How to buy the right motorcycle helmet
Published 10 April 2025
Last updated 15 April 2025
Buying a motorcycle helmet can be daunting; the choice is vast, the prices vary widely and there are lots of reviews available. In this article our friends at SHARP will help you to decide which helmet is for you.
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What is SHARP?
In the UK, if you buy a helmet from a reputable online retailer, or in a store, you can be sure that the helmet is legal. The only label you need to look for is the one that says ECE 22.06, which shows that the helmet meets the very latest in safety standards.
The Safety Helmet Assessment Rating Programme (SHARP) is a consumer information scheme set up by the Department for Transport. We aim to help reduce head injuries sustained by motorcycle and moped riders. Every year, we test dozens of helmet models to see how much better they are than the minimum safety standards. Each helmet is then given a star rating of between one and five.
After decades of testing hundreds of helmets, we’ve proven that the price of a helmet is not directly related to its safety performance. A low-cost helmet is just as likely to achieve a top five star rating as an expensive helmet.
5 key points to consider
When choosing a helmet, we suggest you bear these tips in mind:
- Pick a budget and stick to it. You do not need to spend a lot to get a good helmet. But beware of bargains and ultra-low-priced helmets that seem too good to be true, they are probably fake. Black and white helmets will always be cheaper than colourful ones or helmets with fancy graphics. However, as a safety bonus, a brightly coloured helmet makes you highly visible to other road users.
- Decide what kind of helmet you need. You can get full face helmets or modular/flip-up systems. What suits you will depend on how long you wear a helmet for, what kind of riding you intend to do and whether you need to speak to people or remove it frequently. A rider making two short commuting journeys a day does not need a feature-packed helmet with costly additional features unrelated to safety. A rider touring with friends, or wearing a helmet all day when doing deliveries, will want specific features such as a light-weight outer shell or built-in communications system.
- A snug fit is essential. A helmet that does not fit properly simply will not do its job of protecting your head in a crash. The lining should be in contact with your head all over, without any pressure points. Human heads are generally round or oval, so helmets are made to fit one or other shape (the helmet brands do not provide this information, but your retailer can help you to choose the best shape for your head). Measure your head to select the right size: around the temple above your ears, as if for a ball cap.
- Comfort is a critical reason to choose one helmet over another. An uncomfortable helmet may distract you from riding safely. Think about the features of the helmet and the style of riding you do. Does it provide an adequate field of vision? Is there a sun visor? Do you wear glasses? Does it feel heavy? Can you breathe comfortably without getting steamed up? How good is the helmet at blocking out noise? Can you do up the chin strap easily?
- Try before you buy. Even if you’re buying online, get a selection of helmets and wear them for 10 minutes to decide if they’re a snug fit and comfortable.
Once you have a couple of helmets that fit well, and are comfortable to wear, you should also check if SHARP has tested them. It takes just a few seconds on the website. If it has a star rating, you have added peace of mind that you’ve made the safest choice possible.
Beyond helmets
While selecting the right helmet is crucial, there are many other factors that contribute to becoming a skilled and safe rider. Whether you're just starting to learn, preparing for your CBT, or already an advanced rider, the Safe Driving for Life website offers a wealth of resources to support you at every stage of your riding journey.