Research & Regulations FAQs
Explore the research behind SHARP and how it aligns with motorcycle helmet safety standards and regulations.
How is SHARP different from UN-ECE Regulation 22.05 and 22.06?
SHARP sets a higher benchmark than the regulations. A range of tests are required for a helmet to obtain an approval to UN-ECE Regulations. These tests include hot and cold temperature impact absorption tests, the strength and durability of retention systems, visor and field of vision tests etc. SHARP goes further by subjecting a helmet to more demanding impact tests. So a helmet that passes a SHARP test can be said to perform better than one which meets the UN-ECE Regulations.
What research underpins SHARP?
The SHARP assessment is based on independent research and recommendations. The two primary sources of evidence are in the recommendations made by the COST (Cooperation in Scientific and Technical Research) 327 study – the most comprehensive study of motorcycle crashes ever conducted in Europe. There is also research carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory (under contract to the UK DfT) including: Motorcycle helmets: test and assessment protocol prove out. Copies of these reports can be found in the library section of this website.
How are the SHARP tests linked to real road accidents?
SHARP tests mimic what happens when a rider comes off their motorcycle or moped at speed and their head hits the road. The highest rated helmets offer the best head protection to the wearer.
A detailed answer to this question can be found in the report ‘Technical Response to the Unpublished Paper by NJ Mills‘ which can be found in the SHARP library section of this website.
