Certified Motorcycle Helmets: A Complete Guide to Choosing Wisely

Whether you ride a motorcycle, a scooter, or an electric kick scooter, one thing is certain?: choosing a helmet is anything but trivial. It's your most important piece of safety gear on the road. Yet, between the maze of available models and the arrival of the new ECE 22.06 standard, which is changing the game for protection, it's easy to get lost. Our mission?? To guide you step-by-step in finding the certified motorcycle helmet that perfectly matches your riding style, and to present our selection of the must-have models for 2026.

The 3 Key Criteria for Getting It Right

Before diving into specific models, it's helpful to understand the three pillars of a good choice?: certification, helmet type, and comfort.

1. Certification: All About the ECE 22.06 Standard

This is the non-negotiable criterion. To be sold and used in Europe, a helmet must carry a certification. Since 2024, the new ECE 22.06 standard has established itself as the benchmark for all new helmets. It replaces the old 22.05 with a far more stringent testing protocol?:

• Multiple Impact Points?: The helmet is tested at 18 impact points, compared to 6 previously.
• Varied Speed Tests?: Impacts are simulated at different speeds, better reflecting the real-world conditions of an accident.
• Oblique Impact Test?: A crucial test has been added to measure the helmet's ability to protect against the rotational forces exerted on the brain during an angled impact.

Choosing an ECE 22.06 certified helmet means ensuring you have the highest level of protection currently available. To verify this, check the label sewn onto the chin strap?: it must display the letter "E" (for Europe), a number (the country of certification), and a serial number beginning with "06".

2. Helmet Type: Full-Face, Modular, or Jet?

Here, it all depends on your riding style and the level of protection you're looking for.

• The Full-Face Helmet?: This is the gold standard for protection. By enclosing the entire head, including a fixed chin bar, it offers maximum security. It's essential for long journeys on motorways and for anyone unwilling to make compromises.
• The Modular Helmet?: The best of both worlds. With a chin bar that flips up, this modular helmet combines the protection of a full-face with the convenience of a jet helmet. Ultra-versatile, it's a favourite among commuters and riders who switch between city and open-road riding. A real plus for getting some air at a red light without taking it all off.
• The Jet or Scooter Helmet?: Lightweight, airy, and offering a panoramic field of view, this is the king of the city. Ideal for short urban trips at moderate speeds. For users of electric kick scooters and e-bikes, dedicated models, often packed with visibility features, are the preferred choice.

3. Comfort and the Little Extras That Make All the Difference

An uncomfortable helmet will just gather dust. To make it feel like a second skin, several points should be checked?:

• Size?: It should fit snugly all around, with no painful pressure points.
• Ventilation?: Good airflow is crucial to wick away heat and prevent fogging.
• Inner Liners?: For hygiene, a removable and washable liner is a must-have.
• Life-Simplifying Features?: A helmet with an integrated sun visor saves you from fumbling with sunglasses. A provision for a Bluetooth communication kit has also become a key factor for many riders.

Our Tested Helmet Recommendations

Here is a selection of helmets that meet different needs, with an emphasis on safety and practical features.

1. MY 935 Modular Helmet, ECE 22.06 Certified

The Editor's Verdict?: This model successfully combines the flexibility of a modular helmet with the maximum safety level of the ECE 22.06 standard. It's the ideal compromise for mixed use, equally at home in the city and on the open road.

Its Strong Points?:

• Top-Tier Safety?: ECE R 22.06 approved, its ABS shell and multi-density EPS liner ensure excellent shock absorption.
• Long-Lasting Comfort?: Its inner liners are breathable to keep you dry, even on long rides.
• Dual Visor?: It includes a clear main visor and a retractable internal sun visor, perfect for fighting glare.
• Intercom-Ready?: Dedicated slots allow for easy integration of a Bluetooth communication kit.

Who is it for? This unisex motorcycle helmet is aimed at motorcycle and scooter riders who want the versatility of a modular helmet without sacrificing safety. Perfect for daily commutes and weekend rides.

2. MY 936 Full-Face Helmet, ECE 22.06 Approved

The Editor's Verdict?: This full-face helmet is all about absolute protection. Certified ECE 22.06, it was designed for those who put safety above all else, without neglecting comfort.

Its Strong Points?:

• Total Protection?: Its one-piece shell protects the entire head and jaw, in compliance with the ECE R 22.06 standard.
• Visual Comfort?: The internal sun visor deploys with a single gesture to combat the sun.
• Easy Maintenance?: All inner liners are soft, removable, and washable for impeccable hygiene.
• Shock Absorption?: The high-density EPS liner is designed to effectively dissipate impact energy.

Who is it for? The logical choice for riders who frequently travel on motorways or demand the highest level of safety. It will also suit maxi-scooter users who want far superior protection than a jet helmet can offer.

3. LED Light Helmet for Urban Mobility

The Editor's Verdict?: Specifically designed for new forms of urban mobility, this helmet focuses entirely on active safety. Its mission is not just to protect you during a fall, but to help prevent one by making you perfectly visible.

Its Strong Points?:

• 360° Visibility?: It incorporates a complete lighting system with a large rear LED brake light and turn signals, all controlled by a small remote that attaches to your handlebars.
• 4-Season Modularity?: It comes with a removable visor, ear covers for winter, and a chin guard to adapt to all weather conditions.
• Optimal Ventilation?: Its 10 vents ensure excellent air circulation to keep a cool head.
• Tech-Forward Look?: Its semi-transparent shell reveals the internal structure, creating a bold and modern style.

Who is it for? This luminous helmet for kick scooters and bikes is the perfect ally for users of Personal Electric Transportation Devices like electric kick scooters, e-bikes, or electric unicycles. It's essential for anyone navigating the city, day or night. Please note: this helmet is certified for micromobility (EN1078 standard) and is absolutely not approved for motorcycle or scooter use.

And When You're Off the Bike?

Style doesn't stop when you turn off the ignition. To perfect your look after setting your helmet down, why not explore other types of headwear?

Discover our selection of vintage fashion hats for men and find the accessory that defines your style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the lifespan of a certified motorcycle helmet?

Manufacturers are unanimous?: a helmet should be replaced every 5 years, even if it hasn't sustained an impact. Over time, the materials it's made of (polystyrene, fibres, resins) lose their effectiveness due to UV rays, temperature changes, and even sweat. And the golden rule?: any helmet that has suffered an impact, even a simple drop from the seat, must be replaced immediately. Internal damage is often invisible.

Is the ECE 22.06 standard mandatory?

Since January 2024, all new helmets brought to market must be ECE 22.06 certified. You can still legally use a helmet compliant with the older 22.05 standard, and retailers can sell off their existing stock. However, when buying a new helmet in 2026, it would be unwise not to choose a 22.06 model, which guarantees far superior protection.

How do I choose the right helmet size?

Take a tape measure and measure your head circumference, passing it about 2.5?cm (1 inch) above your eyebrows and around the widest part of the back of your head. Then, compare this measurement with the manufacturer's size guide. The proper fit? The helmet should feel snug without causing pain, not move when you shake your head from side to side, and the cheek pads should lightly compress your cheeks. This is the sign it won't fly off when you need it most.