Executive Summary
ECE 22.06 is the current European type-approval for motorcycle helmets and replaces the older ECE 22.05 with more rigorous and realistic test procedures. For riders, this primarily means three things: helmets are tested on more impact points and at different speeds, rotational forces receive more attention, and accessories such as visors and intercom-ready components are subject to stricter approval. In practice, this makes it more difficult for manufacturers to build "just enough," but easier for you to choose a helmet in 2026 that is better equipped to withstand a variety of crash scenarios. At the same time, a certification remains only one aspect of safety: fit, chin strap, visor quality, ventilation, and noise level determine whether you wear the helmet consistently and correctly and whether it performs as intended in real life. In this article, we explain ECE 22.06 in a clear and concise manner, translate it into purchasing criteria, and provide checks for in-store purchases, including common mistakes you can easily avoid. The article concludes with a clear FAQ section that answers frequently asked questions concisely and clearly, so that riders can immediately find the most important insights.
Table of contents
- What ECE 22.06 is and why it exists
- What has changed compared to ECE 22.05
- The most important tests explained in plain language
- What this means for different helmet types
- Purchase criteria that now carry more weight
- Fit and size: how to avoid the biggest mistake
- Visor, pinlock, ventilation and sound within 22.06
- Intercom and accessories: what “compatible” really means
- When to replace: age, impact and daily use
- Common misconceptions about ECE 22.06
- FAQ
What ECE 22.06 is and why it exists
ECE 22.06 is the European safety standard that determines how motorcycle helmets are tested and approved before they can be sold as protective equipment. It's not a "quality score" like stars, but a minimum admission requirement. The significance lies in the word "minimum": an approved helmet passes a series of tests that demonstrate it offers sufficient protection in relevant impact situations. The reason 22.06 was introduced is that traffic and helmet design have changed, and the old 22.05 test environment no longer adequately reflects real-world accidents. Think of different speeds, different impact angles, more accessories, and a greater variety of helmet shapes.
For you as a rider, it's primarily a filter. It raises the bar. The average helmet you buy in 2026 will have to pass more rigorous and extensive tests than a comparable helmet under 22.05. This doesn't mean that every 22.06 helmet is automatically better than every 22.05 helmet in every scenario, but it does shift the odds in your favor, especially if you're shopping in the mid-range or budget segment and want to gamble less on marketing.
It's also important to understand that a standard tests what can be tested, but not everything that's important. A certification mark says nothing about whether a helmet fits your head shape properly, whether the chin strap stays securely in place against your jawline, or whether you have sufficient visibility without overextending your neck. Therefore, ECE 22.06 is a solid foundation, but not a definitive answer. The true definitive answer is a helmet that has been demonstrably tested and remains comfortable and stable in your daily riding.
What has changed compared to ECE 22.05
The main difference between 22.05 and 22.06 is that 22.06 tests more broadly and rigorously. Under 22.05, the test set was more limited in the variety of impact situations and points on the scale. 22.06 focuses more explicitly on multiple impact locations and different impact energies, meaning a helmet can no longer be "optimized" primarily for a small set of test points. In practice, this forces manufacturers to provide consistent protection across a larger area of ​​the scale.
A second difference is that rotational forces receive more attention. In real crashes, it's rarely a straight-line impact. Your head often hits at an angle, and rotational acceleration plays a role in that. Therefore, the standard includes test elements that better reflect oblique impacts. This is relevant because brain injuries are related not only to the magnitude of the impact, but also to how your head rotates and how energy is transferred to the head through the helmet.
A third change concerns the handling of accessories. Helmets are often used with visors, sun visors, peaks, vents, and increasingly with intercom systems. 22.06 takes stricter account of such components, ensuring that a helmet meets requirements not only "barely" but also in a configuration that reflects how you actually ride it. This is especially important for modular helmets and adventure-style models with peaks, as these components can play a role in impact behavior.
