THE NEW STANDARD’S TESTS POINTS OF IMPACT The previous ECE 22-05 indicated five points of anvil impact on the helmet (front, upper, rear, lateral and chin guard). The new standard adds several more. It essentially examines every point of the shell, with the total points of impact coming close to 18. LOW FREQUENCY IMPACT Impact absorption test, also at low speed. The test aims to verify that the helmet is structured to absorb the energy of an impact not only at high speeds. Technically, the impact is simulated and executed at 5, 7.5 and 8.2 metres/second (the ECE 22-05 only involved a test at one of these speeds). THE VISOR It must be able to resist the impact of a small stone at very high speeds (if it breaks, it must not shatter). The test involves “shooting” a 6 mm steel ball at more than 200 km/h. January 2021 July 2023 January 2024 TRANSITION - LA TIME LINE ROTATIONAL ACCELERATION A new and important test that provides indications as to any impact damage to lateral protrusions, which could cause the head to forcefully rotate. It is carried out using fake magnesium heads complete with grip and the support of a set of sensors (accelerometers). HELMET STABILITY In addition to tests to lift and remove the helmet frontally, the 22-06 adds the same test but from the back (reverse). The goal is to prevent the nape of the neck from being exposed, thus preventing damage to the neck. ACCESSORIES AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS The standard indicates that every accessory external to or inside the shell should be approved with the helmet. In other words, an aftermarket intercom must be indicated by the helmet manufacturer. This area is not yet 100% clear. THE EVOLUTION OF SPECIES From headgear in soft leather derived from the world of aviation, to the sophisticated full-face helmets we see today, motorcyclists have worn it all. This technical evolution began in the 1920s. Thirty years later, people started to use jet helmets, despite opposition by many world championship riders, who continued to prefer the classic, more lightweight “bowl”. The 70s brought development of the first full-face motorcycle helmet and an off-road helmet. The first flip-up helmet landed on the market at the beginning of the following decade. Then came the government’s realisation as to the importance of wearing a helmet to protect the head, something that became compulsory in Italy in 1986. From there, the helmet continued to evolve while European institutions simultaneously developed helmet tests and certified standards that all manufacturers would have to follow. The most important was the ECE 22-05 in 2002, which withstood the market for roughly 20 years. Now it’s time for the ECE 22-06.
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