ECE Certified Motorcycle Helmets

When it comes to motorcycle helmets, ECE certified helmets have long been the gold standard across Europe and beyond. Now updated to the more rigorous ECE 22.06, this safety benchmark means your lid has passed impact tests, chin strap strength checks, and even visor scrutiny. Basically, if it’s ECE-rated, it’s built to keep your brain bucket battle-ready.

ECE vs DOT Certifications

DOT certification is the base standard for street helmets sold in the USA. While their testing leads to helmets that will perform to a high level in a crash, the ECE standards are generally viewed as more stringent and more accurate when it comes to real-world crash conditions, like rotational impact forces.

DOT primarily relies on a self-certification process by manufacturers. This means manufacturers test their own helmets and label them as DOT compliant. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts random compliance checks and can issue recalls if helmets fail. ECE, on the other hand, requires independent, third-party testing before helmets can be sold.

Shopping for the World's Safest Motorcycle Helmets

At RevZilla, we take your safety seriously. Our gear geeks eat helmet spec sheets for breakfast, and we're proud to offer one of the widest selections of ECE-rated motorcycle helmets anywhere online. Whether you're carving canyons or commuting in the city, our curated lineup includes top brands like Shoei, Arai, AGV, and beyond—each tested to meet or exceed ECE standards. Because when you're geared up right, the road feels a whole lot more fun (and safe).

ECE Rated Motorcycle Helmet FAQ's

What does ECE stand for?
ECE stands for "Economic Commission for Europe." The ECE 22.06 rating is the safety standard used by over 50 countries, primarily in Europe. It's a very rigorous test that's becoming more and more common to see on helmets sold here in the United States, alongside the standard DOT rating.

What's the difference between DOT and ECE?
The biggest difference is the testing process. The DOT standard is a "self-certified" system, where manufacturers attest that their helmets pass. The ECE standard requires batch testing, where helmets are pulled from a production run and sent to an independent lab for testing before they can be sold. Learn more about helmet safety ratings here.

Is ECE 22.06 better than DOT?
Many experts consider the new ECE 22.06 standard to be one of the most comprehensive tests in the world. It tests at different speeds, includes rotational impact tests (measuring twist forces), and even tests accessories like sun visors. It's a very, very tough standard to pass.

Is an ECE-rated helmet legal in the US?
This is the important part: to be "street legal" in the US, a helmet must have a DOT sticker. The good news is that almost every helmet sold in the US that is ECE-certified is also DOT-certified. You'll just see both stickers on the back.

What does the new "22.06" mean?
The "06" is the latest, most modern version of the ECE standard, which replaced the older 22.05. The 22.06 test is much tougher, adding more impact points, a low-speed impact test, and a new test for rotational forces, which are a major cause of brain injuries. It's a big step up in safety.