IN BRIEF
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In the world of motorcycling, safety is paramount, and the homologation standard ECE22-06 marks a significant advancement in the protection of motorcyclists. Replacing the old standard ECE22-05 that was in effect for nearly 19 years, this new regulation brings crucial improvements in terms of required helmet testing and safety levels. Through this article, we will explore the essential details of this standard, the increased protection requirements, and the innovations put in place to ensure optimal safety on the road.
The ECE22-06 standard is a major advancement in the field of motorcycle helmet safety, replacing the old ECE22-05 standard after 19 years. Effective January 1, 2021, this new rule introduces more rigorous and varied tests to ensure better protection for motorcyclists. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of the ECE22-06 standard and its impact on motorcycle helmet purchases.
Advantages
The ECE22-06 standard provides several significant advantages for motorcycle helmet users. First, the number of impact test points has been significantly increased from five to eighteen, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of the protection offered. Furthermore, tests now take oblique impacts into account, a frequent source of brain injuries, using advanced detection technologies. This translates to better safety for the rider.
Another strength of this new standard is the protection at various speeds. Unlike ECE22-05, which only tested at one speed, ECE22-06 assesses helmets at speeds of 6, 7.5, and 8.2 m/s, thereby ensuring effective protection at both low and high speeds. This ensures that helmets can effectively absorb impacts, whether they are light or more severe.
Disadvantages
Despite its benefits, the ECE22-06 standard also presents some disadvantages for motorcycle helmet buyers. The transition between the two standards may create some confusion for consumers, especially those familiar with the old ECE22-05. Although ECE22-05 helmets remain legal on the road until stocks are exhausted, it is crucial for motorcyclists to be aware of this new certification.
Moreover, the process of manufacturing helmets compliant with this standard may incur higher costs for manufacturers, potentially reflected in the final price for consumers. Helmets conforming to ECE22-06 could therefore be more expensive, which might limit access to greater safety for some motorcyclists.
In summary, the ECE22-06 standard represents an important step forward in motorcyclist safety, even though challenges remain, particularly regarding costs and understanding of the new regulations.
The ECE22-06 standard, which came into effect on January 1, 2021, replaces the old ECE22-05 standard after 19 years of service. This new regulation aims to improve the level of safety of motorcycle helmets through a series of more rigorous and diversified tests. With increased requirements, it aims to ensure optimal protection for all motorcyclists, whether in cases of minor or major impacts.
New Features of the ECE22-06 Standard
The ECE22-06 standard has introduced an increased number of test points for motorcycle helmets. While the previous version focused on five key points, the new standard evaluates protection over a total of 18 points. This includes additional tests for the chin guard for full-face helmets, ensuring that every area of the helmet is adequately protected.
Improved Impact Tests
Impact tests under ECE22-06 are now more varied, considering different types of objects and impact speeds. Helmets must provide protection not only during severe impacts but also at lower impact speeds, thus avoiding direct force transfer to the head. This requirement aims to improve motorcyclist safety at all speeds.
Resistance to Penetration
For the first time, a penetration resistance test is applied to the helmet screen. A 6 mm steel ball is fired at 80 m/s at the screen to ensure it cannot penetrate. If the screen breaks, it must not fragment into dangerous shards, adding an extra level of safety for the rider.
P/J Certification for Modular Helmets
The ECE22-06 standard also provides clarifications regarding the certification of modular helmets. A P/J helmet can be used in either open or closed configuration, but it must undergo specific tests in each configuration. This ensures that modular helmets offer an adequate level of safety, regardless of their mode of use.
Integrated Communication Systems
Finally, the new standard requires that all communication systems and other accessories installed in helmets must be certified. This means that accessories not validated with the helmet are no longer allowed, ensuring better integration and safety of the equipment.
For more details on this regulation, consult additional resources like here and learn more about what the ECE22-06 standard means for you as a motorcyclist.
