
ECE 22.06
“ECE 22.06” now entry. Before I bet on innovations, let’s go back a bit. The closed helmet structure has not changed much since the 1963 DE was first implemented. There is a common structure in every brand, every type, every model of helmet:
Illustration of the helmet and its interior
That’s not very “safe” when you do it, is it? But study over time when this construct is effective. Helmets have saved and continue to save countless lives in accidents. Especially after accidents, you see that the impacts on the helmet generally work. With years of development, research and explanation, carbon fiber outer shell structures, internal sun visors, protective front, our helmets are beautiful and stylish, as well as safe products.
But things are changing
As you know, standards are constantly being developed. Who says no to security the most? The European Union has also renewed its new motorcycle helmet standards. The EU has renewed the motorcycle helmet test standard with the code “ECE 22.06” and raised the safety standard. ECE 2206 January friends had entered the EU. It has also become mandatory for sale within the EU from 1 July 2022.
So what move?
Compared to shields, the ECE 2206 standard imposes additional burden on helmets with plastic/fiberglass shells. The thicker, heavier outer layer will be. It seems that this will not be necessary for helmets with carbon and Kevlar structures. Because despite the light weight of these materials, new standards are being met. Additionally, the inner foam will either be thicker or have multiple layers.
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There is an important difference in the new test protocol. At the moment of impact, it will allow a slight deflection at the tip of the head of the helmet. This new benchmark will lead to the proliferation of technologies such as MIPS. This means much better protection for the head and neck.
There is a new test inside the visors. They will also look at what the object coming from there or another vehicle will do to the viewfinder at the time of birth. For this, there is also the not-so-small piece of armor to throw into the viewfinder.
Think they’re exaggerating, but if you’ve ever met a pebble that fell from the truck in front of you, bounced off the ground and hit your helmet, you’ll realize that this test has a real need.
Designing a new helmet is not a cheap job, even for big brands. So don’t expect to fall right off in the maternity section of EU compliant helmets. In addition, adjustments can be made at significant cost to score points from the first models or to be more successful in tests.
In short, new helmet safety standards are a process and we are registered in the first part.
ECE 2206
What about DOT and Snell?
ECE standards are respectable but not in slots with US DOT and a foundation Snell ratings. They are all independent entities. However, man-made and motorcycles or roads have the same structures and dynamics. Similar tests will also be included in the DOT and Snell, as everyone wishes to improve their standards.
Is it a drinking problem? Not because, of course, when helmet manufacturers raise their standards for Europe, which is a huge market, other markets will have no objection to it.
If you want detailed information about ECE 22.06 specification and test details, ECE has published this 126-page PDF.
The new ECE 22.06 test is designed to improve the safety performance of helmets. Here are five great covers with confidence-boosting test passes to their names…
After more than two decades with the same helmet safety standard, things changed in 2021.
The arrival of ECE 22.06 helmet testing signals the final end for 22.05, and fast-moving helmet companies are launching new models with updated certification.
The new test includes too many changes to get into all the details here, but helmets now have to go through a wider range of impact tests.
Lab testers have harder hits, softer hits, and a wider range of potential impact points to choose from. There are direct hits (linear blows) as well as bouncing blows (oblique blows).
The idea is that helmets should demonstrate their capabilities in a wider range of potential accidents and with a wider helmet area proving to offer the right protection.
We cannot say that the 22.06 helmet is better than the 22.05 cap, because we cannot say how well an older helmet will do in the new tests. But you can have more confidence that a helmet will work if it has proven itself in tougher tests.
Nearly a year after the launch of the first 22.06 helmet, here are five of the growing cap products that pioneered head protection.
This 22.06 approval comes into effect in Europe on 1 July 2022. From then on, all motorcycle helmets sold and manufactured must be certified to this new standard.
