Riders' Guide
When should you replace your helmet?
15 June 2026 · 3 min read · by the Speed World team
A helmet protects you by absorbing an impact once — the inner foam crushes to soak up energy. After that, its job is done, even if it still looks fine. Here's when to replace yours.
Replace it immediately if…
- You've had a crash or any real impact to the head — even with no visible crack.
- It fell hard onto a concrete floor from height (a knock off the seat is usually fine; a hard fall is not).
- The shell is cracked, or the inner foam is dented, loose or crumbling.
- The padding has gone slack so the helmet now moves around — a loose helmet won't protect you.
Replace it on age, too
Even a helmet that's never been dropped ages. Sweat, sun, heat and daily use slowly break down the foam and straps. As a rule of thumb, plan to replace a helmet you use regularly around every five years from the date you started wearing it.
Tip from the shop: Not sure if yours is still safe? Bring it in. We'll take an honest look and tell you straight — we won't push a new one on you if yours is fine.