The consistency requirements have also been tightened. This means the standard leaves less room for examples that just happen to pass the test. The idea is simple: when you buy a helmet, you don't want to be dependent on luck in production variation. The standard attempts to limit this through more rigorous and comprehensive testing.
The most important tests explained in plain language
A helmet test according to ECE 22.06 focuses on the question: how much energy is transmitted to your head, and does the helmet remain intact while still providing protection? This is done with impact tests on various parts of the shell, ensuring that not only the "strong spots" perform, but also areas frequently affected in real crashes. For you, this means that helmets must perform better if the impact is slightly different from ideal.
In addition, oblique impact plays a role, as many crashes are sliding or angled. The helmet can then not only sustain an impact but also a rotational movement. 22.06 has test components that take this into account. You don't need to know the exact test setup to understand the consequence: helmets must take into account more realistic forces, making design choices regarding the outer shell, EPS liner, and friction more relevant.
Visor and buckle tests are also relevant. A helmet might theoretically have a good shell, but if the visor detaches during an impact or if the buckle fails, you'll be worse off in practice. Therefore, there are requirements for the retention system—how the helmet stays on your head—and for components that protect your face and vision. This is one reason why it's important to look not only at "certification present," but also at how solid the chin strap and buckle feel, and whether the visor mechanism is tight and reliable.
Another point that makes a big difference in practice is that helmets are tested in multiple sizes. A size S helmet isn't automatically the same as a size XL with just more padding. Manufacturers sometimes use multiple shell sizes and EPS liners to balance weight and protection. A stricter standard makes it harder to perfectly optimize one size and let the rest float. This is good news, because it means there's less risk of your size being the odd one out in a series.
What this means for different helmet types
Full-face helmets remain the benchmark for many riders because of their simple construction and often a robust chin bar. Under 22.06, this primarily means that full-face helmets are tested more extensively, and buyers can focus more on fit, ventilation, and noise, as basic safety is more strictly filtered than before. At the same time, there remains considerable variation between models in field of vision, windshield mechanism, and internal shape.
Modular helmets are interesting because they're practical, but they have a hinge and a chin bar mechanism that makes the design more complex. 22.06 is relevant here because it forces helmets to perform in more realistic configurations and because the closure and mechanism are under scrutiny. For you, that translates to a simple check: the mechanism should feel solid, without any play, and the helmet should stay closed tightly without the chin bar moving when you grip it and try to twist it slightly.
Jet helmets and open-face models offer less protection for the chin and face, regardless of certification. 22.06 may improve impact performance, but it doesn't change the fact that there's less material around your jaw and chin. If you primarily ride in the city at low speeds, it might be a conscious choice, but it's not a neutral choice. The standard helps, but it can't physically add what isn't already there.
Adventure helmets with peaks and large openings are popular for their visibility and comfort. The peak can be sensitive to wind and can be an additional component that's relevant in the event of an impact. For helmets under 22.06, the advantage is that such components are more strictly considered in the approval process. However, it's still important for you to test how the helmet performs in crosswinds and at speed. A helmet can be safe in tests and still cause fatigue due to buffeting. Fatigue indirectly affects safety, as it reduces your riding agility.
Purchase criteria that now carry more weight
Because ECE 22.06 raises the minimum safety bar, your purchase decision shifts to other factors that are just as decisive in practice. Fit is paramount. A helmet that doesn't fit properly offers less protection because it can twist, ride up, or hit a suboptimal spot on impact. Moreover, you'll either be less likely to wear it, or you'll loosen it, and then the whole benefit of a standard disappears.
Next comes stability at speed. A helmet must remain steady in turbulence. If it lifts, pulls, or twists with every shoulder movement, you'll compensate with your neck muscles. This quickly tires you. On long rides, this directly affects your concentration, and concentration determines how well you perceive danger. A helmet that is quiet and stable is often safer in practice than one that's approved on paper but irritates you every kilometer.
The field of vision and optical quality of the visor are also more important than many people think. In the rain, you want a visor that doesn't fog up easily and that doesn't distort at dusk. In 2026, many people will be driving year-round, so you want a solution that gives you confidence even in damp, cold conditions. The standard says something about safety, but your vision determines whether you can act safely.
