Helmet advice - how do I find the right motorbike helmet?

Created by Stephan Hufschmid at 16:05 on May 19, 2017

The right helmet for scooter and motorbike riders

Riders of motorised two-wheelers with a maximum speed of more than 20 km/h are required to wear a motorbike helmet. It is designed to protect the head from injury in the event of an accident. We have compiled everything you need to know about motorbike helmets.

In Germany, helmets have been compulsory for motorcyclists since 1976, for moped and mokick riders since 1978, and even moped riders have had to wear a helmet since 1985. Since August 1980, a "violation" has also been punished with a warning fine. The same applies, of course, to scooter riders. With the right motorbike helmet, you do a lot for your own safety in road traffic. Therefore, it is not an accessory that you buy in passing. What aspects should be considered when looking for the ideal helmet? Here are the most important tips for buying a motorbike helmet.

Make sure you plan enough time to buy the right helmet. Visit a specialist dealer who stocks as many helmet brands as possible. This increases the likelihood of finding a suitable helmet quickly. We always have about 80-100 different helmets in our shop in Landsberg am Lech.
Your helmet must fit tightly around your head without pinching. You can tell that it is the right fit by the fact that the scalp on the forehead shifts when the helmet is turned. The interior of the helmet will give a little during use, so don't choose a helmet that is too big.
The helmet padding should also lie completely on the crown of the head. Otherwise, try a larger helmet.
If in doubt as to whether the helmet is the right size, try fitting the same helmet model one size smaller. Only if this is not possible or if the helmet is unbearably tight do you know that you have chosen the smallest possible size.
We also have a selection of suitable helmets for people with a particularly large head.
When the chin strap is closed and correctly adjusted, it should not be possible to pull the helmet forwards off the head, even with a lot of force.
The chinstrap should not rest on the larynx and the chinstrap buckle should not press against the lower jawbone.
Wear the helmet in the shop for a few minutes. This period is sufficient to detect possible pressure points and skin intolerance of the lining.
Modern, high-quality helmets "age" much more slowly than helmets from earlier years. For this reason and because of the adaptation of the current test standards, motorbike helmets that have not been approved according to ECE R 22/05 should no longer be used. This can be recognised by a small label that is usually sewn onto the chin strap. If the approval number begins with 05, the helmet has been tested according to ECE R 22/05. The P after the slash indicates that a chin guard tested according to the standard has been fitted. If the helmet is used regularly, five years is generally considered to be an appropriate period of use. After that, a motorbike helmet should no longer be used!
Important note for the compulsory labelling of ECE motorbike helmets: There does not have to be an "ECE" or "ECE-R 22" anywhere on the test label. The marking with the E in the circle and the test number sufficiently refers to the application of the test standard ECE-R 22.
Independent of the cleaning condition of the helmet lining, the fit of the helmet and the length of the chin strap should be checked from time to time. Both can have a decisive influence on safety both during (fast) driving and in the event of an accident.
No general statements can be made on the question of when the protective function of the helmet can be limited by which event. However, if a helmet has been involved in an accident, it should definitely be replaced - regardless of its external condition.
The visor should be replaced with a scratch-resistant visor if possible, even if there are slight scratches in the field of vision. Scratched visors can cause "blindness", especially in backlighting.
Keep the visor as clean as possible. On longer tours this is recommended, for example, regularly during breaks. Insects and other dirt can severely restrict visibility in the rain or at dusk or even cause blindness, especially when riding against the light.
Allow helmets to dry thoroughly after long rides in the rain. If possible, do not use any heat sources (heating). If the interior of helmets remains damp for a long time, it can fester or even become mouldy and smell unpleasant.
If you prefer a classic half shell or jet helmet without visor, you can protect yourself against watery eyes and flies, stones, etc. by wearing aviator goggles or aviator goggles .

In our shop in Landsberg we offer helmets of the brands Vespa, Bandit, Bell, DMD, Premier and 70s Helmets. In addition we offer a lot of accessories like goggles, visors, gloves, shoes from Aviator Goggle, Tucano Urbano, Rokker and Rev'it. Just drop by our flagship store in Landsberg - we look forward to meeting you and advising you!

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Stephan Hufschmid

Stephan Hufschmid has been part of SIP Scootershop since 2001. As sales manager, he is responsible for the strategic orientation of our sales channels. In addition, he is in charge of parts of the quality and complaint management as well as the MALOSSI Germany brand management. His passion are Vespa smallframe models. But also nostalgic "plastic bombers" like ZIP, NRG or Aerox are not necessarily unpopular models with him. His current vehicle is a Vespa GTS 300, of course with Malossi engine upgrade and SIP styling parts: Performance & Style.