What are the Different Types of Helmets?

Full-face, modular and open-face helmets are some of the most popular types available in India. While wearing a helmet may feel like a minor precaution, in major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, millions of riders are fined every year for riding without one.

More importantly, the World Health Organisation states that proper helmet use can reduce the risk of death in a crash by over 6 times and lower the risk of brain injury by up to 74%.

Thus, read on to understand the different types of helmets available in India, along with their advantages and drawbacks.

What are the Different Types of Helmets?

If you are navigating the daily grind of city traffic on a 160 cc scooter or trekking on a mountain with a sports bike such as the Triumph Tiger 800, your helmet is the most critical piece of gear you own.

With overwhelming choices available in the market that come with unique styles, shapes and safety ratings, it is difficult to identify which one fits your lifestyle the most.

Here is a list of different types of motorcycle helmets suitable for everything from high-speed bikes to lightweight scooties. In this section, you will also find the pros and cons of each type to make an informed decision:

Full-Face Helmets

If you are looking for absolute safety, a full-face helmet is the gold standard. This type of bike helmet covers the entire head, which includes the skull, jaw and chin of the rider, a common impact zone in accidents. These also offer protection from debris, wind, dust and impact.

Full-face helmets are best for high-speed riding, track day competitions as well as mountain touring.

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Pros:

1. Full face helmets reduce noise and risk of facial injury.

2. These provide superior weather protection.

3. Among all helmet types, these offer the highest safety ratings.

Cons

1. The full coverage can feel claustrophobic for some riders.

2. During slow-moving traffic, less airflow might make riders uncomfortable

Modular (Flip-Up) Helmets

Modular or flip-up helmets scream convenience when it comes to open-face helmet models. These look similar to full-face helmets, but the hinge allows the chin bar to flip up.

It essentially turns it into an open-face helmet when a rider stops at a signal, allowing the rider to cool off without removing the helmet frequently. It is recommended to wear the helmet with the chin bar down for maximum safety. 

Modular helmets are best for daily commuters and delivery partners who need to talk on the phone without removing the lid of their helmets.

Pros:

1. It is easier to put on for riders with glasses.

2. It can be changed to a full-face helmet anytime.

3. This type of helmet offers flexibility to flip up, so riders do not feel suffocated during humid weather.

4.  It allows riders to communicate easily without removing the helmet frequently.

Cons:

1. These are slightly heavier due to the hinge mechanism.

2.  It is not as secure as a full-face helmet.

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Open-Face (3/4) Helmets

Open-face helmets are the best choice for daily city commuters who use scooters and city bikes. These cover the top, back and sides of your head, leaving the face open.

This type of helmet has a visor for eye protection. So, riders have better visibility and airflow. Although they offer a vintage aesthetic popular with cruiser and cafe racer riders, these lack chin protection.

Open-face helmets are best for low-speed cruising around the narrow streets and for scooter riders.

Pros:

1. It offers proper visibility and convenient airflow.

2. The lightweight nature of such helmets makes them easy to carry.

Cons:

1. These do not protect the chin and face.

2. Riders are also more exposed to wind, insects and rain.

Half Face Helmets

If your target is to get the most minimalist helmet that you can use for short, low-speed trips within the city, you can choose half-face helmets. These only cover the top of the head from the forehead to the crown, leaving out the neck, face and ears.

This helmet is often associated with the classic biker look and styling since it offers the bare minimum of coverage required by law in most regions.

Half-face helmets are best for short summer cruises, custom choppers and riders who prioritise maximum freedom.

Pros:

1. These helmets are extremely lightweight.

2. It allows natural airflow while riding.

Cons:

1. They offer minimal protection.

2. Apart from covering the area from the forehead to the crown, they do not protect the skull, ears or face.

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Smart Helmets

Smart helmets are an evolved version of traditional full-face or modular designs. These types of helmets come with GPS navigation, built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and sometimes rear-view cameras projected onto the visor.

All you need to do is make sure the smart helmet is ISI or BIS-approved.

Smart helmets are best for tech-savvy commuters and long-distance travellers in need of GPS navigation and communication.

Pros:

1. These helmets offer seamless technology integration without the need for external add-ons.

2. They support voice-activated navigation and alerts.

3. Rear-view cameras in these helmets help improve the rider’s situational awareness.

Cons:

1. They are significantly more expensive than other helmet types.

2. Frequent charging is required.

3. They may not be suitable for inexperienced riders.

4. The electronic components also add extra weight to the helmet.

Off-Road Helmets

Particularly built for motocross racing and dirt-trails, off-road helmets feature an extended chin bar, wide eye ports and a large sun peak. These are perfect for rugged use and high ventilation, but not for highway or urban riding.

