Selecting motorcycle helmets for assessment FAQs
Understand how helmets are chosen for SHARP testing and the criteria used to ensure a fair and representative selection.
Do all motorbike helmets need to be rated by SHARP?
No. SHARP does not aim to test all new helmet models. It is not possible for SHARP to test every new helmet that comes onto the UK market. All new helmets coming onto the market must, by law, go through a process of assessment beforehand to prove they meet the necessary minimum legal requirements for helmets, so the SHARP scheme does not need to re-test all helmets. Rather, SHARP is a consumer information programme that provides detail about the performance of a helmet which cannot be assessed by a buyer. The helmets we test are generally ones requested by the public, or selected by us so that we encourage the manufacturers to make helmets that will gain a high star rating.
How are helmets selected for inclusion in the test programme?
Helmet models are selected by using a range of criteria, including market information and requests from the trade or individual members of the public. We try to test a mixture of very popular helmets, new brands, across different price ranges, and helmets with new or unusual features from different manufacturers.
How are helmets supplied for testing?
To maintain total independence, once we have decided which model of helmet to test, we purchase helmets from UK retailers.
Does SHARP test all types of helmet such as open face, motocross or adventure styles?
Not presently. We have concentrated on testing full face and system/modular (flip front) helmets because the majority of helmets sold fall into this category. The style of a helmet is a very personal choice.
To date, SHARP has rated over 520 models of helmet and we are working hard to provide ratings for as many other full face and system helmets as possible, subject to their availability to the UK motorcyclist.
