When you’re shopping for a motorcycle helmet, one of the most important factors to consider is how much it will cost. The price of a helmet can vary depending on the type and brand of helmet, so it’s important to know what to look for when making your purchase. In this article, we will discuss the different factors that affect the cost of a motorcycle helmet, as well as some tips on how to find the best deal. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
States Requiring Helmets
There are currently 19 states, as well as the District of Columbia, that require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet when operating their vehicle. In these states, there are no exceptions to the rule- everyone must wear a helmet while riding. Not wearing a helmet in one of these states can result in a fine or even jail time.
The following states have mandatory motorcycle helmet laws:
Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
In addition to these states, there are also certain cities and counties within states that have their own motorcycle helmet laws. For example, in Florida, the city of Orlando requires all riders to wear a helmet, regardless of what the state law says. [1]
Types Of Helmets
There are several types of motorcycle helmets with different features and prices. The most common types are full-face, modular, open-face helmets, half, off-road and dual-sport helmets. [3]
Full Face Helmet
The most popular and safest type of motorcycle helmet is the full face helmet. These helmets cover your entire head, with a clear visor to protect your eyes. Full face helmets start at around $100, but can cost more depending on the features you want. For example, a full face helmet with a built-in Bluetooth system could cost $250 or more.
If you’re looking for the best protection possible, a full face helmet is the way to go. But if you’re on a budget, there are other options available that can still provide good protection.
Modular Helmet
The next most popular type of motorcycle helmet is the modular helmet. These helmets are also very versatile, as they can be used for both riding a motorcycle and for other activities, such as skiing or biking. Modular helmets typically cost between $200 and $300.
Open Face Helmet
The most basic type of motorcycle helmet is the open face helmet. These provide good protection for the top of your head, but they don’t cover your face at all. If you’re planning on doing any serious riding, or if you’re going to be riding in an area where there’s a chance of hitting bugs or debris, you’ll want to invest in a full-face helmet.
Half Helmet
The next type of motorcycle helmet is the half helmet. Half helmets only cover the top of your head and leave your face exposed. While they don’t offer as much protection as a full-face helmet, they are much cooler and more comfortable to wear in hot weather.
A good quality half helmet will cost you around $100. However, you can find cheaper ones for as little as $50 if you shop around.
Off-Road Helmet
Off-road motorcycle helmets are designed to offer a good amount of ventilation while still providing protection from roosts kicked up by other riders. They typically have less coverage than full-face helmets and weight around three pounds or less.
Dual-Sport Helmet
Dual-sport helmets are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer the best of both worlds for riders who enjoy both on and off-road riding. They typically have a visor to protect your eyes from the sun and debris, but also feature more vents than a full-face helmet to keep you cool when riding in hot weather. Prices for dual-sport helmets start at around $100 and can go up to $500 or more for high-end models.
What To Look For In A Motorcycle Helmet
Snell and Dot Approval
When looking for a motorcycle helmet, you’ll want to make sure that it has both Snell and DOT approval. [4] These are the two main safety standards for motorcycle helmets worldwide.
Snell is a nonprofit organization that tests and rates helmets for safety, while DOT is a government-run program.
DOT approval is required by law in the United States, so all motorcycle helmets sold here must meet their standards. Snell certification is voluntary, but it’s seen as the gold standard in helmet safety. So, if you see a helmet with both DOT and Snell approval, you know it’s been thoroughly tested and proven to be safe.
Snell-certified helmets often cost a bit more than DOT-only helmets, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind knowing that your helmet has passed the most rigorous safety tests.
New vs. Used Helmets
When it comes to choosing a motorcycle helmet, you have two main options: buying new or buying used. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.
Buying a new helmet has the obvious advantage of knowing that no one else has worn it before. You can be sure that it hasn’t been in any accidents and that it’s up to current safety standards. New helmets also usually come with a warranty in case anything goes wrong with them.
The downside of buying a new helmet is that they can be quite expensive. A high-quality new helmet can easily cost over $200. If you’re on a budget, this might not be an option for you.
Buying a used helmet is a great way to save money. You can often find helmets in good condition for half the price of a new one. However, there are some risks involved with buying used.
So, how much does a motorcycle helmet cost? It really depends on your individual circumstances.
Helmet Fit
When you’re looking for a motorcycle helmet, it’s important to find one that fits well. A good fit will be comfortable and won’t obstruct your vision. It’s also important to make sure that the helmet you choose meets safety standards.
There are a few ways to determine if a helmet is the right size for you. The first is to measure your head. You can do this by wrapping a tape measure around your head just above your eyebrows. Make sure the tape measure is level all the way around your head before taking a measurement. Once you have your head circumference, consult a sizing chart to find the corresponding helmet size.
Another way to determine if a motorcycle helmet is the right size is to try it on. When you put the helmet on, it should sit level on your head. The front of the helmet should not obscure your vision, and you should be able to comfortably see out of the visor. The straps should be tight enough that the helmet doesn’t move around on your head, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
Once you’ve found a motorcycle helmet that fits well, it’s important to make sure that it’s properly secured. Most helmets have a chin strap that fastens under your chin. Make sure the chin strap is snug but not too tight. You should also adjust the side straps so that they fit snugly around your ears.
How To Buy A Helmet
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when purchasing a motorcycle helmet.
Cost is certainly one important factor, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.
Size, style, and safety features are all important elements of choosing the right helmet for you.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best decision when buying a motorcycle helmet.
Cost: The cost of a motorcycle helmet can range from $50 to $500 or more.
The most important thing is to make sure you’re getting a helmet that’s DOT (Department of Transportation) certified.