Buckle and chin strap require a conscious choice. A buckle should suit you so you always use it correctly. If your buckle feels cumbersome, you're more likely to fasten it carelessly or too loosely. That's a classic human pattern. Therefore, choose a system that works for you automatically, not one you have to "want" to use every time.
Fit and size: how to avoid the biggest mistake
The most common mistake when buying a helmet is choosing based on the size label instead of head shape. Two helmets in size M can feel completely different because their internal shapes are different, for example, more rounded or more oval. The result is that you end up buying a helmet that fits tightly on the cheeks but leaves room on the top, or vice versa. In either case, the helmet can move on impact, and you'll also feel pressure points.
A good fit feels evenly firm all around, without painful hot spots. Your cheeks should make contact, especially with a new helmet, as the inner lining often sinks in a bit. The helmet shouldn't twist easily when you grip it and try to turn your head. At the same time, it shouldn't be so constricting that you get a headache after ten minutes. A headache in the store becomes a headache on the road, and then you automatically loosen the chin strap or avoid wearing the helmet.
A practical check is to put on the helmet, fasten the chin strap securely, and then use your hands to feel the back and sides to see if you can pull the helmet up over your forehead. If it's easy, the helmet is too big or the shape doesn't fit. You can also open the visor and gently shake your head. A helmet that "gives way" to even the slightest movement isn't stable enough. These kinds of checks are more important than ever because, while 22.06 increases your basic safety, fit determines how that safety sits on your head.
A final point is to consider your riding position. If you're riding a naked bike in a strong wind, you have different stability requirements than someone behind a large window. A helmet can feel perfect in a quiet shop and suddenly pull on your bike. Therefore, when in doubt, it's wise to choose a helmet known for its stability and to consciously move in the shop as if you were in a riding position, with your head tilted slightly forward and your eyes looking upward, just like you would on the road.
Visor, pinlock, ventilation and sound within 22.06
The visor is your windshield. In rain and cold, fogging is one of the biggest frustrations, and frustration makes you less alert. A good anti-fog solution is therefore practically essential for safety. It's not just about "does the helmet have it?", but also about how well it seals and how easily you can adjust the visor to different positions to let in just enough air without rain splashing down your nose.
Ventilation is a balance. Insufficient ventilation causes fogging and a stuffy feeling, while too much can create noise and drafts. Noise is an underestimated safety aspect. If a helmet is excessively loud, you'll tire more quickly and lose focus on your riding. Moreover, loud wind noise can strain your hearing, especially on long highway journeys. ECE 22.06 doesn't specify sound levels. Therefore, you should take this seriously, especially if you frequently drive for more than an hour.
For many riders, the internal sun visor is a comfort feature that, in practice, becomes a safety feature, allowing you to react more quickly to changing light without having to fiddle with additional glasses. However, pay attention to optical quality and operation with gloves. A system that isn't intuitive to use will be used less often, and you'll still be forced to improvise in low-lying sun or tunnels.
Intercom and accessories: what “compatible” really means
In 2026, many people will be riding with intercoms, even if only for navigation instructions. Under 22 June, it's relevant that accessories are subject to stricter approval requirements, especially if they are integrated or pre-installed. For you as a buyer, "intercom-ready" doesn't automatically mean a secure or logical fit for every unit. It's about the space in the shell, the cable routing, the position of the speakers, and especially the external placement of the unit. A unit positioned precisely where your shoulder frequently passes, or one that disrupts the aerodynamics, can cause noise and drag. This is tiring and can make the helmet less stable.
Another practical factor is pressure on your ears. Speakers that are just the wrong fit can cause pain or irritation after twenty minutes. This leads to fidgeting while riding, which is exactly what you don't want. A helmet with sufficient speaker openings and a logical placement for the microphone and cables makes intercom use safe and comfortable. If you ride a lot, this is a significant factor, because comfort determines consistent use, and consistent use determines your safety on daily rides.
