Does Your Helmet Need Replacing? Here’s How to Tell

A Practical Guide to Helmet Lifespan, Crash Damage, and Choosing the Right Safety Tech

Whether you ride daily or just on the weekends, one piece of gear matters more than any other: your helmet. It’s your last line of defense in the event of a crash, and it only gets one shot at doing its job. But despite its importance, many cyclists wear helmets long past their prime—sometimes unknowingly putting themselves at risk.

If you’ve ever asked, “Is my helmet still good?” or “Do I really need one with MIPS?”—this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about helmet lifespan, how to inspect for damage, how new tech can help, and when it’s time to replace your lid.

Your helmet is designed to absorb energy during a crash by compressing an inner foam liner. This liner—typically made from EPS (expanded polystyrene)—doesn’t bounce back. Once it’s crushed, even slightly, that area won’t protect you in the next impact.

The result? A helmet that “looks okay” may no longer offer full protection. Worse, environmental wear—sun, sweat, temperature swings, and age—can degrade materials from the inside out. Combine this with the fact that helmet safety standards and designs have evolved, and there’s a compelling reason to check your helmet’s condition regularly.

Most helmet manufacturers, including MET, Bell, Giro, and Specialized, recommend replacing your helmet every 3 to 5 years , even if it hasn’t been in a crash. Here's why:

• Foam degradation: EPS becomes brittle and less effective with time and use.

• Sun and UV damage: Prolonged sun exposure weakens plastics and causes fading or cracking.

• Sweat, heat, and grime: Sweat salts and body oils can break down liners and adhesives.

• Evolving safety standards: New helmets often exceed older ones in safety and crash testing.

🔍 Self-Evaluation Checklist

• Helmet is 5+ years old

• Exposed to extreme heat (left in a car or garage)

• Visible fading, cracking , or discoloration

• Straps or retention system feel loose, frayed, or creaky

• Fit is compromised (wobbles or shifts when riding)

If you answered yes to any of these, you’re likely due for a replacement—even if the helmet hasn’t been in a crash.

Many cyclists wonder: Do I have to replace my helmet after every crash?

The answer is usually yes—if your helmet hit the ground , even if it wasn’t a major fall. Helmets are designed for one significant impact , and even a minor knock can compromise the foam liner’s ability to absorb energy in the future.

Key Inspection Points:

1. Shell Damage

   • Cracks, dents, or deep abrasions in the outer plastic shell

   • Separation between shell and foam

2. Foam Compression

   • Flat spots, cracks, or crumbling in the EPS foam

   • Any area where the liner looks crushed or warped

3. Retention and Fit System

   • Broken or loose dial adjusters

   • Torn or stretched chin straps

   • Missing buckles or pads

4. Helmet Fit

   • If the helmet no longer feels snug or shifts easily, it may be deformed internally.

Rule of Thumb:

If your helmet hit the ground , it likely did its job and should be retired—even if the damage isn’t visible.

Helmet design used to focus almost exclusively on linear impacts —straight-on crashes. But the majority of real-world bike accidents involve angled or rotational forces , which can cause the brain to twist inside the skull, leading to more severe trauma like concussions.

Enter: MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)

MIPS is a thin, low-friction slip-plane integrated into the helmet that allows the shell to rotate slightly upon impact. That tiny bit of movement can reduce the rotational forces transferred to your brain.

MIPS is now found in helmets across all price ranges—from entry-level commuter models to high-end road, gravel, and mountain helmets.

Other Rotational Protection Systems:

• 360° Turbine Technology – Leatt’s solution, using flexible discs to absorb energy and rotation

• WaveCel – Bontrager’s collapsible honeycomb structure that manages both impact and rotational energy

• Koroyd – Found in Smith helmets, it uses tubular structures that crush in a controlled way

• Spherical Technology – Developed by Giro in collaboration with MIPS, featuring a ball-and-socket design

Is MIPS Worth It?

Yes. Lab studies and real-world testing support that rotational impact protection systems—especially MIPS—can meaningfully reduce brain injury in angled crashes. These features are becoming the industry standard for a reason.

If you're commuting, training, or riding daily, your helmet is exposed to more wear than the average weekend rider. Sweat, grime, UV rays, and even environmental pollution can accelerate material breakdown—especially in warmer climates or if you store your gear in a hot car or garage.

