ECE 22.06 Motorcycle Helmets: Buyer's Guide and Recommendations

The introduction of the new ECE 22.06 safety standard has significantly tightened the requirements for motorcycle helmets. For riders, this means a higher level of protection, but also the need to re-evaluate their choices when buying a new helmet. This guide will help you understand the key features of a modern helmet and introduce several models that meet the current ECE R22.06 helmet standard. Our goal is to provide you with a factual foundation for your purchasing decision.

What to Look for in an ECE R22.06-Certified Helmet

Choosing the right helmet depends on your individual needs and primary use case. Three aspects are particularly important: helmet type, comfort features, and the correct fit.

Full-Face vs. Modular: A Matter of Application

The decision between a full-face and a modular helmet is fundamental.

• Full-face helmets consist of a single, fixed outer shell that encloses the entire head. They are considered the classic design for comprehensive protection, as they have no moving chin bar. This makes them especially popular for spirited riding or on the racetrack.
• An ECE 22.06 modular helmet offers more flexibility. Its chin bar can be flipped up, which is particularly practical in city traffic, at the petrol station, or during short breaks. To be considered fully protective, modern modular helmets must pass ECE testing in both the closed and open positions (P/J homologation).

Practical Features for Daily Use: Sun Visor and Communication System Readiness

For daily use and longer tours, two features have proven to be especially useful:

• A full-face helmet with a sun visor, or a modular helmet with this feature, enhances safety in changing light conditions. An integrated, retractable sun visor allows for quick adaptation to glaring sunlight without having to change the main visor or put on and take off sunglasses.
• A helmet prepared for Bluetooth has recesses in the ear areas and well-designed cable routing. This significantly simplifies the retrofitting of a communication system and ensures that the speakers do not press uncomfortably against the ears.

The Right Fit: Crucial for Safety and Comfort

A helmet can only provide its full protective effect if it fits correctly. It should sit snugly on the head without creating pressure points. It must not move when you shake your head. Many manufacturers offer helmets for men and women in different sizes and sometimes with customisable inner padding. For riders who wear glasses, models with special cutouts in the cheek pads (a glasses channel) are worth considering to increase comfort.

Our Selection of ECE 22.06-Certified Motorcycle Helmets

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of helmets that meet the current safety standard and impress with their functional features.

MY Protective Helmet Model 936: The Classic Full-Face

Why it stands out: The Model 936 is a streamlined full-face helmet that focuses on the essentials: protection and functionality. The matt black motorcycle helmet finish gives it a timeless look. Its construction, with no moving parts on the chin bar, ensures high structural integrity.

Advantages:

• Certification: Meets the stringent ECE 22.06 standard.
• Material: The outer shell is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), combined with a shock-absorbing EPS inner shell.
• Comfort: The inner lining is removable and washable, making it easy to keep clean. An integrated sun visor is also included.
• Fastener: Equipped with a practical micrometric buckle.

Who is it for? Riders looking for a reliable and safe full-face helmet for their daily commute or for rides on country roads, who also appreciate a clean design.

MY Modular Helmet Model 935: Flexibility for Commuters and Tourers

Why it stands out: This 935-series modular helmet combines the protection of a full-face helmet with the practicality of an open-face one. A key feature is the integrated preparation for a Bluetooth headset, with dedicated cutouts under the cheek pads.

Advantages:

• Certification: Tested according to ECE R 22.06.
• Flexibility: The flip-up chin bar makes communication easy during short stops.
• Features: Includes a dual visor system (clear main visor and integrated sun visor).
• Connectivity: The existing speaker cutouts allow for easy installation of a communication system.

Who is it for? Ideal for commuters and touring riders who stop frequently and appreciate the flexibility of a modular mechanism. The preparation for a communication system also makes it attractive for riders who want to navigate or communicate with a passenger or group while riding.

MY Modular Helmet Model 935 in Matt Black: Style Meets Function

Why it stands out: This model offers the identical technical features as the Matt Titanium version but comes in the popular matt black motorcycle helmet colourway. It combines the high functionality of a modular helmet with a subtle and widely popular aesthetic.

Advantages:

• Certification: Also certified according to ECE 22.06.
• Features: Includes all the features of the Model 935, including the flip-up chin bar, dual visor system, and preparation for a Bluetooth headset.
• Material: A robust ABS outer shell and a shock-absorbing EPS inner shell form the protective structure.

Who is it for? Riders who want the functional benefits of the modular 935 helmet but prefer a classic, matt black look that complements many motorcycle types and riding gear styles.

Looking for a Different Helmet Style?

Full-face and modular helmets offer comprehensive protection. However, for rides in warm weather or in the city, some riders prefer the airiness of an open-face helmet. If you are looking for such an alternative, you will find a selection of models in our category.

Discover our selection of open-face helmets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the ECE 22.06 standard mean for motorcycle helmets?

The ECE 22.06 standard is the successor to the ECE 22.05 regulation, which was over 20 years old. It mandates a significantly expanded and more stringent testing procedure. Helmets are now tested for their impact absorption at different speeds and from various angles. The visor's resistance to penetration and the helmet's roll-off resistance are also tested more rigorously.

Can I still use my old helmet with an ECE 22.05 certification?

Yes, the use of helmets with the older ECE 22.05 certification is still permitted on the road. However, the sale of new helmets that only meet this old standard has been banned in the EU since January 2024. Switching to an ECE R22.06 helmet is recommended due to its demonstrably higher safety standard.

How do I determine the correct helmet size?

To find your helmet size, use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head at its widest point, about one centimetre above your eyebrows and ears. Compare the measured value in centimetres with the size chart of the respective helmet manufacturer. A new helmet should fit snugly and feel slightly tight at first, as the padding will break in and compress slightly over time.