Helmets & helmet standards
Your helmet should fit you properly and offer protection that complies with the Australian Helmet standards.
- Try the helmet on for size before you buy it and don’t purchase online unless you are sure it will fit correctly.
- Light coloured helmets are more visible to other vehicles day and night.
- Do not buy a second-hand helmet, as you don’t know how it has been treated, if it has been involved in a crash or if there is any damage (e.g. UV degradation).
- A helmet must be replaced if you are involved in a crash or if it has been dropped.
Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH)
Helmets range in price and construction. Try to ensure the helmet you choose offers the best protection, the best fit and is the most comfortable style for the price. The Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) website provides independent and consistent information on the levels of protection from injury provided by motorcycle helmets in a crash, as well as the comfort level of the helmets. CRASH is managed by a group of government and non-government agencies, along with the Australian Motorcycle Council.
Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH)
Approved standards for motorcycle helmets
The wearing of approved standard helmets for all type of motorcyclists and their pillion passengers, including moped riders, is compulsory in Australia. Extensive research shows the effectiveness of wearing approved motorcycle helmets in preventing or reducing the risk of serious or fatal injury in a motorcycle crash. Regulation 244 of the Road Traffic Code 2000 states that a motorcycle, including a moped, must not be ridden unless an approved standard or type of helmet is securely fitted and fastened to the head of the rider. Failure to comply can result in a $550 infringement along with 4 demerit points. Regulation 244 also stipulates that any other person who is riding or being carried on the motorcycle, including a moped, shall wear an approved protective helmet fitted securely on the head. The infringement penalty $550. The standards and types of helmets approved for use in Western Australia include:
- Australian Standard (AS) 1698:1988, Protective helmets for vehicle users.
- Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698: 2006, Protective helmets for vehicle users.
- United Nations' Regulation No.22 - Economic Commission for Europe (ECE 22.05): "Uniform provisions concerning the approval of protective helmets and their visors for drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds". Revision 4. Such helmets must have been imported into Australia (or manufactured here) before 3 January 2024.
- United Nations' Regulation No. 22 - Economic Commission for Europe (ECE 22.06): "Uniform provisions concerning the approval of protective helmets and their visors for drivers and passengers of motorcycle and mopeds" Revision 4 - Amendment 3.
To ensure that your protective helmet is compliant with the Western Australian legal standards and types, it must have a certifying label, mark, or compliance sticker. Look for the following:
For helmets that comply with ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06, the helmet must have a label displaying an international approval mark. Look for a label sewn into the chinstrap of the helmet.
The mark is in the form of a circle surrounding the letter ‘E’, followed by the distinguishing number of the country in which the testing and certification was approved. The number on the right of the ‘E’, therefore, may vary from one model of helmet to another (e.g. 2=France, 3=Italy etc). The number below the E symbol will vary as this relates to the production serial number.
Protective Gear and Clothing
MotoCAP
The Road Safety Commission contributes funding to the Australian testing and rating system for motorcycle protective gear and clothing, MotoCAP. Choose a jacket, pants and gloves with a high MotoCAP safety rating to increase your protection on the roads. Visit the MotoCAP website to see all current ratings.
Jackets
Choose a jacket with built-in shoulder, elbow and back protection that is abrasion and tear resistant. Jackets should fit comfortably when sitting on your motorcycle and completely cover your arms. Jackets are available in either leather or non-leather materials.
Eye Protection
Use the visor on your helmet to protect your eyes from debris when riding. If you have chosen to use an open-faced helmet, ensure you wear quality glasses or goggles that are compliant with Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698 or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 22 (ECE22.05) as amended. Keep your helmet visor or glasses/goggles clean and free of scratches. Use clear lenses for night riding.
Gloves
Choose a pair of gloves that fit securely around the wrist but are comfortable. Gloves should be reinforced, padded and offer protection for fingers and knuckles. Make sure your gloves allow you to improve your grip on the handle bars.
Boots
Your boots should offer protection to your feet, ankle and lower legs. Use boots that are light but also secure and reinforced for the best protection. Ensure the boots can fasten around the leg to prevent the boot from slipping off.
Pants
Riding pants should completely cover your legs. Choose pants that have built-in reinforcement that is abrasion and tear resistant to protect your hips and knees. Pants should be comfortable when you are in the riding position.
The Department of Transport's Good Gear Guide also provides advice on choosing riding gear that is both comfortable and designed to provide the best protection from injuries in the event of a crash.
Choosing the right motorcycle
Before you make a decision, follow these tips on how to choose the right motorcycle for you.
- Talk to experienced riders, chat to knowledgeable staff in showrooms and refer to motorcycle websites.
- Think about what sort of motorcycle will suit your needs, whether it’s for touring at weekends, everyday commuting, trips to the beach or a sports model.
- Be realistic about your size, weight, and strength, as you will need to be able to manoeuvre quickly, efficiently, and confidently.
- If upgrading to a more powerful bike after upgrading your licence, take time to practise or take a refresher course, as the handling is very different from smaller motorcycles.
Motorcycle safety technology:
Safety technology to look out for when choosing a motorcycle include:
- Combined braking systems, where the front and back brakes work together,
- Amplified braking systems (ABS)– comparable to braking assistance in cars,
- Rear wheel lift off protection – detects when the rear wheel has lifted off the surface of the road and removes the front brake temporarily,
- Brake by wire – improves ABS results,
- Electronic traction control – prevents rear wheel skids,
- Motorcycle stability control – electronically combines braking while cornering in emergencies,
- Anti-hop clutch system for smoother and more consistent acceleration.
Other simple measures can also be utilised, such as a system where the head and tail lights are hard wired to be on continuously, even during the day. A New Zealand study concluded that motorcycles with lights on during the day are easier to see than those without and are 27% less likely to be involved in a crash.
