How long do helmets last and when should they be replaced?
Helmets deteriorate with age, regardless of use. The protection they provide will decline with time. For this reason, helmet manufacturers recommend that riders should replace a helmet after 3 to 5 years. If you wear the same helmet frequently, you should think about replacing it sooner, simply because of general wear and because the lining will compress over time, making the fit looser, which reduces the protection afforded to your brain.
Helmets are made of a mixture of composite materials; they have metal bits that can rust, plastic parts that crack, fabric that frays, and foam that crumbles with age. Helmets are just like shoes: you can put them away in a cupboard, and take them out five years later, never worn, looking like new, but they fall apart the first time you wear them.
We are not aware of independent tests to say how long a helmet should last, but the helmet designers and helmet testers agree that the best general advice is to plan to replace your helmet every five years, or sooner. New helmet designs offer new features that could make your riding experience more comfortable, enjoyable and safer.
