5 MIN READ
Protect your head: How long does your motorcycle helmet really stay safe and reliable?
Did you know that a motorcycle helmet has an expiry date and that its lifespan is determined by the type of helmet shell? We look at how this comes about and when your motorbike helmet needs replacing.
How long does a motorcycle helmet last?
Of all the motorcycle gear we wear, the helmet is the most important part. A motorcycle helmet does more than just keep your head out of the wind and protect your eyes against bugs and stones. It protects our head and especially our brain from the damage it can sustain in an accident.
Studies have shown that a motorcycle helmet reduces the chance of death by 42%, the risk of brain damage is reduced by 69%. With the introduction of the new ECE 22.06 approval for motorcycle helmets, significant steps have been taken to improve protection. However, a helmet doesn’t stay in mint condition forever and it is important to buy a new helmet when safety can no longer be guaranteed.
So how come a motorbike helmet can become unsafe, surely it is approved for sale? This is because of the way a motorbike helmet is built.
What materials is a motorcycle helmet made of?
A helmet consists of 2 helmet shells, both shells work together to keep our head safe. Damage to one of the two shells will affect the overall safety of the helmet, compromising the cooperation of both shells.
The hard outer shell is made from polycarbonate, fiberglass, carbon, or a combination of these materials. This hard outer shell protects you from the initial external impact and prevents sharp objects from piercing the helmet. The helmet shell is responsible for the structural strength of the helmet.
The EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) inner shell absorbs the remaining energy and distributes it evenly across your skull. There are solvents in it that keep the shell soft and provide damping. This way, energy can be distributed. The EPS inner shell hardens and shrinks during the aging process or after an incident. That’s the reason why a helmet can only be used once to absorb an impact.
Which factors affect the lifespan of a helmet?
The hard outer shell is exposed to UV radiation, high temperatures, rain, wind, insects, small stones, and our own actions.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation will cause damage to the structure of the helmet shell at a molecular level. This does not mean that you cannot wear a helmet in daylight, but someone who uses the helmet on a daily basis over a period of several years will find the helmet wears out faster.
Exposure to the elements causes further wear and tear. Although this is not something to lose sleep over, it mainly involves factors that accumulate. The worst damage to the outer shell is from stone chips and rough handling of the helmet. This results in pits and scratches in the helmet shell that also have a small impact. The worst thing that can happen to damage the outer shell is dropping the helmet. You can only do this once with the helmet! If you then choose to continue using the helmet, we hope you’ve got good luck.
The damping inner shell is subject to heat, moisture, and chemical vapors.
Placing the helmet in direct sunlight every day can cause the solvents in the EPS shell to evaporate early. It may sound absurd, but hair products like gel can also be detrimental to the EPS inner shell. Furthermore, it’s not advisable to, for instance, leave your helmet hanging on the motorcycle in a damp shed after riding. Petrol fumes, exhaust gases and the humidity in the shed can affect the EPS shell. This will negatively impact the cushioning effect of the inner shell.
The inner lining of the helmet will feel less tight.
With intensive use, the inner lining or liner of your helmet will wear out and lose elasticity. As a result, the helmet will fit less tightly around your head, causing it to wobble at high speed. With a decent motorcycle helmet, you can replace the inner lining or experiment with a thicker size to improve the fit. If the inner lining is worn out and you can no longer buy a new lining or cheek pads, the helmet will feel less comfortable, sit loosely around your head, and may even hinder you while riding.
TIP: We recommend everyone to store the helmet in a cool, dry, and dark place. Regularly check the helmet for damage and use our 8 tips to keep your motorcycle helmet in top condition.
When should I replace my motorcycle helmet?
A well-maintained motorcycle helmet should be replaced before the end of its lifespan to ensure safety. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing and maintaining helmets to guarantee your safety while riding.
- Polycarbonate helmet: Lifespan of 5 years.
- Polycarbonate and Fiberglass/carbon mix: Lifespan of 7 years.
- Fiberglass helmet: Lifespan of 7 years.
- Carbon helmet: Lifespan of 7 years.
If you’ve had an accident and the police arrive on the scene, they will often cut the chin strap of your helmet to prevent you from using the helmet again. After an accident, you should always replace the helmet immediately.
Why does a helmet made of fiberglass or carbon last longer?
Fiberglass and carbon helmets are significantly stronger and more shock-resistant than polycarbonate helmets. They offer a higher level of structural integrity and are more durable in the long term. They are less affected by UV radiation, temperature changes, and moisture. As a result, the helmet shell lasts longer.
The extra sturdy outer shell helps to better disperse the forces of an incident and can withstand multiple shocks during an accident, without compromising your safety.
A fiberglass and carbon helmet therefore remain safer longer compared to a polycarbonate helmet. In recent years, we see more brands evolving towards a helmet shell in which different materials are combined to offer the same robustness without the price going up. Consider purchasing this type of motorcycle helmet if you want to get the most out of your budget.
Do not ride with an outdated helmet
Now that we know how a helmet ensures our safety and which factors contribute to its wear, it’s important to regularly inspect our motorcycle helmet. Be honest with yourself if you drop the helmet. You only need one good helmet to save your head; let’s therefore ensure that this helmet is ready, should it ever come to that.
Take good care of your helmet, replace it when necessary, and the helmet will in turn take good care of you.
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Nathan is our webshop employee who is ready with advice and assistance to help customers. When he is not answering customer questions, he writes helpful texts and blogs for the RAD site.