performance across all certified helmets.
At Moto Central, we proudly offer FIM-certified helmets for track-day enthusiasts and professionals who demand the highest level of safety.
Other Global Standards
Here’s a quick look at other important helmet standards used worldwide:
- DOT (USA): A basic standard with self-certification by manufacturers. While effective, it’s less consistent than ECE or FIM certifications.
- Snell (International): Known for its rigorous testing, Snell certification exceeds most legal standards and is favoured by high-performance riders.
- JIS (Japan): A balance of lightweight design and urban protection, tailored for Japan’s traffic conditions.
- AS/NZS 1698 (Australia/New Zealand): Comprehensive testing to address diverse road conditions, including off-road environments.
- ISI (India): A basic, affordable standard designed for entry-level protection in the Indian market.
Which Is the Safest Standard?
The “safest” helmet standard depends on your riding style and needs:
- Road Riders: ECE 22.06-certified helmets offer cutting-edge safety for a variety of scenarios.
- Track Enthusiasts: FIM-certified helmets provide ultimate protection for high-speed impacts.
- Multi-Certified Helmets: Some helmets combine ECE, FIM, and Snell certifications, offering the best of all worlds.
At Moto Central, we stock helmets to suit every rider – from the daily commuter to the professional racer.
Why Choose Moto Central?
Based in Leicestershire, Moto Central is your trusted destination for motorcycle helmets and gear. Our team of experts is here to help you find the perfect helmet, ensuring a comfortable fit and the highest safety standards. Visit us today to explore our extensive range of ECE 22.05, ECE 22.06, and FIM-certified helmets. Ride safe, ride smart, and gear up with confidence.
