France is preparing to change its regulations to make motorcycle helmets even more resistant. The products that will be on the market from summer must be even more resistant. What does this change for users?
French motorcycle helmet legislation is changing from July. Leaving the old standard ECE 22.05, in force for more than 15 years to certify the validity of safety equipment for two-wheelers, France switches to ECE 22.6.
Ever more resistant helmets
What does that mean specifically? In a few months, manufacturers will no longer have their devices certified and therefore will not be able to sell them on the French market if they do not comply with a certain number of new regulations.
Motorcycle helmets must therefore gain resistance to impacts. The tests are carried out with anvils projected all over the helmet, at different speeds and from different angles. The same observation for the visors, which must pass the test of the steel ball projected at 130 mph without cracking, chipping or deforming, CNEWS reports.
The old helmets remain valid
This new standard, more restrictive for manufacturers, should increase the score slightly. But manufacturers are also pleased that some low-cost products are “out of the running”.
But if you’re a biker, you don’t have to rush to the store from July 1st. Your current equipment, provided it is ECE 22.05 certified, remains valid for use on French roads. The government hopes to stop selling older generation headsets by January 2024.