Helmets are more than just a fierce accessory for motorcycle riders. They’re an essential safety precaution for our dangerous transportation preference.

The highest protection and safety ratings should always be your priority when buying a motorcycle helmet. This essential piece of equipment will keep you safe and alive on the road.

When you’re a beginner motorcycle rider, the number of helmets on the market can be incredibly overwhelming. Laws and rules around helmets in the United States further complicate the issue, because each state has its own code.

Keep reading for all the answers you need to select the safest, highest quality motorcycle helmet. This guide will explore laws around helmet usage, how to choose the safest helmet, and the best full face motorcycle helmets.

Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines Around Motorcycle Helmets

No federal law requires the use of helmets for motorcycle riders, meaning that each state has its own code. Click here to learn the laws in your state. Although not every state has motorcycle helmet legislation, a helmet is a non-negotiable part of your ride.

Wearing a helmet while on a motorcycle reduces the chance of death by 42% and the risk of head injuries by 69%. These statistics are a stark reminder of the stakes that risk-taking or negligence can cause. Please always wear a helmet when you ride!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration relies on self-certification by manufacturers, but they test pull unsafe helmets yearly. Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back to verify a helmet meets NHTSA FMVSS 218.

The Best Helmets for Motorcycle Safety

For helmet type, we strongly recommend choosing a full face option. Full face helmets are ideal for rider safety, and frankly, we think they’re the best looking motorcycle helmets on the market. Every helmet reduces the risk of head injury or death. However, full face helmets provide nearly 50% more coverage and safety.

Not only are full face helmets the safest choice, but they also provide other perks. These helmets are far better at sound suppression than any other option on the market. They’ll stay in place during your ride, and they absorb and disperse impact quite effectively. High quality full face helmets will also ventilate and circulate air to keep you comfortable.

Buying your first motorcycle helmet can be overwhelming, but we’re here to provide support. Our recommendations for the best beginner motorcycle helmets are the same as our recommendations for veteran riders:

  • Choose a highly rated helmet from a reputable brand, like Arai, Bell, HJC, Scorpion, Shark, or Shoei.
  • Ask a veteran rider or salesperson to help you find the right helmet fit.
  • The helmet should be snug like a comfortable baseball cap, but not squeezing or pinching.
  • Wear it for a while to check for visibility, comfort, and any headaches or marks after wearing.

Lastly, whether you’re new to motorcycles or not, helmet maintenance is important. The visor on a full face helmet provides an unobstructed view of the road. However, this view will only be as clear as your helmet is clean.

Inspect your helmet regularly for grime, debris, or damage. Clean it gently and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use.

To learn about the best rated motorcycle helmets for those on a budget, click here.

A man next to a motorcycle wearing a heavy jacket, gloves, and a tinted motorcycle helmet.

More Tips for Safe Riding

Motorcycle riding is a blast. When you’re putting thousands of miles on your bike, following safe riding recommendations are vital:

  1. Wear the proper gear
  2. Make regular maintenance checks
  3. Stay visible to other drivers
  4. Ride the right motorcycle

Lastly, while this post focuses on safety gear, maintenance and safe storage are crucial, too. Keep your bike in its best condition with Let’s Roll Store’s premium motorcycle dolly and lifts.

Our small footprint, USA-made products are a 1-person, 2-step, 3-min operation. No straps, no tie-downs, no additional hidden fee for repair kits, no Velcro. No hydraulic system, which means no leaks, stains, or clean-up. Bike Original Zero-scuff™ 4” urethane wheel design.

Check Out Our Motorcycle Accessories Today!

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