ECE 22.05 vs. ECE 22.06 – What is the difference between motorcycle helmets?

When it comes to safety for motorcycle helmets, the ECE standards are decisive. ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) is the standard used to certify motorcycle helmets in many countries, including Sweden. For many years, ECE 22.05 has been the applicable standard, but it has now been updated to ECE 22.06. But what does this update mean and what are the differences between ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06?<\/p>

What is ECE 22.05?<\/h4>

ECE 22.05 is a safety standard for motorcycle helmets that has been in effect since 2000. Helmets that meet this standard have undergone a series of tests that measure their ability to protect the head in a collision. Tests include impact tests, rotational tests, and tests to ensure that the helmet fits properly on the head.<\/p>

Helmets certified according to ECE 22.05 have been reliable and have provided good protection for motorcyclists for many years. However, over time, technology has improved, and research on how brain injuries occur in accidents has developed, leading to the need for an updated standard.<\/p>

Introduction of ECE 22.06<\/h4>

ECE 22.06 is the new standard that replaces ECE 22.05 and comes with significant improvements in safety requirements for helmets. The new standard introduces several key changes:<\/p>

1. Expanded test scenarios<\/strong>: While ECE 22.05 focused on certain types of collisions, ECE 22.06 has expanded the tests to include more types of accidents. This includes tests for different angles and speeds, providing a better understanding of how the helmet performs in real situations.<\/p>

2. Rotational tests<\/strong>: One of the most critical updates is the introduction of rotational tests. Brain injuries are often caused by rotational forces in an accident, and the new standard requires helmets to pass these tests to reduce the risk of such injuries.<\/p>

3. Accessories and visors<\/strong>: ECE 22.06 now requires helmets to be tested with accessories such as visors and sunshields to ensure that these do not affect the helmet's safety. This is an important improvement since many motorcyclists use such accessories.<\/p>

4. Stricter limits<\/strong>: The limits for how much energy a helmet can transfer to the head during an impact have been tightened. This means that helmets must be even better at absorbing energy and protecting the head in an accident.<\/p>

What does this mean for you as a motorcyclist?<\/h4>

If you are planning to buy a new helmet, it may be worth considering one that is certified according to ECE 22.06. These helmets offer improved protection and have been tested more rigorously to ensure that they meet the latest safety requirements. While helmets with ECE 22.05 certification are still safe and can be used, ECE 22.06 represents a step forward in safety technology.<\/p>

Conclusion<\/h3>

The update from ECE 22.05 to ECE 22.06 represents a significant improvement in safety for motorcycle helmets. For motorcyclists who want the best protection, it is worth considering a helmet that meets the latest standard.