The ECE22-06 homologation standard, which came into effect on January 1, 2021, marks a significant advancement over the old ECE22-05 standard. It introduces new safety criteria for motorcycle helmets and increases the number of impact tests as well as the diversity of simulation speeds. The primary objective of this standard is to enhance the protection of motorcyclists, taking into account not only high-speed impacts but also low-intensity impacts.
New Safety Standards
The ECE22-06 is designed to improve the safety of motorcyclists by increasing the number of impact test points on helmets. The old standard focused on five main points, while the new standard expands this to 18 control points, also including the chin guard to provide optimal protection in all areas. This means manufacturers must ensure that each helmet effectively protects all these zones.
Impact Tests and Diversification
The new standard ensures a more rigorous evaluation of helmets. Impacts are tested at speeds ranging from 6 to 8.2 m/s, whereas the old standard was limited to a single speed of 7.5 m/s. This change allows for a more comprehensive verification of the helmets’ capacity to protect in varied accident scenarios.
PENETRATION RESISTANCE TESTS
For the first time, a penetration resistance test is conducted on the helmet screen. During this test, a steel ball is fired at the screen at a speed of 80 m/s. The screen must withstand this pressure without breaking into shards, thus ensuring increased visibility and protection for the motorcyclist.
Protection against Rotational Accelerations
The ECE22-06 standard also takes into account oblique impacts, which are often responsible for severe brain injuries. By using accelerometers and angular velocity sensors, this standard now evaluates the protection offered during these types of impacts, providing a higher level of safety.
P/J Certification for Modular Helmets
Modular helmets, also known as P/J helmets, must now undergo strict testing to ensure they can be used safely, whether in an open or closed configuration. This guarantees that the helmet maintains its structural integrity, regardless of its position.
Integrated Communication Systems
With ECE22-06, external or integrated communication systems in helmets must also be certified. This means any additional accessory must be validated by the manufacturer to ensure optimal safety while riding.
For more information on this new standard, you can check the following links: Essential motorcycle helmets for 2025, Choosing a helmet suited to your riding style, and Practical guide for choosing your first essential gear.
Comparison between ECE22-05 and ECE22-06
| Aspect | ECE22-06 |
|---|---|
| Number of tested points | 18 points compared to 5 for ECE22-05 |
| Impact tests | Tests at 6, 7.5, and 8.2 m/s |
| Resistance to penetration | Penetration test for the screen with steel ball |
| Rotational acceleration tests | Evaluation of oblique impacts to reduce brain injuries |
| Certification for modular helmets | Specific tests for P/J certification |
| Accessories and communication systems | Certification required for integrated and external systems |
| Field of vision | Tests to avoid distortion and ensure visibility |
| Validity of ECE22-05 | Helmets still usable until stocks are exhausted |
| Duration of the standard | Replaces ECE22-05 which was in effect for 19 years |
The ECE22-06 standard marks a significant evolution in the field of motorcycle helmet homologation. Introduced in January 2021, it succeeds the old ECE22-05 standard, which was in effect for 19 years. This update aims to improve safety for motorcyclists by increasing the number of tests and diversifying impact conditions.
One of the main changes brought by ECE22-06 is the increase in the number of impact test points. Unlike ECE22-05, which evaluated helmets on only five points, the new standard requires tests on 18 different points, including critical areas such as the chin guard. This ensures a more complete and adequate protection against varied impacts.
Another crucial aspect of ECE22-06 is the introduction of penetration resistance tests for the screen. For the first time, a test is performed to ensure that the screen can withstand projectiles, thereby improving the motorcyclist’s safety in case of impact.
The impact speeds are also better accounted for in this new standard. While ECE22-05 only considered a single impact speed, ECE22-06 foresees multiple speeds, ensuring protection both for minor and high-speed impacts.
The standard also addresses the field of vision of the helmet. Evaluation of the visor width and its resistance to deformation ensures that the motorcyclist has a clear view, thus reducing the risks of accidents related to poor visibility.
