ECE 22.06 Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide: How to Choose

Whether you're on a motorcycle or a scooter, safety is not an option. With the arrival of the new certification standard, many riders are asking the same question: how do you find the ideal helmet that offers effective protection without sacrificing comfort or breaking the bank? The ECE 22.06 standard is shaking things up and making the choice more complex.

This guide is here to break down the essentials and introduce a selection of models perfect for daily use. Our mission: to give you all the key information you need to make a well-informed decision.

How to Choose the Right Certified Motorcycle Helmet

Before comparing models, let's review the criteria that will truly make a difference in your daily rides. Here are the key points to guide you.

1. Understanding the ECE 22.06 Certification

The ECE 22.06 standard replaces the old 22.05 version. It imposes much stricter tests on any certified motorcycle helmet sold today. The main changes include:

• More comprehensive impact tests: Helmets are now tested at more impact points and at different speeds.
• Rotational impact test: A crucial new test that simulates the rotational forces exerted on the brain during an angular impact, a critical factor in many accidents.
• Accessory integration: Sun visors, shields, and even official intercoms are now tested along with the helmet. The goal is to ensure they never compromise overall safety.

Choosing an ECE 22.06 helmet means you are getting the highest level of protection validated by current European standards.

2. Full-Face or Modular: A Question of Use

The choice between a full-face and a modular helmet depends primarily on your riding habits.

• The full-face helmet: It features a one-piece shell that completely covers the head and chin. This configuration provides maximum protection. It is often favored for long journeys and high-speed riding.
• The modular helmet: It combines the advantages of a full-face and an open-face helmet. Its flip-up chin bar is a real plus for city stops, allowing you to chat without shouting or simply get some fresh air. An ECE 22.06 modular helmet must pass tests in the closed position (P certification) and, for the best models, also in the open position (dual P/J certification).

3. Everyday Comfort: The Details That Matter

Beyond pure protection, comfort is essential. A poorly fitted or designed helmet quickly becomes a source of distraction, and even danger. Be sure to check for:

• Internal sun visor: A full-face helmet with a retractable sun visor is a real bonus, allowing you to adapt to changing light conditions in an instant without fumbling with sunglasses.
• Removable and washable liner: For hygiene and the helmet's longevity, being able to remove the inner padding for washing is simply essential.
• Ventilation: An effective ventilation system, with air intakes on the chin and forehead and exhaust vents at the rear, is crucial for regulating temperature and preventing fogging.

Our ECE 22.06 Helmet Selection

Here are three options that comply with the ECE 22.06 standard, each with its own specific features to suit different types of riders.

1. MY-936 Full-Face Helmet – Matte Black

What sets it apart This full-face model gets straight to the point: certified ECE 22.06 protection, a clean design, and the essential features for daily riding. Its matte black finish is understated and matches any style.

Key features

• Certification: Certified ECE R 22.06.
• Shell: Made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a material known for its impact resistance.
• Comfort: Removable and washable liner with a fabric that feels pleasant against the skin.
• Vision: Integrated internal sun visor, easy to operate even with gloves on.
• Passive safety: High-density EPS foam liner for optimal shock absorption.

Who is it for? Perfect for the daily motorcycle or scooter rider looking for an affordable helmet without making any compromises on safety. Its unisex design is suitable for everyone.

2. MY-936 Full-Face Helmet – Matte Titanium

What sets it apart Built on the same reliable technical base as the matte black model, this version features a more modern and original matte titanium color. It retains all the strengths that make it an excellent choice for safety and comfort.

Key features

• Certification: Certified ECE R 22.06.
• Protection: ABS shell and high-density EPS liner.
• Practicality: Fully removable inner liner for easy maintenance.
• Visibility: Integrated internal sun visor to handle bright sunlight.
• Fastening: Micrometric buckle, both quick and secure.

Who is it for? For those who want the qualities of the MY-936 but with a finish that stands out. An equally versatile option for city riding and weekend trips.

3. MY-935 Modular Helmet – Matte Titanium

What sets it apart This ECE 22.06 modular helmet offers the versatility that so many urban riders and tourers are looking for. Being able to flip up the chin bar when stopped is a highly appreciated convenience in the city or during breaks. It also comes ready to accommodate a communication system.

Key features

• Certification: Certified ECE R 22.06.
• Versatility: Flip-up chin bar to switch from a protective full-face to the convenience of an open-face helmet when stopped.
• Dual visor: Clear main shield and an internal sun visor to adapt to all conditions.
• Connectivity: Spaces provided under the cheek pads to easily install a Bluetooth intercom kit.
• Comfort: Comfortable, removable, and washable inner liner.

Who is it for? The go-to choice for touring enthusiasts, couriers, and urban scooter riders who want the practicality of a modular helmet while benefiting from the protection of the new standard.

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection highlights highly versatile models, but every rider has unique needs. If you're looking for other styles, materials, or price ranges, feel free to explore our full catalog.

? Explore our complete collection of men's motorcycle helmets and find the model that's right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about ECE 22.06 Helmets

1. Can I still ride with my old ECE 22.05 certified helmet?

Absolutely. The law does not prohibit the use of a 22.05 certified helmet. The new 22.06 standard requirement only applies to helmets manufactured and sold after it came into effect. However, when buying a new helmet, it is highly recommended to choose an ECE 22.06 model to benefit from the best current level of protection.

2. How can I be sure to choose the right helmet size?

This is a crucial point for both safety and comfort. Use a soft tape measure to measure the circumference of your head, passing it about 2.5?cm (1 inch) above your eyebrows and at the widest point at the back of your skull. Compare this measurement (in cm) to the manufacturer's size chart. A new helmet should feel snug on your cheeks without creating any painful pressure points on your forehead or the back of your head.

3. Is a budget-friendly motorcycle helmet necessarily less safe?

No, and this is an important point. Any helmet sold in Europe with the ECE 22.06 certification label has passed the same mandatory safety tests, regardless of its price. The price difference is explained by other criteria: the shell materials (polycarbonate, fiberglass, carbon), weight, finish quality, liner comfort, ventilation efficiency, or features like intercom readiness. A budget-friendly motorcycle helmet that is certified therefore provides the required legal safety standard.