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In this post, we are going to talk about the ECE 22.06 homologation. This new homologation comes into force as of July, 2022 in Europe. From that moment on, all motorcycle helmets sold and manufactured must be homologated to this new standard. Should I change my helmet? We'll tell you about it below.

In this post, we are going to talk about the ECE 22.06 homologation. This 22.06 homologation comes into force as of July 1, 2022 in Europe. From that moment on, all motorcycle helmets sold and manufactured must be homologated to this new standard.

But there are several questions: should I change my helmet if it is homologated with the old ECE 22.05 standard? What are the differences between the two homologations? We’ll tell you about it below.

Differences between the ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 homologation

As we said, the new ECE 22.06 homologation will be mandatory for all motorcycle helmets manufactured in 2022. This new standard will coexist with the current 22.05. That is, if your helmet is earlier than that year, you can ride with it without any problem.

The differences between the two homologations focus on the endurance tests of the new 22.06 homologation: now there are many more tests and, above all, they are more demanding.

New 22.06 homologation, more demanding tests

This new ECE 22.06 homologation consists of several endurance tests.

The big difference between the two homologations is the impact points. With homologation 22.05, 6 points of impact were established on the shell, while, note, with homologation 22.06 there are 12 more points. That is, much more demanding.

Previously, with homologation 22.05, an impact test was carried out at a speed of 7.5 m/s from a height of 3 metres.

In the new homologation, there are 3 impact tests at different speeds (i.e., at different heights), to simulate more impact conditions in different contexts:

The shell is impacted with a weight from a height of 4 meters at a speed of 8.2 m/s, but also at a speed of 6 m/s. But there are more differences, the screen is also tested for impacts and its fog resistance.

However, another major difference between the two homologations is the rotational impact test. Now an impact is simulated in a rotational manner, one of the most demanding tests so far.

Differences to the 22.05 homologation.

Let’s review more differences:

• The year of production of the helmet will be visible
• Sizes and measurements will be unified in centimetres
• Anti-fog visors and sheets must be approved
• Tinted visors: the light transmission limit drops to > 35% instead of > 50% (the colour of the Lexan smoke material must be modified).
• The visors will be subjected to a high-speed test (60 m/s with a 6 mm sphere, eye areas)
• The visors must be homologated and qualified; optical tests and light transfer > 20% (currently we are between 14% and 18%, the colour of the Lexan smoke material will be modified)
• Conditioning: changes only for the cold, which changes to -10°C instead of -20°C; solvent test removed.
• P/J helmets: the tests must be carried out both with the chin bars closed and open, and/or with and without the chin bar (red lock control button).
• Helmets with an intercom system and/or other devices: tests must be carried out both with the helmet “prepared” and with the device installed in the helmet.
• Dynamic test of the chin bar with traction towards the back of the shell
• Helmet roll test including from front to back.

How are the motorcycle helmet resistance tests performed?

This series of homologation tests is called HEIC (Head Injury Criterion). The impact is calculated via acceleration, force and duration. And data is extracted from that calculation. With homologation 22.05 it is 2400, while in 22.06 it is much more demanding: 2880.

Basically, a dummy head (like crash test dummies), is equipped with a motorcycle helmet. This helmet has different accelerometers inside that analyse the maximum acceleration to calculate the damage suffered by the dummy in case of an accident.

These tests are for absorption and retention of the motorcycle helmet in the event of an accident. Likewise, the tests are similar to demand maximum safety for the motorcycle helmet screen.

Finally, it should be clarified that the tests are slightly different taking into account the type of helmet: jet, modular and full-face.

Motorcycle helmet accessories must be homologated

One of the points that users may not like too much is that the accessories we want to install in the motorcycle helmet (cameras, intercoms, hands-free), must be tested with the homologation. That is the theory on paper, without actually knowing what kind of application this point will have.

Should I change my motorcycle helmet if it has 22.05 homologation?

No. The new ECE 22.06 regulation affects motorcycle helmets manufactured and marketed in the European Union as of June 03, 2022. From that moment, all tests will be carried out according to standard 22.06 that becomes mandatory.

All helmets manufactured as of 2023 must be homologated with the new regulations. So no, it is not necessary to change your helmet if it is homologated with the ECE 22.05 as the two standards will coexist a few more years.

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