Today we’ll look at one of the most frequently asked questions that we get: what is an ECE 22.05 certification?
Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards Explained: ECE vs DOT vs Snell + Video
As we all know a motorcycle helmet’s purpose at the end of the day is to keep your head safe, but the question is how do you know that what you’re buying will perform as advertised? In simple terms, this is where ECE 22.05 comes in as a measure of quality assurance to have a basic standard of protection that all helmets must meet. You’ll usually find a sticker with the certification on the back of the helmet, or, if not, it’s also mentioned on the chin strap.
But right off the bat, the most important thing to know is that no test is perfect, and no test is equal. Why? Mainly because of differences between the US and Europe is safety schemes as well as the huge range of variables involved in motorcycle crashes. These helmets certifications apply to all helmets, but for additional voluntary bodies like SHARP or Snell certification you’ll usually only see results for full face helmets. So, with that disclaimer over with, let’s get into it.
What does ECE 22.05 mean?
To start with, the basic underlying principle of ECE 22.05, which stands for Economic Commission for Europe resolution R22.05, is it’s a test of the helmet’s impact absorption, abrasion resistance, and environmental resistance. To do that, the helmet goes through a whole bunch of different tests including hot and cold tests, chemical solvent tests, chin strap tensile strength, as well as a visor test and the classic impact absorption test where the helmet is dropped on an anvil and the force transmitted to a head form is measured.
This is a newer system for testing so its pros would be its age and strict application, since you don’t get a sticker until you pass. The last major pro is that it is accepted across Europe, so it does simplify things and it uses a much lower maximum energy transmitted threshold.
The main cons of the ECE method is that it is mainly conducted at lower speeds and impact energies, so you don’t have as good of an idea for how it’ll do on the highway and they only test out the same points on each helmet. And while this does make it more comparable, it also can lead to manufacturers anticipating this. Though if you buy one from a well-known brand this hopefully won’t be a problem.
How does ECE compare to SHARP, DOT, or SNELL?
However, ECE is not the only testing system, you’ve also got SHARP from the UK as well as Department of Transportation (DOT) certification and the SNELL memorial foundation from the US. So, for ECE versus SHARP, the main difference is that SHARP tries to go above and beyond the ECE testing parameters by including higher speed impact tests of multiple shell sizes to have a better idea of the forces experienced in a crash, not to mention it’s also voluntary.
Before briefly looking at the ECE 22.05 vs DOT standard, it’s important to mention that these aren’t interchangeable and that manufacturers often have subtle differences between their helmets for Europe and the US. DOT FMVSS 218 tests at higher speeds and it can test anywhere on the helmet so it’s harder to game the system. FMVSS here stands for the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. But the main let down of the DOT certification is the testing is random so there can be helmets out there with the DOT sticker without having actually gone through testing.
SNELL, like SHARP, is also voluntary and tests US helmets to a very rigorous degree which is definitely a pro. Snell standards include generally similar test procedures to ECE, but they also add a penetration test and tend to push the helmet more to its extremes. But the main downside of SNELL is they’re only US based, is voluntary, and, due to their mission, generally focus on more premium racing helmets.
As a final point to mention, if you live in Australia, then you’ll also see ECE and Australia also uses other accreditation bodies like SAI Global, BSI, and TUV so you’ll see their stickers as well.
What is FIM hom*ologation?
A recent addition to helmet safety is the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) hom*ologation for full face helmets. While this certification follows the ECE standard closely, the main area where it goes beyond is in its focus on rotational forces and it is even more rigorous.
So, in terms of ECE 22.05 vs FIM hom*ologated helmets, a fancy word for certification, the FIM racing hom*ologation programme for helmets gives you an idea for how a helmet protects you at different impact angles and they’ve also added a helmet shell penetration test. This new standard in helmet testing is now required for all world championship races governed by FIM.
Though at the end of the day here, the most important thing aside from safety certification is fit since you can have a fully certified SNELL helmet, but if it’s improperly fitted and comes off in a crash it’s not going to be much use.
If this makes the world of helmet buying a little scarier, it shouldn’t. Though we have the lowest prices around at ChampionHelmets.com, we only sell quality, certified helmets that have been properly certified and tested including Shoei helmets, AGV helmets, HJC helmets, Arai helmets, and many more.
Summary
So, there you have it, the ECE 22.05 sticker explained in brief. Those stickers on the helmet and the chin strap do mean something and are important for making sure the helmet is street legal in Europe at least and it makes sure you’re using a safe helmet.
If you’d like to learn a bit more, make sure to check out our Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards video on our YouTube channel.
