Ready or not, change is coming to your helmet shelf: from July 1, every motorcycle helmet sold in Europe will have to play by a stricter set of safety rules. For those nostalgic for ECE 22.05 (introduced way back in 2007, when flip phones ruled), it’s time to welcome its fresh—and much tougher—successor: ECE 22.06. What exactly changes, and—crucially—what does it all mean for riders? Let’s crack open the facts, not your skull.
The Legacy of ECE 22.05: What Riders Used to Know
- Label Love: Every helmet had to carry a white label with the letter E for Europe, topped off with the country code where it was certified. (Didn’t feel very rock ‘n’ roll, but it did the job.)
- Reflective Bands: Four of them—one each on the front, back, and both sides—were mandatory. Think high-viz meets disco ball.
- Chin Strap Standards: The fastening system had to meet specific resistance standards so it wouldn’t abandon ship at the first bump.
- Testing Practices: Helmets were put through impact tests by smashing them against two anvils at 27 km/h. There was also a dramatic drop test from 3 meters up (that’s 7.5 m/s if you prefer your numbers literal). Not Olympic-level gymnastics, but demanding—though, as we’re about to see, not demanding enough.
- Penalties: Caught with a non-approved helmet? Expect a 90 euro fine plus three points off your license. Article R431-1 of the Road Code meant business.
ECE 22.06: The New Safety Sheriff in Town
While the new ECE 22.06 regulation keeps the essentials—label, reflective bands, a chin strap no amateur can break—it amps up safety by several gears. Eric Thiollier, president of the French Federation of Angry Bikers, put it simply, “Tests will be more realistic and comprehensive.” Let’s see how that translates in real life:
- More Impact Points, More Speed: Manufacturers now have to test 18 different impact points on the helmet (up from 6). And these will face not one but three impacts each, at various speeds. Helmets even get projected at a whopping 215 km/h. Your helmet will now endure more drama than a soap opera cast.
- Visor Vigilance: The visor isn’t just for looks anymore. It must now survive rigorous impact and scratch resistance tests. So long, mysterious scratches appearing in your line of sight.
- Abrasion Measurements: Internal sensors have joined the test party to measure abrasion resistance. Precision, meet protection.
Will Helmets Get Pricier? Follow the Money
With all this extra technology and these James Bond-worthy crash tests, there’s naturally some suspense around prices. More complex evaluations mean higher homologation costs for manufacturers. Part of these extra expenses might trickle down to buyers. As Eric Thiollier highlights, “Approval will become more expensive and part of the cost could reflect in the final price—but let’s not use this as an excuse to excessively hike prices on helmets with the old certification.” In other words, buyers should watch for price tags and not just sticker shock. The change aims for safety, not to empty your wallet.
What If You Own a 22.05 Helmet? Don’t Panic!
Good news for the loyal: owning a helmet with ECE 22.05 approval won’t make you an outlaw overnight. You can keep using your certified helmet after July 1. And retailers? They’re allowed to sell their stock of 22.05 helmets until December 31, 2023. Only from January 1, 2024, will the sale of these helmets end—although they remain road-legal afterwards. So no need to stage a dramatic garage sale or burn your old helmet just yet. The transition is gradual, and riders aren’t expected to upgrade overnight.
With the new ECE 22.06 regulation, riders in Europe can count on helmets that are stronger, safer, and genuinely more innovative. The approach is a gentle evolution, not a revolution: a step forward in safety standards without punishing anyone who recently invested in high-quality gear.
In short: keep riding, keep your head cool—your current helmet is still your loyal companion for now. But when you do shop for a new one, be ready to demand—and receive—an even greater level of protection. After all, your brain deserves nothing less!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
