Modular Motorcycle Helmets: A Guide to Making the Right Choice

Choosing a new motorcycle helmet is often a real headache. With ever-changing safety standards and a growing list of features, it's easy to get lost. On paper, the modular motorcycle helmet seems to have it all: the safety of a full-face helmet combined with the convenience of a jet helmet. However, a few common mistakes can turn this promising purchase into a costly disappointment. As a product expert at Joybuy, my role is to help you see things more clearly.

Before you take the plunge, here are 3 mistakes to avoid:

1. Ignoring the new certification: Many people still rely on the old ECE 22.05 standard, which is now outdated. Yet, since 2024, the ECE 22.06 standard has established itself as THE new benchmark for new helmets. Buying a non-22.06 certified model in 2026 means missing out on state-of-the-art protection.
2. Underestimating weight and balance: A flip-up chin bar is practical, but it adds weight. A poorly balanced model is a recipe for neck strain on long journeys. Your pleasure ride then turns into a real ordeal.
3. Forgetting about connectivity: Planning to use an intercom? Some helmets don't have a dedicated slot, turning installation into a DIY job that's often unsightly. Opting for an intercom-ready helmet from the start will save you a lot of headaches.

The Essential Criteria for a Successful Purchase

To avoid these pitfalls, here are the technical criteria that make all the difference. They guarantee a helmet that is safe, comfortable, and well-designed for daily use.

1. Safety First?: The ECE 22.06 Certification

Far from being a mere marketing ploy, the ECE 22.06 standard requires much more rigorous testing than its predecessor. Impacts are now tested at different speeds and from multiple angles, including oblique impacts, which are responsible for serious rotational brain injuries.

For a flip-up motorcycle helmet, dual P/J certification is a must-have. Be sure to check for it:

• “P” (Protective): Certifies that the helmet provides effective protection in the closed (full-face) position.
• “J” (Jet): Certifies that it can be legally used in the open position.

An ECE 22.06 certified helmet with the P/J rating is therefore your assurance of optimal versatility and safety, whether you're riding in the city or on the motorway.

2. Everyday Comfort?: Dual Visors and Ventilation

A helmet's comfort is judged over time. For daily use, two elements are crucial:

• The dual-visor helmet: An integrated sun visor is a major plus. It allows you to instantly adapt to changing light conditions (entering a tunnel, low sun) without having to stop to change visors or put on sunglasses. This is a mark of comfort, but also of safety.
• Ventilation and lining: A good ventilation system is essential to prevent overheating and to combat fogging. Check that the vents are easy to operate, even with gloves on. Finally, a removable and washable liner is simply essential for hygiene and the helmet's longevity.

3. Versatility for All?: Unisex Design and Intercom Readiness

The perfect helmet is the one that adapts to you, not the other way around.

• A design for everyone: Most recent models are unisex (men's and women's motorcycle helmets), offering a wide range of sizes. The important thing is to measure your head circumference correctly and consult the brand's size guide.
• Intercom readiness: If you ride in a group, listen to music, or follow GPS directions, an intercom-ready helmet is not an option, it's a necessity. It includes dedicated slots for the earpieces and microphone. The result: a clean installation, perfect comfort, and no uncomfortable pressure on the ears.

Our Modular Helmet Recommendations

To put theory into practice, here is our selection of models that tick all the boxes, categorised by rider profile.

IDEAL FOR : THE DAILY COMMUTER

MY 935 Modular Flip-Up Motorcycle Helmet, ECE 22.06, Matt Black, Size S

Why it's a great match: Perfect for daily commutes, from city streets to the ring road. Its versatility is a key asset: you can switch to jet mode at a red light for more air, and get back to full-face safety as soon as you're moving again.

The Pitfalls It Avoids

ECE R 22.06 certified, it also includes a slot for an intercom kit. No nasty surprises during installation.

Its Strengths

High-resistance ABS shell; dual visor (including an internal sun visor); comfortable liner designed for frequent trips.

IDEAL FOR : THE LONG-DISTANCE RIDER

MY 936 Modular Flip-Up Motorcycle Helmet, Integrated Sun Visor, Matt Black, Size L

Why it's a great match: Built for riders who clock up the miles. Here, the focus is on long-haul comfort, with a premium liner and effective ventilation to keep you dry and focused on the road.

The Pitfalls It Avoids

Its well-balanced design reduces neck strain. The removable and washable liner helps keep the helmet fresh, even after a long road trip.

Its Strengths

ECE R 22.06 certification; easy-to-operate internal sun visor; hypoallergenic and breathable liner.

IDEAL FOR : THE ALL-ROUNDER

MY 935 Modular Helmet, Dual Visor, Matt Titanium, Size XL

Why it's a great match: For the rider who juggles city commuting during the week with weekend getaways. It's the perfect compromise: it includes all the essential features without ever sacrificing safety.

The Pitfalls It Avoids

It ticks all the important boxes: ECE 22.06 safety, the comfort of a dual visor, and an intercom-ready slot. The essentials are all there.

Its Strengths

Excellent value for money; ABS shell with multi-density EPS for optimal shock absorption; quick and secure micrometric buckle closure.

Your Questions, Our Answers

What is the lifespan of an ABS modular motorcycle helmet?

As a general rule, it's recommended to replace your helmet every 5 years, even if it hasn't sustained an impact. For an ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) shell, this is especially true. UV rays, temperature changes, and daily handling eventually degrade the material's protective properties. And of course, after any impact, no matter how minor it seems, replacement is non-negotiable.

How do I choose the right size for my helmet?

A helmet must be perfectly fitted: it should stay securely in place without creating painful pressure points. To find your size, simply take a tape measure and measure your head circumference (passing about 2.5 cm above your eyebrows and over the bump at the back of your skull). Then, compare this measurement in cm to the brand's size guide. Remember: a new helmet should feel a bit tight on the cheeks. The foam padding will settle after a few hours of use.

Is an ECE 22.06 certified helmet mandatory in France in 2026?

For any new helmet purchase, the ECE 22.06 certification is indeed the standard to demand. While you can still ride with your old 22.05 helmet, all new models sold must comply with the 22.06 standard. Choosing this certification simply means getting the highest level of protection currently available.