TestedHelmets

When to replace a bike helmet

Replace a bike helmet after any crash or hard hit where your head struck something, even if it looks fine. The foam inside crushes to absorb one impact and won't protect you the same way again. For age, follow the maker's advice. If the maker gives none, CPSC says replacing it within 5 to 10 years of purchase may be prudent.

This guide is based on CPSC's helmet guidance and the federal bike helmet standard.

After a crash, even with no visible damage

CPSC calls bike helmets single-impact helmets. The foam crushes to absorb the energy of one fall and won't protect you from another. You must replace the helmet after one, even if you can't see any damage. Damage to the foam can hide under an intact shell.

The federal standard backs this up. Every bike helmet sold in the US must carry a warning that an impact can damage it in ways you can't see, and that a helmet that has taken a hit should go back to the manufacturer for inspection or be destroyed and replaced.

How old is too old?

No law sets an expiration date. CPSC's 5 to 10 year suggestion depends on how much you used the helmet, how you cared for it and where you stored it. It gives two reasons to replace an old helmet: materials break down over time, and newer designs come along.

Some makers and standards groups suggest a shorter span. Bell has recommended 3 years, and the Snell Memorial Foundation, which writes helmet standards, suggests 5. Your helmet's manual has the maker's own advice.

To find your helmet's age, look for the label inside. The federal standard requires it to show the month and year the helmet was made.

Signs of wear

CPSC lists these as reasons to replace a helmet:

Also replace it if the buckle won't latch firmly, or if the helmet has touched solvents or harsh cleaners. The federal standard requires a warning that common substances can damage a helmet without any visible sign. Clean it with mild soap and water.

Older tested models may have newer versions

If you chose your helmet from Virginia Tech's ratings, check when that model was tested. Of the 310 helmets in our copy of the ratings, 138 were tested in 2021 or earlier, and the oldest test dates from 2018. Brands update models often, and a newer version can change the shell and foam, so an old score may not describe the helmet in the shop today. Each helmet page shows its test year.

Shopping for a replacement

Start with the helmets that scored well in your riding style, then run the fit check.

Common questions

What if I just dropped my helmet?

It depends on what happened. After a crash with your head inside, replace it. For an empty helmet that fell off a shelf or a bike seat, inspect it and follow the maker's advice. Replace it if you find a cracked shell, dented or crushed foam, or a damaged buckle or strap. If you are not sure, the warning label the federal standard requires says a helmet that has taken a hit should go back to the maker for inspection.

Sources and further reading