Tips to Choose the Right Bike Helmet

You spend a considerable amount of time and money to buy your favourite bike. You leave no stone unturned to keep it in top condition. You must have purchased a comprehensive bike insurance plan to protect it from unforeseen adversities. But, what about the helmet that you will wear while riding your bike?

Undoubtedly, a helmet is the most important safety gear that you need to wear while riding a bike. In case of a road accident, it protects your head and brain from serious injuries. In the absence of a helmet, the rider’s head can suffer severe injuries which is preventable with a helmet. Hence, choosing the right bike helmet for yourself is as important as buying and maintaining your bike.

How to Choose a Bike Helmet?

When buying a new bike helmet for yourself, it’s not just the colour and graphics that you should look at. There are far more important things that you should consider, such as the helmet’s type, size, shape, and safety certifications.

Three Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Helmet

When buying a bike helmet, you should consider these three key points-

1. Safety Standards: The Indian Standard Institute (ISI) has been authorised by the Government of India to ensure standard compliance for industrial products since 1955. An ISI logo on the back of a helmet assures that it complies with respective quality standards which are necessary for bike riders in India. Therefore, while buying a helmet, you must check the ISI mark on its back.

In fact, if you’re caught riding a bike in India without wearing an ISI-certified helmet, you may get penalised by the traffic cops. As per the latest notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it will be mandatory from 1^st June 2021 for all two-wheeler owners to wear an ISI-marked helmet while riding their vehicles.

2. Comfort: Yes, proper safety and certification are the primary things you should look at while buying a helmet. However, that does not mean that you should ignore the comfort it is offering to you during the rides. A good bike helmet should be sturdy as well as comfortable on your head.

It should be able to provide you with proper ventilation and breathability. You should not feel suffocated while wearing your helmet. These things become even more crucial when you go for long rides or get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic during sultry summer days.

Also, check the helmet for noise it’s creating during rides. If a helmet is creating unnecessary high noise while you’re riding at high speeds, it can seriously affect your hearing capability.

3. Style: Lastly, you should pay attention to the styling factors, such as colour and graphics of a helmet, while buying it. You can ask the vendor to show you all colours and graphic patterns available in a specific type of helmet you have finalised for yourself. After all, you would want to stand out from the rest of the riders on the road.

Opt for the design which aligns with your clothing style and bike’s colour. You can either go with a helmet of the same colour as that of your bike, or you can also opt for a contrasting colour. Additionally, do consider the bike helmet price before buying one.

Pick the Right Bike Helmet Style

You should have the proper knowledge of the different types of helmets available in the market and what’s best for you. Basically, there are four types of helmets:

1. Open face helmets

These are among the most common and easily available helmets in the market. These are lightweight helmets that offer great ventilation. These helmets do not have a jawline and, hence, expose your face for proper visibility and ventilation. These helmets are hence, fit for short city rides but not recommended for high-speed rides.

2. Full-face helmets

These helmets cover the whole face of the riders and provide them with an added layer of protection. They also protect the jaws of the rider as they have an immovable jawline in front. These helmets are, therefore, fit for long highway rides where you need to ride your bike at high speeds.

3. Modular helmets

Modular helmets are a combination of half and full-face helmets. These helmets can be converted into full-face or half-face helmets as per the rider’s wish. These helmets are specially designed for city riders who occasionally go for high-way rides.

4. Motocross helmets

These are full-face helmets but with a different build and structure. Unlike a normal full-face helmet, these helmets are designed to be lightweight and offer more visibility and ventilation for the rider. These helmets are most suitable for riding in off-road conditions.

Choose a Helmet with Features

Helmets available in the market come with several features that increase safety and comfort. Here are a few elements to look for when buying one-

1. Visors: For blocking sun and rain
2. Ventilation: Go for helmets that have properly designed vents to keep your head cool
3. Integrated Lights: For riding in the early morning or late night hours, lights on the helmet are a great feature.
4. Adjustable Straps: They allow you to adjust the helmet's fit according to your comfort.
5. Detachable Liners: For easy cleaning and better hygiene of the helmet

Helmet Protection Technology

Certain advanced safety technologies in the helmet provide the rider with an added layer of protection. A few popular ones are-

1. MIPS: The Multi-directional Impact Protection System is an additional layer inside the helmet that gently shifts to protect the head and skull in case of a crash or accident.
2. WaveCel Technology: Considered more effective than MIPS, WaveCel is a cellular material that moves during an oblique impact after a crash, protecting the brain from serious trauma and reducing injury to the skull. 
3. SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside): This protection technology uses silicone pads inside the helmet to protect the head from injuries during an accident. Due to silicone’s ability to change shape, SPIN offers an all-rounded safety.
4. Dual-Density Foam: This absorbs the impact of a crash efficiently, mainly during high-speed crashes.

Just like two-wheeler insurance protects the bike and the owner, a helmet is a simple safety solution for the rider. Consider your requirements and road conditions before choosing a helmet to ensure you ride stress-free.

Find the Right Bike Helmet Size

Every individual has a different body structure. Just like a T-shirt, a bike helmet comes in different shapes and sizes. Majorly it’s available in three sizes – M, L, and XL – and three shapes – round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. It’s important to know the size and shape of your head and buy a helmet accordingly.

Wearing a wrong size helmet can do more harm than good. A loose helmet can fail to provide optimum protection to your head. In contrast, a tight helmet can put pressure on your head which can result in headache, dizziness, and compromised blood circulation.

When to Replace a Bike Helmet?

Bike helmets undergo wear and tear over time and should be replaced under the following circumstances-

1. After a Crash: Even if you luckily came out of a crash without any major injuries, chances are that the protection system of your helmet is damaged. Replace the helmet immediately after an impact, even if there is no visible scratch on it.
2. After 3-5 Years: The inner material of the helmet degrades over time, which is why it is advisable to replace a helmet every 3 to 5 years, especially if you use it regularly.
3. In Case of Visible Damages: If the helmet was damaged due to a fall, has cracks or dents, or the strap is worn out, it is time to replace it. 

How to Clean a Bike Helmet?

Regular cleaning is important to ensure the long life and hygiene of the helmet. Follow these simple tips to keep it  clean-

1. Wash the detachable liners with mild soap and water and dry them properly before reinserting.
2. Clean the helmet shell with a cloth and warm water. Avoid using chemicals and harsh cleansers as they could damage the material.
3. Allow the helmet to air dry after cleaning. Do not use direct heat or blowers, which could harm the material.
4. Check for damages or cracks during cleaning and replace the helmet if needed.

 FAQs

1. What is the price of bike helmets in India?

The price of bike helmets in India starts from INR 500 for basic designs and can go up to INR 5000 or more for premium helmets with advanced technology.

2. Which helmet standard is the best?

The ISI or Indian Standard Institute marked helmets, checked against government standards are the best quality ones.

3. Are expensive helmets worth it?

Expensive helmets offer better material, modern technology, and comfort appreciated by regular riders, making them worth their high price in the long run.

4. Do bike helmets expire?

Yes, the material used in bike helmets can degrade over time, which is why it is advised to replace the helmet after 3-5 years.

Conclusion

The helmet is the most important safety gear that you need to wear during a bike ride. Hence, be careful while buying a helmet for your bike. You must wear your helmet and other protective gear whenever you go out on a ride with your bike. This can not only save you from getting penalised but also protect you from any serious injury.  Apart from that, we at ICICI Lombard do recommend getting yourself motor insurance as well, to safeguard your vehicle from any damages!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.