Helmet Types and Safety Standards — Motorcycle Helmet Encyclopedia
Complete classification of motorcycle helmet types, their homologation standards and construction materials. A technical reference for understanding how modern helmets are manufactured and certified.
1. Classification by protection type
Full Face Helmet
Covers the entire head, chin and face. Maximum protection against frontal and lateral impacts. Competition motorcycling standard since the 1970s. The rigid chin bar absorbs up to 35% of impacts in real accidents according to biomechanical studies.
Browse full face helmets →Modular (Flip-Up) Helmet
Hybrid design with articulated chin bar that can be lifted. The mechanical hinge combines the advantages of full-face and open-face helmets. Popularized in the 1990s by brands like Schuberth and Nolan. Certified under ECE 22.06 in two modes: open and closed.
Browse modular helmets →Open Face (Jet) Helmet
Protects head and cheeks but leaves the face fully exposed. Derived from 1950s aviation helmets. Widely used on urban scooters and classic motorcycles. Must be combined with a visor or approved goggles for eye protection.
Browse open face helmets →2. International homologation standards
Europe — In force since June 2023. Revision of the ECE 22.05 standard, approved by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). New requirements: oblique impact test at 6 m/s, rotational energy management test (REMT), independent chin bar evaluation and stricter visor zone criteria. Adopted by over 50 countries.
United States — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Mandatory standard from the US Department of Transportation since 1974. Based on manufacturer self-declaration with subsequent NHTSA verification. Evaluates impact resistance, penetration, retention and peripheral vision area. Less demanding than ECE 22.06 regarding oblique and rotational impacts.
Voluntary certification — Snell Memorial Foundation (USA). Founded in 1957 after the death of racer Pete Snell. Updated every five years by an independent technical committee. Requires more rigorous testing than DOT: higher impact energy, multiple impacts at the same point and retention system evaluations. American competition reference.
Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme. Specific standard for high-level competition (MotoGP, Superbike, Enduro). FIM-homologated helmets must exceed ECE 22.06 requirements and pass additional penetration and fire resistance tests. Mandatory in World Championship categories since 2019.
3. Construction materials
The outer shell defines the mechanical properties of the helmet. Materials are divided into two main categories:
- Thermoplastics (ABS / Polycarbonate): Injection-molded. Deform plastically absorbing impact energy. Approximate weight: 1,500–1,900 g. Permanent deformation means the helmet must be replaced after a significant impact. Brands: HJC, LS2, Bell entry ranges.
- Fiberglass / Composite: Laminate of fiberglass or aramid (Kevlar) layers impregnated with resin. Higher strength per unit weight than ABS. Weight: 1,200–1,500 g. Fractures in a controlled manner dissipating energy without permanent deformation. Dominant material in mid-to-high ranges. Brands: Shoei, Nolan, Shark.
- Carbon fiber: Interwoven carbon fiber layers with epoxy resin. Superior strength-to-weight ratio over any other material. Weight: 900–1,200 g. Hand lay-up or autoclave manufacturing technique. Used in competition and high-end helmets. Brands: AGV, Arai, Shoei in their top-of-the-line models.
4. Interior protection systems: EPS and MIPS
The helmet interior comprises several layers with specific functions:
- EPS (Expanded Polystyrene): Main impact-absorbing liner. Works by irreversibly compressing upon receiving a blow, converting kinetic energy into material deformation. EPS density varies across different helmet zones to optimize protection in each anatomical area.
- MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System): Low-friction sliding layer between helmet and head, developed at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in 1996. In oblique impacts, allows a relative movement of 10–15 mm that reduces rotational energy transmitted to the brain. Studies from Karolinska Hospital demonstrate a 20–30% reduction in brain injury risk.
- Koroyd and WaveCel: Alternatives to EPS developed by Smith and Trek respectively. Polymeric alveolar structures that collapse in a more controlled manner, with greater efficiency in the low-impact range common in cycling and skiing, but also present in some motorcycle helmets.
5. Visors: types and optical treatments
- Clear visor: Standard. Light transmission >80% per ECE 22.06. Anti-scratch treatment on most modern models.
- Iridescent / tinted visor: Reduces sun glare. ECE regulations require minimum 50% transmission for daytime use and prohibit nighttime use below 50%.
- Photochromic visor (Pinlock Transitions): Automatic darkening when exposed to UV radiation. Reaction time: 30–60 seconds. Transmission range: 10–80%.
- Anti-fog Pinlock: Secondary silicone lens creating an air chamber between itself and the main visor. Practically eliminates fogging in humid and cold conditions. Included as standard on many high-end helmets.