ECE Certified Helmets

There are quite a few important acronyms in the motorcycling world, but some are capable of saving your life. ECE certified helmets certainly fall into that category and these lids have met standards set by the Economic Commission for Europe. This ECE certification spans some 50 countries across Europe and has recently reached the 22.06 iteration, which has updated impact testing guidelines and expectations. If you take head protection seriously — and we think you should — then shopping around for a new lid should always include searching for items that have received ECE approval. Worst case: you’ll never need it. Best case: It’ll save your skin in a spill.

Your current helmet, as well as the new one you’re considering, should have a smattering of stickers on the back. We know you’re asking “what is an ECE approved helmet” and want to help you decipher those helmet safety ratings here. Riders in the US are likely familiar with DOT approval, but this only holds water in the states. ECE certified helmets, on the other hand, are tested to meet guidelines established by the United Nations and respected all across Europe. The most recent standard, updated from 22.05, is that impact testing from mid-2020 on will factor for different speeds and directions when obtaining ECE approval. At the end of the day, it’s about rider safety and the more stress testing done in a lab means more practicality on the road.

Why pick an ECE helmet over DOT or SNELL-only? Most likely, the quality product you’re looking at from Cycle Gear will have more than one rating. That’s great news for riders who want to know while shopping if their new lid meets or exceeded these expectations. Once you’ve established ECE certification, you’ll want to find the right size then consider style and functions offered by these protects. Yes, we know that helmets need to look good on top of performing as advertised — just don’t forget why you’re wearing one in the first place.