Buying a new helmet FAQs
Tips on purchasing a helmet, including what to look for, where to buy, and avoiding common mistakes.
Why are there are no stars on the helmets in my local shop?
SHARP only tests helmets after they have been launched and distributed to the shops. For this reason you won’t find a star rating sticker on helmets or printed on packaging. Retailers are normally aware of which of their products has a SHARP rating and often advertise it. The best way to check if the helmet you are trying on has a SHARP rating is to look up the make and model on our website using the HELMET SEARCH form.
Are all helmets tested by SHARP safe to wear?
Yes. SHARP only tests helmets that are legal for sale in the UK. Legal helmets all meet the minimum regulatory safety requirements – they have already passed a test to say they will provide a basic level of protection. If a helmet has not been tested by SHARP, it is still safe to wear if it has been marked as compliant with UN ECE Regulation 22.05/22.06 or conform to BS 6658:1985 or to any standard accepted by a member of the European Economic Area which offers a level of safety and protection equivalent to BS 6658:1985 and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark.
Is it ok to buy a second hand helmet or use one given by friends or family?
Even if you know the person offering you a second-hand helmet, you cannot truly know the helmet. Is it the right size and shape for you? Has it been dropped? Where has it been stored? How old is it? Has the liner been washed? How many times has it been used? How worn is the chin strap? The liners of helmets are designed to gently mould to the head shape of the wearer. So a second-hand helmet will never truly fit you. A helmet that doesn’t fit is not going to provide good protection in a crash. If you were injured in a crash wearing a second-hand helmet, you may receive less financial compensation from an insurance claim. It’s your head, it’s your life at risk, buy a new helmet every time.
Can you tell if a helmet is fake?
It is generally possible to identify when a helmet is not genuine. If the price is very low in comparison to its normal retail price, be suspicious. A cheap helmet for sale at a bargain price is highly unlikely to be the real thing.
The best way to avoid counterfeit helmets is to buy yours from a reputable retailer – online or from a shop. Take time to research the average price of your helmet. If the price is “too good to be true”, the helmet is probably fake. If in doubt, look carefully and check that the helmet has the correct brand name and logo. A genuine helmet will be clearly marked with ECE Reg 22.05 or ECE Reg 22.06 either on the outside at the back, or on a label fixed to the inside of the chinstrap and it will show the size in cm and letters (e.g. 57-58 ‘M’). The best way to spot a fake is to put the helmet next to one you know for sure is genuine. Take the liners out and compare the inside finish of the helmet shell.
If you spot a helmet that you are sure is a fake, please report the seller to Trading Standards via your local council website. Fake helmets are dangerous because they offer no guarantee of any protection to your head.
Is it OK to buy helmets on the internet?
Yes, it’s fine to buy a new helmet on the internet. What matters is that you have help selecting a helmet that fits you properly and is comfortable to wear. In a shop, the staff will be trained to measure your head and recommend a make and model to try. If you are buying from an internet site, be sure that you are allowed to try the helmet on and return it if it isn’t right for you. Wear the helmet at home for at least 10 minutes to decide if it is comfortable. Ask a friend to check that it is secure, not too tight and not too loose. Be wary of bargain priced helmets for sale on the internet. A really cheap helmet, in comparison to its normal retail price, is possibly a fake.
