There’s a new standard for motorcycle helmets but it doesn’t mean you have to throw your current one in the bin. Well not yet, anyway. Here’s everything you need to know about the new ECE 22.06 regulations.
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New Regulations And The ECE 22.06 – How Will It Affect Me?
As an experienced motorcyclist you probably already know that in order for your motorbike helmet to be safe and road legal it must first go through a stringent process of testing before it can be placed on sale.
The existing ECE 22.05 regulations are the current guidelines for testing in the UK. In June 2020, sweeping reforms are set to come into place that will have an effect on all types of motorbike helmets, as well as certain types of visors, sun-shades and pre-fitted helmet accessories. It’s the first regulation change in 20 years and seeing as technology has moved on a lot in that time, it’s only right we see an updated rating.
When’s the ECE 22.06 helmet law being introduced?
The legislation is being gradually introduced from now, over the next 3 years. In January 2024 it will be fully in force and it will become illegal for a retailer to sell a helmet that’s not ECE 22.06 certified.
Will my ECE 22.05 helmet be illegal?
What has changed with ECE 2206?
There are effectively two big sets of changes proposed that will affect a variety of different helmets and accessories. One of which will have a direct impact on how the tests are undertaken and where, while the other change will be in relation to the technology used in the motorcycle helmet itself.
As it currently stands, impact tests are executed by placing a headform inside the helmet, before dropping it at a predetermined speed on to an anvil. To establish the results of each test, sensors inside the headform measure the forces transmitted, resulting in a simple pass or fail based on those results.
Under ECE 22.06, the drops will encompass a far wider range of speeds, and will consider how the impact effects multiple points across the helmet, to provide a much more comprehensive set of data on how safe (or not) each type of helmet will be out in the real world. There will also be an additional number of anvils introduced into the testing process, including flat, sloping and even kerb shaped.
How will the regulations affect different types of motorcycle helmet?
A brief summary of the main changes and how they will affect the next helmet you buy.
Modular helmets
From June 2020 they will need to have been tested both with and without the facial shield in place. This will be a change from the existing regulations that only require the helmet to pass the test with the chin-bar in the lowered and locked position. Ensuring that these types of helmet meet or exceed the regulation while both closed and locked, as well as open, will ensure a much higher level of safety and protection for the user.
Sun shields
New regulations will ensure that every sun shield must be able to be removed separately from the visor, by means of a simple movement. Helmets that feature sun shields will be tested with the sun shield in the working position.
Visors
To ensure that visors do not shatter during impact, they will be tested with a steel ball at 60 m/s (134mph). In order to be considered safe, the visor must not fracture or deform at such speeds, and the visor housing should not separate into two or more pieces, or no longer be considered capable of holding the visor in position. Road-legal dark visors will be getting darker, too, with the 50% minimum transmission rating changing to 35%.
Accessories
Any helmet sold with accessories will be fully examined to ensure that the additional equipment has no adverse effect on the working of the helmet and/or visor and that the helmet will still comply with the updated requirements. Testing of such accessories will now be done both with and without the accessory attached and will pay particular attention to energy absorption, sharp edges and field of vision.
Reflective stickers
All helmets will come with reflective stickers included in the box, alongside proper instructions on where to place them to ensure maximum conspicuity. Some manufacturers have been doing this for some time, so you may be used to this already, but the new legislation will ensure that reflective stickers become standard across the board.
Prevention of brain injury
In order to prevent the worst possible type of invisible injury, new tests will be introduced to measure rotational acceleration and the impact on the brain. Research has shown the twisting motion of even just a glancing impact can cause significant damage to brain tissue without any obvious external trauma. To help combat the effects of this by increasing the protection provided by helmets, tests will be introduced that will allow the helmet to fall, under specified angles and with a specified speed on to a an anvil at a 45-degree. New sensors inside the helmet will measure the rotational acceleration and the resultant forces.
Will Brexit have an impact on the new regulations?
In a word, no. The ‘ECE’ is not a European Union organisation, despite what many think, and it is actually a part of the United Nations, therefore having nothing to do with the EU. With the full title of the ‘United Nations Economics Commission for Europe’, it’s member list includes plenty of non-EU nations including Israel, Kazakhstan, Canada and the USA, and the organisation is literally nothing to do with the European Council in Brussels.
Although only 47 countries follow ECE standards, it is likely that manufacturers will develop helmets that meet the new regulations that can be sold worldwide. After all, it would not be commercially viable to make one type of helmet simply to suit the UK market, and different types for the rest of Europe and beyond.