Finally, ECE22-06 tackles the issue of rotational accelerations during oblique impacts, which are often responsible for severe brain injuries. Using advanced detection systems, this standard allows for a better understanding and protection of motorcyclists during such impacts.
In summary, ECE22-06 represents a major advancement for motorcyclist safety, bringing significant improvements in terms of tests and protection, to meet the current requirements of road riding.
Introduction to the ECE22-06 Standard
The ECE22-06 standard, which took effect on January 1, 2021, replaces the old ECE22-05 standard after 19 years of service. This new regulation aims to improve motorcycle helmet safety by introducing stricter and more diversified tests. Although helmets compliant with ECE22-05 are still permitted on the road until stocks are exhausted, it is essential for motorcyclists to understand the new requirements to make informed choices about their gear.
Improved Impact Tests
One of the main advances of the ECE22-06 is the increase in the number of impact test points. While the ECE22-05 standard only took into account five points on the helmet shell, the new standard allows tests on up to 18 different points, including tests on the chin guard for full-face helmets. This guarantees more coverage and complete protection for the helmet.
Different Impact Speeds
The standardization of impact tests at multiple speeds is also a key aspect of the standard. Where ECE22-05 was limited to a single impact speed of 7.5 m/s, the ECE22-06 standard requires tests at 6, 7.5, and 8.2 m/s. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the helmet’s capacity to protect in accidents of varying intensity.
Resistance to Penetration
For the first time, a penetration resistance test of the screen is included in the standard. A projectile made of steel is fired against the helmet screen to check its resistance. If the screen breaks, it must not produce shards that could injure the wearer. This measure significantly increases safety against direct impacts.
Protection against Oblique Impacts
Another important point is the assessment of oblique impacts. Brain injuries related to impacts in a direction not perpendicular to the head are among the most severe. With advanced detection systems, the new standard accounts for such impacts, thereby allowing for better protection for the motorcyclist in the event of a fall.
Certification for Modular Helmets
The ECE22-06 also introduces specific requirements regarding modular helmets, classified under P/J certification. This means that a helmet can be legally used in both open and closed positions. The tests to obtain this certification are stricter, ensuring that the helmet is always adequate, whether in one position or the other.
Integration of Accessories and Communication Systems
With advancing technology, the ECE22-06 also requires that all communication systems or accessories integrated into the helmet be certified with the product. This means aftermarket parts that are not validated cannot be used on certified helmets. This requirement aims to ensure that any addition to the helmet meets established safety standards.
The ECE22-06 standard marks a real improvement over the old regulation, introducing more rigorous testing and higher validation criteria. For motorcyclists, this translates to increased safety and a better chance of protection in case of an accident. It is essential to familiarize oneself with these changes to make the best choices regarding motorcycle equipment.
The ECE22-06 standard, which came into effect on January 1, 2021, marks a significant advancement over its predecessor, ECE22-05, which ruled for nearly twenty years. This new regulation establishes stricter and more diverse criteria, ensuring better protection for motorcyclists. Indeed, it introduces more comprehensive tests, evaluating helmets on 18 contact points instead of only five, including varied impacts at different speeds and in various forms.
One notable addition of the ECE22-06 is the test for resistance to penetration of the screen, which aims to ensure optimal safety even in case of an accident. Oblique impacts, often responsible for severe brain injuries, are also given special attention thanks to advanced detection systems. This approach allows for a more detailed analysis of the effects of impacts on the head, including rotational accelerations.
Furthermore, the ECE22-06 standard considers the integration of communication systems, ensuring that these are certified with the helmet. This means that users will have to ensure that any accessory installed on their helmet also meets the safety requirements established by this standard.
In summary, ECE22-06 represents undeniable progress in the safety of motorcyclists, with more rigorous and varied tests aimed at improving protection in real accident scenarios. While helmets certified under ECE22-05 remain legally usable, motorcyclists are clearly advised to opt for helmets compliant with the new standard to benefit from increased safety on the road.
FAQ on the ECE22-06 Standard
