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.