But there are a few questions: Should I change my helmet if it complies with the old ECE 22.05 standard? What are the differences between the two homologations? We will tell you below.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ECE 22.05 AND ECE 22.06 APPROVAL
homologation-motorcycle-helmet-ece-22-06-motokart
As we said, the new ECE 22.06 homologation will be mandatory for all motorcycle helmets manufactured in 2022. This new standard will coexist with the current 22.05. So if your helmet is older than that year, you can ride with it without any problems.
The differences between the two homologations focus on the endurance tests of the new 22.06 homologation: there are now a lot more tests, and best of all, they are tougher.
NEW 22.06 APPROVAL, MORE DIFFICULT TESTS
This new ECE 22.06 approval consists of several endurance tests.
The major difference between the two homologations is their point of action. With the confirmation of 22.05, 6 impact points are created on the shell, while the note, with the confirmation of 22.06, there are 12 more points. So much more demanding.
Previously, the impact test was carried out at a speed of 7.5 m/s from a height of 3 meters with 22.05 homologation.
In the new homologation there are 3 impact tests at different speeds (i.e. different heights) to simulate more impact conditions in different contexts:
The shell is hit from a height of 4 meters with a weight of 8.2 m/s and also at a speed of 6 m/s. But there are more differences, the screen has also been tested for shock and fog resistance.
However, another important difference between the two homologations is the rotational impact test. Now, an impact, one of the toughest tests ever, is alternately simulated.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 22.06 AND 22.05 HOMOLOGATION.
Let’s review more differences:
The year of manufacture of the helmet will be visible
Dimensions and measurements will be combined in centimeters
Anti-fog visors and plates must be approved
Color visors: light transmittance limit drops to > 35% instead of > 50% (the color of Lexan smoke material must be changed).
Visors will be subjected to high speed testing (60 m/s with 6 mm ball, eye areas)
Visors must be approved and qualified; optical tests and light transmission > 20% (we are now between 14% and 18%, Lexan smoke material will be discolored)
Conditioning: only changes for cold changing from -20°C to -10°C; solvent test removed.
P/J helmets: Tests must be performed with the chin bars closed and open and/or with or without the chin bar (red lock control button).
Helmets with intercom systems and/or other devices: tests must be performed with both the helmet “prepared” and the device attached to the helmet.
Dynamic testing of the chin bar with pull towards the back of the shell
Helmet roll test including front to back.
HOW ARE MOTORCYCLE HELMET DURABILITY TESTS PERFORMED?
This series of homologation tests is called HEIC (Head Injury Criteria). Impact is calculated by acceleration, force and time. And the data is subtracted from this calculation. While it was 2400 with the confirmation of 22.05, it was much more demanding at 22.06: 2880.
Basically, a dummy head (like crash test dummies) is equipped with a motorcycle helmet. Inside this helmet are different accelerometers that analyze the maximum acceleration to calculate the damage to the dummy in the event of an accident.
These tests are for the absorption and retention of the motorcycle helmet in the event of an accident. Likewise, tests are similar to demanding maximum safety for a motorcycle helmet display.
Finally, it should be clarified that the tests differ slightly when considering the type of helmet: jet, modular and full face.
MOTORCYCLE HELMET ACCESSORIES MUST BE APPROVED
One of the points that users may not like too much is that the accessories we want to attach to the motorcycle helmet (cameras, intercoms, hands-free) must be tested with homologation. That’s the theory on paper, without actually knowing what kind of application this point would be.


All helmets produced by 2023 must be homologated according to the new regulations. So no, you don’t need to change your helmet if it’s homologated with ECE 22.05 because the two standards will coexist for a few more years.
Date Steps to follow
03 July 2022 New UN/ECE 22-06 homologation becomes mandatory for helmets and visors. The 22.05 homologation for helmets and visors is no longer given.
03 July 2023 Routine testing of UN/ECE 22-05 will no longer be possible
03 July 2024 The possibility of stopping the sale of helmets and visors of UN/ECE 22-05 transferred to each country.
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