Choosing the Right ECE 22.06-Certified Motorcycle Helmet

When it comes to two-wheelers, there's no compromising on safety. With the arrival of the new European certification standard, choosing an ECE 22.06-certified motorcycle helmet has become essential for any rider who prioritises their protection. This certification significantly raises the bar for safety, but navigating the jungle of available models can quickly become a challenge.

This guide is here to break down the key aspects of the standard and present a selection of helmets that tick all the boxes. Our goal: to help you make the right choice by balancing safety, comfort, and practical features.

How to Choose the Right ECE 22.06-Certified Motorcycle Helmet?

Before you settle on a model, it's crucial to understand what defines a good helmet under this new regulation and which criteria best match your motorcycle or scooter riding style.

1. Understanding the ECE 22.06 Standard: What's New for Your Safety

The UNECE 22.06 standard replaces the previous 22.05 version, which had been in place for nearly 20 years. It mandates much stricter tests designed to better reflect the conditions of a real-world accident. In practical terms, the major changes are:

• More numerous and varied impact tests: Helmets are now tested at 18 impact points (up from 6), at different speeds.
• Rotational impact test: A crucial new test measures the helmet's ability to manage rotational forces on the brain during an angled impact.
• Increased resistance for visors and accessories: Visors, including internal sun shields, undergo more rigorous resistance tests, particularly against high-speed projectiles.

Choosing an ECE 22.06-certified helmet means you are guaranteed a level of protection validated by the most demanding protocols to date.

2. Full-Face or Modular: A Matter of Riding Style

The choice between a full-face motorcycle helmet and a modular motorcycle helmet primarily comes down to your riding habits.

• The full-face helmet: It features a single-piece shell that completely encloses the head. This design is the champion of structural protection, ideal for long highway journeys and sport riding.
• The modular helmet: With its pivoting chin bar (the famous flip-up), it's the king of versatility. It allows you to switch from a full-face to an open-face configuration in an instant, which is highly convenient in the city, during frequent stops, or for easier conversation. A crucial point: check for dual P/J (Protective and Jet) certification if you plan to ride legally with the chin bar raised.

3. Comfort Features: The Details That Make All the Difference

A safe helmet is good. A safe and comfortable helmet is better. Comfort isn't a luxury; it's an active safety feature. A helmet that bothers you is a helmet that distracts you. Here are a few points to check:

• Integrated sun visor: A motorcycle helmet with a sun visor is a real daily convenience. It allows you to adapt instantly to changing light conditions without fumbling with sunglasses.
• Ventilation: A good air circulation system is essential for wicking away heat and preventing fog, especially on long rides or in hot weather.
• The interior: A removable and washable liner is essential for hygiene. Well-designed cheek pads and a hypoallergenic fabric are also major pluses.
• Intercom-ready design: Most modern helmets include dedicated cutouts to easily install a Bluetooth communication system. This is a key detail for those who ride in groups or like to stay connected.

Our ECE 22.06 Helmet Recommendations

To guide you, we've selected two models that meet the ECE 22.06 standard, each with its own strengths.

MY-935 Modular Helmet: Certified Versatility

Key Features

This modular motorcycle helmet combines the flexibility of an open-face with the safety of a full-face. Its ECE R 22.06 certification confirms its compliance with the latest tests. Its high-resistance ABS shell and high-density EPS liner are designed for maximum shock absorption.

Advantages

• Versatility: Its flip-up chin bar is perfect for city commuting and frequent stops.
• Dual-visor system: It features a dual-visor motorcycle helmet design with a retractable internal sun shield that filters 99% of UV rays.
• Comfort: The liner is removable and washable, and the fabric is designed to stay dry and comfortable.
• Connectivity: Spaces are provided under the cheek pads for easy installation of a Bluetooth intercom kit.

Who is it for? It's aimed at motorcycle and scooter riders, both men and women, looking for a do-it-all helmet for mixed use (city and highway). It's an attractive option for those who value the practicality of a modular helmet without compromising on the new safety standard.

MY-936 Full-Face Helmet: Protection First

Key Features

The MY-936 is a pure full-face motorcycle helmet, designed to offer a high level of protection thanks to its single-piece shell. Also certified ECE R 22.06, it focuses entirely on protection and comfort for long-distance rides.

Advantages

• Maximum protection: Its single-piece shell fully protects the face and jaw.
• Integrated sun visor: Like the modular model, it includes an internal sun shield, making it a very practical motorcycle helmet with a sun visor for daily use.
• Refined comfort: The soft interior is fully removable and washable for perfect hygiene.
• Shock absorption: Its high-density black EPS liner is optimised to dissipate energy during an impact.

Who is it for? This is the logical choice for riders who place safety at the top of their priority list, especially for highway travel or long tours. It's equally suitable for men and women looking for a certified scooter helmet to make their daily commutes safer.

Looking for Other Styles?

Do the featured models not match your style? Are you looking for a cleaner design, a vintage look, or a simple open-face helmet? Other options are available. Feel free to explore our full range to find your perfect match.

Discover our collection of classic helmets

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About ECE 22.06 Motorcycle Helmets

1. Can I still ride with my ECE 22.05-certified helmet? Yes, absolutely. It is still legal to wear a helmet certified under the 22.05 standard. However, since July 2023, manufacturers can only produce helmets that comply with the new 22.06 standard. For any new purchase, it is therefore highly recommended to choose an ECE 22.06 model to benefit from the latest advancements in safety.

2. How can I choose the right helmet size online without making a mistake? This is the trickiest part, but it's essential for both safety and comfort. To determine your size, get a flexible measuring tape. Place it about 2.5 cm (1 inch) above your eyebrows and wrap it around the widest part of your head. Then, compare this measurement (in cm) with the manufacturer's size chart. A new helmet should feel snug without creating painful pressure points. Don't worry, the foam pads will break in after a few hours of use to perfectly conform to the shape of your head.

3. What is the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet? It is recommended to replace your helmet every 5 years, even if it appears to be in perfect condition. Over time, the materials it's made of (polystyrene, fibres, adhesives) lose their effectiveness due to exposure to UV rays, temperature changes, and even sweat. And of course, a replacement is mandatory and immediate after any drop or impact, even if no cracks are visible to the naked eye.