When to replace: age, impact and daily use
A helmet isn't built for life. Materials age due to UV, sweat, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress. Even if you don't crash, a helmet wears out. The lining collapses, making the fit looser. A helmet that once fit perfectly may, after years, have just enough give to allow for more movement upon impact. This is a crucial point, to be honest: if the helmet no longer fits securely and securely, its functional value diminishes, even if it still looks good.
After an impact, replacement is often the safe option, even if you don't see any visible damage. The energy-absorbing layer may be damaged internally. Many riders underestimate this because the outer shell remains intact, but protection is mainly in what you don't see. If you drop a helmet from a height onto a hard surface, the severity depends on the height, surface, and angle, but it's wise to err on the side of caution. When in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution, because your helmet literally protects your brain.
Daily use, especially commuting in all weather conditions, also places greater demands on the closure and visor mechanism. If the visor becomes loose, if the rubbers wear out, or if the closure becomes less tight, this can affect your safety. These aren't "minor annoyances" but rather signals that the helmet may be past its prime.
Common misconceptions about ECE 22.06
A common misconception is that a 22.06 certification means a helmet is always better than any 22.05 helmet. While the standard is stricter, there are high-quality 22.05 helmets that can be very safe in practice, especially if they fit perfectly and are technically sound. The correct way to look at it is that a 22.06 increases your chances of a thoroughly tested design, but fit and use are the deciding factors.
A second misconception is that you no longer need to pay attention to fit because "the standard tests everything." The standard tests the helmet, not the combination of helmet and head. A helmet that twists or lifts up can land incorrectly on impact. Therefore, fit remains the most important safety factor, and one you can control.
Some riders also think that accessories are automatically safe if a helmet is "compatible." Compatible often only means that it fits, not that it's optimal for your head, ears, and bike. The best choice is a helmet that logically integrates accessories without pressure points or aerodynamic disruption.
Finally, there's the idea that expensive is always better. Price reflects materials, finish, and comfort, but not automatically how the helmet fits your head. A mid-range 22.06 helmet that fits perfectly and that you enjoy wearing is often a better choice than a top-of-the-line model that's just not quite right and that you wear more loosely or less often.
FAQ
Will ECE 22.06 be mandatory in 2026?
New helmets coming onto the market must meet the current type approval requirements. In practice, this means you'll increasingly see 22.06 on new purchases.
Can I still drive safely with an ECE 22.05 helmet?
That's possible, provided the helmet fits properly, isn't damaged, and is still tight and stable. 22.06 raises the bar, but fit and condition remain decisive.
How do I know if a helmet is ECE 22.06 approved?
This can be found on the inspection label in or on the helmet, usually near the chin strap or in the liner, where the type-approval number is stated.
Does 22.06 mean that rotational forces are now always well resolved?
The standard takes angled impacts into account more strictly, but it remains important that a helmet fits well and remains stable, because movement on the head can increase rotational forces.
Is a system helmet under 22.06 just as safe as a full-face helmet?
An approved system helmet complies with the standard, but the complexity of the mechanism makes fit and closure extra important. Check that the chin guard closes securely and without any slack.
Does outer shell material matter for safety?
It can affect weight, stiffness and how energy is distributed, but the overall construction and fit together determine the actual protection.
What is the most important purchase check in the store?
Put the helmet on with the chin strap secured and check that it cannot twist or ride up, while still fitting evenly without any sore spots.
When should I replace my helmet if I never crash?
If the fit has noticeably loosened, if the buckle or visor mechanism is worn, or if the helmet is clearly aged due to intensive use.
Is a built-in sun visor a safety benefit?
It can be practically safer because you can switch quickly in changing light, as long as the visor is optically good and operation with gloves is smooth.
Are intercoms always safe with a 22.06 helmet?
Only if the helmet is designed for that mounting and the unit doesn't cause pressure points or aerodynamic unrest. Always test whether the speakers and unit position are comfortable and stable for you.