Dual-sport versions add a face shield, allowing riders to shift from dirt-trail to highway ride mode comfortably. Off-road helmets are best for motocross, trail riding and adventure touring.

Pros:

1. These helmets offer excellent ventilation and are lightweight.

2. Sun peaks help reduce glare.

3. The extended chin area allows riders to breathe comfortably.

Cons:

1. Since there is no visor, the riders need to wear goggles separately.

2. These helmets are also not suitable for highway or regular city riding.

Dual-Sport Helmets

Dual-sport helmets combine features of both a full-face helmet and an off-road helmet. Ideal for adventure bikers, this type of helmet has an extended chin, a larger visor opening and a sun peak.

Furthermore, these helmets offer better ventilation compared to regular full-face helmets.

Dual-sport helmets are the best for adventure riders and for those who constantly switch between paved highways and dirt trails.

Pros

1. These helmets are highly versatile.

2. They offer better aerodynamics than other helmets.

Cons

1. They can cause neck strain during long highway rides.

2. Additionally, they tend to be noisy and bulky.

Apart from the above-mentioned helmets, mountain bike and road bike helmets are designed differently from motorised helmets. They are lightweight, highly ventilated and built to absorb impact from falls, making them suitable for cycling-specific safety needs.

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Why is Wearing the Right Helmet Important?

Legal Compliance

As per Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, anyone aged above 4 years must wear a BIS-compliant protective helmet while riding or driving a motorcycle in any public place. The gear needs to have a premium quality that ensures maximum protection for the wearers.

If anyone is caught not wearing one, as per Section 194D, a fine of ₹1000 will apply to the offender. In some cases, if an offender is caught for a repetitive offence, the traffic authority can confiscate or suspend the driving licence for three months. 

Safety

Although the legal mandate encouraged riders to use helmets, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways observed that many low-cost helmets sold at traffic signals and roadside stalls lacked basic safety standards.

Recognising the serious risk this posed, the Department of Consumer Affairs, along with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), made it mandatory in 2021 for all riders in India to use helmets certified under IS 4151:2015.

How to Choose the Right Helmet for You?

Finding the right types of helmets is not only about the category, but it is also about the fit and quality. So, check the following pointers before choosing a helmet for yourself:

1. Safety Ratings: Look for a high-quality helmet with 3 layers: a hard plastic outer shell with a thickness of 22 to 25 mm, a protective foam layer inside and comfortable padding. Also, check that the helmet has BIS or ISI certifications.

2. Ventilation and Weather: Check the weather conditions and the ventilation of the helmet to ensure a comfortable ride.

3. Weight: The average weight of a helmet has to be between 1,400g and 1,800g.

4. Proper Fit: Among the different helmet types, some helmets fit long oval heads better, while others are designed for round heads. It is best to check after wearing it for at least 5 to 10 minutes. If a helmet feels heavy and causes a headache, it is not ideal for you.

5. Two-Finger Rule: The chin strap of the helmet should be snug. Ensure that you can fit two fingers between the strap and your chin. If it does not fit properly, the helmet could fly off during an impact.

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Final Thought

When we think of different types of helmets for bikes, we are dealing with headgear designed to handle high-velocity impacts. Therefore, the primary concern is whether it can protect against friction, direct force and sliding on pavement.

It is highly recommended not to buy a used helmet since its internal foam might be compromised. Always choose BIS or ISI-approved helmets to stay traffic compliant and safe while on the road.

Besides helmets, motor insurance is another legal mandate while riding in India. Buy comprehensive two-wheeler insurance online from Bajaj General Insurance to cover both third-party liabilities and the insured bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my helmet?

Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 3 to 5 years. Even if the helmet seems like it is in good condition, the glues, resins, and foam inside the helmet can degrade over time due to sweat, UV rays, and hair oils.

What kind of helmets are safer?

Depending on the quality, the safety differs. It is important to check whether the helmet has ISI approval. Usually, expensive helmets offer better ventilation, lighter materials, more comfortable liners and better aerodynamics, but the basic impact protection is often similar.

Can I use a bicycle helmet for a slow scooter?

No, you cannot. Bicycle helmets cannot withstand the speeds or the friction of a motorised vehicle during an accident. Therefore, you must always use a BIS-certified motorcycle or scooter helmet when riding anything with an engine.

Why do off-road helmets have such big visors?

Off-road helmets feature large peaks that help block the sun during steep climbs and descents. More importantly, these visors protect the rider’s face from dirt, mud and rocks thrown up by bikes riding ahead.

Do I need to replace my helmet if I drop it on the floor?

Generally, a small drop from waist height onto a flat surface will not ruin a motorcycle helmet since there is no weight inside it to compress the foam.

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