When will the new regulations come into effect in the UK?
While the new regulations come into effect from June 2020, retailers will then have a maximum of three years to sell off any ECE 22.05 products before they become illegal. It is likely however, that most helmet manufacturers will be keen to get their new 22.06 helmets out on the shelves as soon as possible.
Additional safety features and comprehensive testing is of course, always a major advantage to all riders, but this may come at a cost. Experts foresee an increase in price equivalent to around 5% on most helmets and associated accessories, but this is a small price to pay for a safer ride all round.
Our pick of the best ECE 22.06 Approved Helmets
If you want to see a comprehensive list of ECE2206 motorcycle helmets then click this link.
There are hundreds of ECE 22.06 helmets on the market but our shortlist below features helmets we think are worth your attention. They’re either check full of features at a premium price or they offer amazing levels of protection and great features for a bargain price.
Aerodynamic and lightweight ECE 2206 certified race-spec helmet.
It’s no surprise that Arai are one of the first manufacturers to produce an ECE 22.06-approved helmet. The classy Japanese brand’s new lid, the Quantic is a quality offering. Arai’s classic smooth, round shell is quiet and aids glance-off impact deflection. The lining is removable, washable and adjustable. It also includes speaker cutouts. There’s multi-adjustable venting and it’s Pinlock ready.
Wear the exact helmet worn by HJC-supported MotoGP and WorldSBK riders.
The RPHA is ECE 22.06 ready and also it’s FIM homologated to the FRHPhe-01 safety certification. The RPHA-1 uses a multi-composite shell. It has a UV resistant visor, with anti-scratch coating and double-locking mechanism. The interior lining uses an anti-bacterial fabric and provides enhanced moisture-wicking and quick-drying function. There are removable cheek pads and also a groove for those riding with glasses. It comes with a clear visor and anti-fog insert as standard.
Top-spec European-made 2206 lid
If you haven’t heard of Nexx, you’re forgiven. The company was founded in 2001 and they make their helmets in Portugal. The X.G20 is their first ECE 22.06 homologated helmet. It’s a road-riders helmet with an aramid and carbon-fibre shell. The double-D fastening system, Pinlock-ready visor and removable lining tick all the boxes. You can control the air-flow in five different zones. Don’t let this colour scheme put you off, there’s plain white if you fancy it!
The first ECE 2206 certified flip-up helmet.
Not only is the C5 the first ECE 22.06 homologated flip-front helmet but it’s also P/J certified which means it passes ECE tests with the front in the raised position. The C5 features a fibreglass and carbon-fibre shell and an all-new venting system. There are speakers and a Bluetooth antennae installed meaning it’s easy to hook up your comms system. Flip-up lids are usually heavy but the C5 is around 1700g, which is amazing considering everything that’s included.
The first full-face 22.06 helmet with a dropdown sun visor
Shark’s multi-composite shell is an all-new construction. The helmet comes in six sizes and two shell sizes. While it looks like a race helmet, the drop-down visor is a nod to road riders. Like most Sharks it fits round heads well and you can change the cheek pad thickness to get an even better fit. It comes with a thick visor and a Pinlock 120. There are plenty of vents but the question is, will those vents make this a noisy lid?
Pure premium performance full-face helmet developed to meet the latest ECE 2206 certification.
With a world-class team of designers and engineers, Shoei has pushed resources and technologies to the brink, utilizing state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility, an extensive array of proprietary materials and the industry’s most stringent quality assurance practices to develop the NXR 2. The only downside is that NXR owners can’t use their visors on the NXR2. It’s Shoei’s lightest and most compact full-face helmet model.
Source?
It would be helpful to start a list of which manufacturers are now selling compliant helmets
Thanks Drew, we will keep this page updated but as yet there are no helmets approved. The Arai Quantic might be the first one though.
Hi Drew Arai are first to Market with their all new Quantic Model
You can add the HJC RPHA 1 to the list
And the Schuberth C5
Thanks Lennart, we’ve updated the article.
…and Shark Spartan RS
Ruroc has a new helmet Ruroc 4.0′ which is a new 22.06 helmet that can be added to the list.
Looks like they don’t want to add that one to the list, mate 😉
How about Ignite 7 special forces helmet manufactured by Steel bird in India ? The company claims that this one is ECE 22.06 and puts the logo on the helmet.