Daily riders should consider inspecting their helmet at least every 6 months for signs of wear and degradation. You may find that your pads wear out faster, retention systems become loose, or foam begins to discolor or feel brittle. In these cases, even if you haven’t crashed, it’s smart to consider replacing your helmet closer to the 3-year mark instead of waiting a full five.

Also consider the cost-per-use : If you ride 150+ days per year, a $150 helmet comes out to $1 per ride after just a season. That’s a small price to pay for protecting your brain—especially when modern helmets are lighter, safer, and more comfortable than ever.

Finally, don’t forget to register your helmet with the manufacturer. Some brands (like MET or Leatt) offer crash replacement programs, giving you a discount on a new helmet if yours is damaged in a fall.

When it’s time to buy a new helmet, here’s how to choose the right one:

✅ Safety Certifications

Look for these labels to ensure it meets global safety standards:

• CPSC (U.S.)

• EN1078 (Europe)

• AS/NZS 2063 (Australia)
  Some helmets go beyond this with Virginia Tech ratings , an independent safety ranking system.

✅ Rotational Protection

Prefer models with:

• MIPS

• 360° Turbine (Leatt)

• WaveCel or similar systems

✅ Ventilation and Weight

• More vents = better airflow on hot rides

• Lighter weight (under 300g for road) reduces neck fatigue on long rides

✅ Fit and Retention

• Adjustable dial system

• Multiple pad thicknesses

• Snug, stable fit without pressure points

✅ Visibility

• Reflective accents or bright colors improve safety for commuting or early/late rides

• Built-in lights (like in Lumos) add extra safety in low light

✅ Compatibility

• Check for sunglass docking, ponytail-friendly designs, and mount options for lights or cameras

Ready to upgrade? Here's how to shop smart for your next helmet:

1. Safety Certification

Make sure the helmet meets standards such as:

• CPSC (U.S.)

• CE EN 1078 (Europe)

• ASTM F1447 (additional performance testing)
  These ensure a baseline of impact protection. Many helmets now exceed these minimums.

2. Rotational Impact Protection

Look for a label or mention of:

• MIPS

• WaveCel

• Koroyd

• SPIN
  This is a major leap forward in crash safety—don’t skip it.

3. Ventilation and Weight

If you ride in warm climates or do long rides:

• Look for generous venting (18+ vents for road helmets).

• Lightweight models (~250–300g) reduce neck strain.

4. Fit and Retention

A good helmet should:

• Sit level on your head (not tilted back).

• Touch snugly all around without pinching.

• Stay secure when you shake your head.
  Look for an adjustable dial system and multiple pad sizes.

5. Sunglasses and Accessory Compatibility

If you ride with glasses or lights:

• Some helmets have integrated sunglasses docks.

• Many MTB and commuter helmets offer mounts for GoPros or lights.

6. Visibility

For urban or night riders:

• Choose high-visibility colors like neon, white, or orange.

• Look for integrated reflective details or rear lights.

Featuring trusted safety-first brands with standout performance and protection

Each of these helmets combines modern protection systems—like MIPS or proprietary rotational technologies—with the comfort and ventilation you need for serious riding. Whether you're commuting, riding roads, or hitting the trails, these brands offer cutting-edge options tailored to your style.

Cyclists often delay replacing their helmets because they “feel fine.” But here are two real-world scenarios that highlight why that’s risky:

🎯 Clipped on a Commute

“I was commuting home when a car turned into the bike lane. I went over the bars and hit my head on the pavement. I felt okay afterward, but my helmet had a dent. I replaced it the next day. A few weeks later I saw a video explaining rotational impact—and realized I was lucky.” — Marcus, NYC commuter

🎯 Mountain Mishap

“On a weekend trail ride, I hit a root and flew into a tree. My Leatt helmet had scratches and a small crack near the back. No concussion, but I replaced it immediately. I won’t mess around with that stuff anymore.” — Ashley, trail rider in Colorado

The bottom line? Your helmet only gets one shot to protect your brain. Don’t ask it to take a second hit.

Once you’ve decided your helmet needs replacing, what should you do with the old one?

• Recycle where possible: Some local recycling programs accept helmets if you separate foam from plastic.

• Repurpose creatively: Turn it into a planter, Halloween prop, or workshop container.

• Don’t donate: Used helmets shouldn’t be passed on for safety reasons.

• Mark it “Not Safe” before discarding: So it won’t be accidentally picked up and reused.