Safety on helmets

[Gerontious]

I have been trying to figure out the safety ratings for helmet. ECE, DOT, Sharp, SNELL... and I am really do not know what to think of these.

 

ECE is the European standard that all helmets sold in the EU must meet. Its quite strict in that the helmets are constantly tested during a models life - random samples from every batch.

DOT and SNELL are American standards. Any helmets sold with these ratings.. and NOT an additional ECE are not legal here in the UK and EU.

DOT is a US Government standard.. and Snell is effectively an independent add-on.

Sharp is a UK Government safety rating system that is supposedly independent and measures helmets in a slightly different way and gives some insight how helmets that meet the ECE standard perform without any regard of the price.

"Off the shelf" Helmets vary wildly in price.. from £30 Aldi Specials. to £600+ they are all just as legal.. but paying extra comes with benefits.. often huge benefits.

In my opinion there is absolutely nothing wrong with a new biker with very limited funds buying an Aldi special. Or indeed anything wrong with someone with more disposable money spending £500+ on a helmet that meets a list of that riders requirements.

For ECE helmets... by far the most important factor.. far higher than price or anything else is how well the helmet fits. That absolutley must be the start point.

[geofferz]

Ebay lids (or wish.com in this case) don't have to adhere to any standards I don't think which is a problem.

9m40

[skyrider]

No photos lol.I've got a good face for radio ...if u goggle mobylette av78 ull see my ped...

yes its a bit like being a radio ventriloquist you dont need to try too hard