I dropped my helmet on the ground, what should I do?

Come on, admit it, it’s happened to you… Your motorcycle helmet falls from seat height. Balanced precariously on the seat or fuel tank, a false move, a gust of wind, and bam… The helmet hits the ground!

A good dose of swearing follows, along with a dose of regret and then doubt: should I replace my helmet because of this little scratch or perhaps even when no damage is visible on the outer shell? We answer this question in this article.

My helmet fell on the ground, what should I do?

Before discussing “what to do,” let’s talk a bit about the anatomy of your helmet so you can clearly understand which parts are potentially damaged by the fall. Here are the main components affected when your motorcycle helmet falls.

The only component whose condition you can objectively assess is the outer shell, but unfortunately, you will not be able to check the integrity of the inner shell or EPS liner. The problem is that this inner shell can only absorb one impact! It is made of expanded polystyrene, which compresses during an impact. Once an impact has been absorbed by compression, the EPS cannot absorb another impact, which is why it is best to ask the right questions when you drop your helmet.

So, once you have regained your composure, you will need to perform the most objective self-assessment possible by first analyzing the facts to understand the consequences: did the helmet fall on the asphalt flat and from seat height? In most cases, from a height of one meter, the damage will only affect the surface of the helmet. You will probably notice that the clear coat and paint are damaged.

If no deformation is visible (even minor), it is highly likely that the EPS liner is intact and can still do its job of protecting you. And if your helmet has a polycarbonate outer shell, you can even reassure yourself a little more, as the plastic it is made of has a naturally higher level of flexibility than a fiber shell. As a result, it is less likely to suffer permanent deformation at such a low impact speed.

However, if your helmet fell from the height of your rearview mirror or fell on a hard object such as a rock or the edge of a sidewalk, you will need to consider an inspection that goes a little further than your optimistic self-assessment. So read on!

Getting your dropped helmet inspected, what are your options?

After-sales service

First, you can contact the after-sales service of your helmet brand. Some brands do offer to assess the condition of your helmet if it was purchased less than 5 years ago or if its manufacture date is no more than 7 years ago. The best way to find out what the after-sales service can do is to go to your dealer, as they will be the one to contact them. Shoei, for example, is known for offering free inspections (shipping costs are at your expense, however), but this is not the case for all brands.

A specialized company

If your helmet brand does not offer inspections, there is a solution across the Channel. You can now send your helmet to the “Helmet Inspection Company,” an English company that now offers a service for just £39.99, or about 45 euros. Using a laser that creates a 3D holographic image of the helmet from several inspection points, they are able to reveal potential damage and defects on the outer shell that may not be visible to the naked eye.

The Helmet Inspection Company©

Unfortunately, this service is not yet available in France, but maybe one day! You will therefore need to pay the shipping costs in addition to the €45. It is an expense, certainly, but less than replacing a helmet that didn’t need to be replaced, and at least, no more doubts about whether you can reuse your helmet!

The visor and other accessories damaged by the fall

With a little “luck,” your helmet may have fallen directly on the visor, and only on the visor. You will therefore probably end up with scratches. Whether they are in your field of vision or not, don’t think twice and replace it! Yes, the visor is a protective accessory in its own right, so you need to ensure its integrity. Every brand offers visors sold individually; you will find what you are looking for on iCasque.com.

And if a spoiler or the visor mounting system was damaged during the fall, it’s the same story, replace it! The principle is to ride with a helmet in the best possible condition. After all, it is valuable what you entrust to it! You should therefore be able to easily find the spare parts that correspond to your model.

A quick reminder

To avoid all these questions and other doubts, well, don’t drop your helmet! Great advice, you’ll say, but ultimately simple to follow: either place your helmet on your rearview mirror if you can (you can even pass it through the opening of your visor), or place it on the ground on your gloves!

By following this simple advice, you will avoid a lot of hassle, so always take the time to make sure your helmet does not risk a bad fall!

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