Motorcycle helmets have been compulsory in the UK since 1973, yet many riders still have questions about fit, safety, lifespan and certification. To provide clear, expert guidance, helmet specialists LS2 Helmets — which produce more than three million helmets a year — explain how to choose the right helmet, how long it should last, and how to keep it performing at its best.
How to Check Your Helmet Size Properly
Measuring head size is straightforward but easier with help. A tape measure should be wrapped around the head approximately 25mm (one inch) above the eyebrows, passing just above the ears. If measuring alone, standing in front of a mirror helps ensure accuracy.
When trying on a helmet, check the size label at the rear and pull it on using the fastening straps, drawing it over the back of the head first. A correctly sized helmet should feel snug, with firm cheek pad contact and no gap at the back of the neck.
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With both hands on the helmet, try to move it up and down without moving your head. If it moves freely, it is too large. You should feel the skin of your face being pulled slightly. Pressure on the forehead or contact between the chin or nose and the helmet interior can indicate the wrong shell shape, rather than the wrong size, meaning a different brand or design may be more suitable.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Helmet Last?
Most manufacturers agree that a helmet should be replaced after three to five years of regular use, provided it has not suffered damage. Even helmets that appear externally sound after a decade may no longer offer full protection, as adhesives, resins and the EPS liner degrade over time, much like rubber perishes on old tyres.
“Regular use” has no strict definition. A delivery rider wearing a helmet all day, five days a week, will wear out internal linings and cheek pads far more quickly than a leisure rider who uses a helmet occasionally. UV exposure, atmospheric pollutants and general wear all contribute to ageing.
Best Practice for Helmet Care and Storage
Keeping a helmet clean and correctly stored significantly extends its lifespan. Road spray and insect residue contain chemicals that can damage paint, graphics, vents and visor mechanisms. Wiping the helmet down after each ride prevents build-up and keeps components functioning smoothly.
Helmets should be stored in a protective bag, away from dust, knocks and falling objects. High temperatures weaken structural materials, so helmets should never be left in direct sunlight, cars or hot environments. Similarly, humid storage areas such as uninsulated sheds or lofts can encourage mould and mildew, damaging interior linings.
Gloves should never be stored inside helmets, as road grime, oil and debris can degrade liners and EPS foam.
Should You Replace a Dropped Helmet?
A helmet that has been dropped should be replaced, even if no visible damage is present. Modern helmets are designed to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation. A minor fall can compress the EPS liner beneath the shell, permanently reducing its protective ability.
Safety experts from the Department for Transport-supported SHARP scheme advise:
“If a helmet has been subjected to an impact, it should be replaced to ensure the wearer is suitably protected in the event of an accident.”
Carbon Fibre vs Fibreglass Helmets
Carbon fibre helmets are stronger and lighter than fibreglass equivalents, but also more expensive. Riders should ensure that “carbon” helmets are made from 100% carbon fibre, not composite shells with only a surface carbon layer.
Some flip-front helmets combine carbon shells with plastic chin bars, limiting weight savings. LS2 notes that its Advant X Carbon is the first 180-degree flip-front helmet in the UK made entirely from carbon fibre.
Carbon fibre comes in different weaves and grades. Plain weave suits flatter surfaces, while twill weave better accommodates curved shell shapes. Grades such as 3K, 6K and 9K indicate fibre strength, with LS2 using a minimum of 6K full carbon fibre and no mixed materials.
What Is ECE 22.06 and Why It Matters
Developed by the United Nations, ECE 22.06 applies to all helmets sold in the UK and Europe and replaced ECE 22.05 in 2020. Riders should check for the approval label on the helmet strap or rear shell.
The updated standard includes higher and lower speed impact testing, rotational force assessment, and stricter requirements for accessories such as sun visors and integrated intercom systems. Visors must also withstand impact from a steel ball fired at 134mph.
How to Spot a Fake Helmet
Counterfeit helmets remain a serious safety risk. Warning signs include prices that seem too good to be true, purchases from unauthorised sellers, and missing packaging or documentation. Genuine helmets are supplied with a user manual, warranty card and official packaging — absence of these should raise concern.
Final Thoughts on Helmet Safety
Helmets are one of the most critical pieces of riding equipment. Correct sizing, proper storage, regular replacement and compliance with modern safety standards all play a vital role in rider protection.
Further information is available at www.ls2helmets.com.
Original Words and images: Dan Sagar
