As riders, our safety is paramount, and our helmets are our first line of defense on the open road. We all know the importance of choosing a helmet that meets the highest safety standards. In the world of helmet certifications, the ECE 22.05 standard has been a trusted benchmark for years. However, there’s exciting news on the horizon – the latest update, ECE 22.06, promises to raise the bar even higher in terms of rider protection. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the changes from ECE 22.05 to ECE 22.06, shedding light on the advancements that will take our safety to new heights
Background: The Legacy of ECE 22.05 Certification
Before we embark on the journey of ECE 22.06, let’s briefly revisit the foundation laid by ECE 22.05. This standard has been widely adopted across Europe and many other countries, earning a reputation for its rigorous testing and comprehensive safety requirements. Over the years, it has ensured that helmets on the market meet minimum safety thresholds, providing riders with essential protection against impacts and shocks.
The Evolution: What’s New in ECE 22.06
The introduction of ECE 22.06 brings with it significant advancements, addressing critical areas of helmet safety. One of the key updates is the inclusion of a rotational impact test, which evaluates a helmet’s ability to mitigate rotational forces during an accident. Rotational impacts can cause serious brain injuries, and this addition to the standard demonstrates a crucial step forward in rider safety.
Enhanced Impact Protection: Extending the Test Zones
ECE 22.06 expands the impact test zones, now covering a larger portion of the helmet’s surface. This means helmets will be evaluated for their performance across a broader range of impact scenarios, providing a more comprehensive assessment of their protective capabilities. The update aims to ensure that helmets can handle various impacts effectively, enhancing rider safety in real-life crash situations.
Introducing Visor Compatibility: Shielding the Rider’s Eyes
Recognizing the importance of clear vision during a ride, ECE 22.06 addresses visor compatibility. Helmets now undergo testing with various visor types, ensuring they do not detach or shatter during impact. This focus on visor integrity offers riders the assurance of unobstructed vision, even in the face of adversity.
Stricter Retention System Tests: Securing the Fit
A well-fitted helmet is crucial for maximum protection. ECE 22.06 includes stricter tests for retention systems (chinstraps), ensuring they remain intact and secure during impacts. This emphasizes the importance of a snug and comfortable fit, reducing the risk of helmet dislodgment in an accident.
Transitioning to a New Era: ECE 22.06 Compliance
As with any update, it may take some time for manufacturers to transition their products to meet the new ECE 22.06 requirements fully. During this phase, you’ll find both ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 certified helmets on the market. While ECE 22.05 helmets are still considered safe and compliant, choosing an ECE 22.06 certified helmet offers the advantage of the latest safety advancements.
The shift from ECE 22.05 to ECE 22.06 represents a significant stride forward in helmet safety. As riders, we can rest assured that the latest standard raises the bar even higher, offering enhanced impact protection, improved visor integrity, and a greater focus on fit and retention. When it comes to our safety, embracing these advancements is a wise decision.
As the motorcycle community continues to evolve, it’s vital to stay informed about the latest safety standards and choose helmets that prioritize our well-being. With ECE 22.06, we can ride with confidence, knowing that our helmets are engineered to protect us during every exhilarating journey.
If you’re looking for a new lid, look no further than the link below to a full range of full face, open face, modular, dual sport and off-road motorbike helmets below. All helmets sold on our site are ECE approved, and the certification will be stated on their page.
