What should I do with my old motorcycle helmet?

What to do with old riding helmets?

Helmets are made of a mixture of materials that aren't easily separated, and thus will likely get discarded outright if you throw them in your recycling bin. In other words, you can save time by simply binning it yourself from the start.

How long is an unused motorcycle helmet good for?

Helmet manufacturers recommend that you replace your helmet 3 to 5 years from the 'date of manufacture'. Helmet replacement is also endorsed by the Snell Memorial Foundation which recommends that “motorcycle helmets be replaced after five (5) years of first use, or less if the manufacturer so recommends.”

Do motorcycle helmets actually expire?

Helmets have a limited lifespan because the resin and other materials used in the manufacturing process over time can be effected by your body fluids, hair oils, ultraviolet light and normal wear and tear. It is prudent advice to replace your helmet 5 years after purchase or 7 years after the production date.

Do motorcycle helmets degrade over time?

You should always make sure you have a reliable safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, but these products don't last forever. Helmets will degrade over time due to various causes. Finding the right time to replace your helmet all depends on how you store it, how often you use it, and the quality of the helmet itself.

Outdated, Dangerous and Dead : When to Replace Motorcycle Gear

How often should you buy a motorcycle helmet?

Crashes aside, many bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every three to five years.

When should you throw out your bike helmet?

The government testing body in the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recommends replacing a bicycle helmet every five to 10 years. The Snell Memorial Foundation, which also certifies helmets for safety, states a firm five years.

Where should I keep my helmet at home?

Keep it away from heat and moisture

Like we said earlier, the best place to keep your helmet is high up from the ground, possibly on top of a cabinet, or hanging by a hook.

Do helmets do anything?

Helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries caused by motorcycle accidents.

Do unused helmets expire?

There is a common "fact" out there that you should replace a helmet after 5 years, regardless of use or crashes as there is concern that the crush properties of the foam may have changed (e.g., hardening) which could provide less protection.

Do riding helmets expire?

It would be great if riding helmets lasted as long as you had them. Especially when you spend $400 – $700.00 on them. But all riding helmets have an expiration date. And the main consensus from helmet manufactures is your helmet will last about 5 years from the time you first put it on your head.

Can you drop a motorcycle helmet?

"Helmets are one-use items, but they are quite durable otherwise, at least the Snell ones we certify". Frequent dropping or spiking a helmet on the ground, or other hard surfaces will eventually degrade the helmet's performance. But a few drops is okay.

Can you sell second hand motorbike helmets?

Whilst a helmet may look in good condition if it is damaged it may offer no protection in the event of an accident. For this reason we recommend you do not sell second- hand crash helmets, visors and other safety helmets unless you can personally verify their history.

How do you dispose of safety helmets?

If the helmet carries a recycling symbol with a number inside it, contact your local recycling agency to ask if they accept that type of plastic for recycling. Recycle in your curbside recycling bin or at a recycling center, if possible. If not, dispose of the helmet in your regular trash.

Is it safe to use an old motorcycle helmet?

As well as damage to the EPS lining, the outer shell of the helmet could also be compromised. Microfractures that you might not be able to see could form in the shell of the helmet once it is dropped or crashed in, this will significantly weaken the structure.

How should I store my bike helmet?

Store your helmet in a cool, dry place. Don't expose it to chemicals: The foam and the plastic shell on a helmet can be damaged by certain cleaners. Cleaning a helmet with harsh chemicals, such as ammonia or bleach, and even decorating it with paint, can potentially degrade the materials and possibly its performance.

Do bike helmets deteriorate?

It's often recommended that a helmet worn frequently should be replaced every 3 years or so. The reason is that the foam degrades due to sun, heat, salty sweat and other environmental factors, added to the usual knocks of regular cycling activity.

Are MIPS helmets worth it?

The results of the study showed that the MIPS and SPIN helmets were more successful in reducing the risk of brain trauma and injuries by 42% and 54% respectively. Another study was published in May 2021 to determine the effectiveness of new bike helmet technologies in mitigating brain injuries caused by oblique forces.

How often should you change your bike helmet?

“We make a general recommendation that you replace your helmet every three to five years depending on use and handling,” says senior brand manager Eric Richter.

How can you tell how old a motorcycle helmet is?

So, when you buy a new helmet, ask about the date of manufacture and if the retailer can't identify that date, find out by doing your own research. My next helmet will be an Arai too and now I know how to find out when it was manufactured. There's a label in the chin strap with a capital letter representing the year.

Should you replace a motorcycle helmet if you drop it?

If it fell with your head inside, regardless if involved in an accident or not, yes, you should replace it. If it fell on its own, but you notice a deformation on the EPS, or you see visible damage marks on the shell, you should replace it.

Do Harley Davidson helmets expire?

Yes, motorcycle helmets do have definite expiration dates and could become less effective in the event of an auto accident. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether or not it's time for a replacement.