You can find helmets at all different price points that will offer adequate protection, so don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money to get a good quality helmet.
Size: It’s important that your helmet fits snugly and comfortably.
The best way to determine what size helmet you need is to go to a local motorcycle shop and try on different sizes and styles until you find one that feels right.
Don’t worry about looks too much at this stage, just focus on finding a helmet that’s comfortable and the right size.
Style: Now that you’ve found a helmet that fits well and is in your price range, it’s time to start thinking about style.
Do you want a full face helmet or an open face helmet?
What color do you want?
Do you want any extra features like built-in Bluetooth or a sun visor?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to motorcycle helmets, so take your time and find one that suits your personality and style.
Safety Features: The most important safety feature of a motorcycle helmet is its ability to protect your head in the event of an accident.
All DOT certified helmets must meet certain safety standards, so you can be sure that any helmet you buy will offer a certain level of protection.
Beyond that, some helmets have additional safety features like an integrated sun visor or a quick release chin strap.
These are nice to have but not essential, so don’t let them be the deciding factor when choosing a helmet.
How Much Does A Motorcycle Helmet Cost
Cheapest Motorcycle Helmet
The cheapest motorcycle helmet that you can buy is going to cost around $30. This is the price for a basic, no-frills helmet that will do the job of protecting your head in case of an accident.
However, this type of helmet is not going to offer much in the way of features or comfort, so it’s not ideal for long rides. If you’re looking for a more comfortable and feature-rich helmet, you can expect to pay around $100 or more.
Good Motorcycle Helmet
A good quality motorcycle helmet can range anywhere from $100 to $300. If you want a really nice helmet, you could be looking at a price tag of $400 or more.
Expensive Motorcycle Helmet Cost
The most expensive motorcycle helmet on the market today costs upwards of $500. This price tag is for a high-end, top-of-the-line helmet that offers the best in safety and protection. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can find helmets for as little as $50. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for when it comes to motorcycle helmets. The cheaper options will not offer the same level of protection as the more expensive ones. When it comes to your safety, it’s worth investing in a good quality helmet.
Cheap vs. Expensive Motorcycle Helmets
The most important factor in choosing a motorcycle helmet is safety. A good quality helmet will protect your head in the event of an accident and could potentially save your life. However, not all helmets are created equal. The cost of a motorcycle helmet can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. So, what’s the difference between a cheap and an expensive motorcycle helmet?
The biggest difference between cheap and expensive motorcycle helmets is the materials used. Cheap helmets are usually made with lower quality materials that don’t provide as much protection in the event of an accident. Expensive helmets are made with high quality materials that offer superior protection. In addition, expensive helmets often have features that cheap helmets don’t, such as better ventilation and a more comfortable fit.
If you’re serious about riding a motorcycle, you should invest in a high quality helmet that will offer the best protection possible. However, if you’re on a budget, there are still some good options available. Just be sure to do your research and choose a helmet that will keep you safe on the road.
Are Expensive Motorcycle Helmets Worth the Cost?
It’s no secret that motorcycle helmets can be expensive. But are they worth the cost? Here’s a look at what you need to know about the cost of motorcycle helmets.
Motorcycle helmets are required by law in many states, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting a good one. A quality helmet can range in price from $200 to $500. But even the most expensive helmet is only going to cost a fraction of what it would cost to replace your brain.
In addition to protecting your head, a good motorcycle helmet can also help you stay cool in hot weather and keep your head warm in cold weather. It’s worth the investment to get a good quality helmet that will last you for years. [2]
The Advantages of Expensive Motorcycle Helmets
Some riders might balk at the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on a motorcycle helmet. However, there are several advantages to doing so. First and foremost, expensive motorcycle helmets are generally much safer than their cheaper counterparts. They’re made with better materials and construction, which means they offer better protection in the event of an accident.
Second, expensive helmets tend to be more comfortable than cheap ones. This is due to things like better padding and ventilation, which can make a big difference on long rides. And finally, high-end helmets simply look nicer than basic models. If you take pride in your appearance on the road, it’s worth investing in a helmet that looks good as well as protects your head.
So if you’re on the fence about spending a little extra on a motorcycle helmet, consider all the benefits before making your decision.
Replacing Helmets
Motorcycle helmets need to be replaced every few years, depending on how often you ride. The cost of a replacement helmet can range from $100 to $500. If you ride frequently, it is recommended that you invest in a higher-quality helmet that will last longer.
FAQ
Which Motorcycle Helmets are Considered to be Good Quality?
There are many different types and brands of motorcycle helmets on the market, so it can be difficult to determine which ones are of good quality. However, there are a few things that you can look for when trying to determine if a helmet is good quality or not. First, you should make sure that the helmet has been certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT certification is a good indicator that the helmet has been tested and meets certain safety standards. Additionally, you should also look for helmets that have been certified by the Snell Memorial Foundation. The Snell certification is considered to be even more rigorous than the DOT certification, so it is an excellent indicator of a high-quality helmet. Finally, you should also consider the reputation of the helmet manufacturer when trying to determine which helmets are good quality. Some of the most reputable motorcycle helmet manufacturers include Bell, Arai, Shoei, and HJC.
Which brand of helmet is best?
There isn’t necessarily a “best” brand of helmet- it all depends on what you’re looking for and what fits your budget. However, some brands are definitely more popular than others. Arai, Shoei, HJC, and Bell are all companies that manufacture high-quality helmets that are trusted by riders all over the world.
Which helmet is best for safety?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different people have different opinions. However, most experts agree that helmets with a full face shield offer the best protection.
How do I know my helmet size?
To find your helmet size, measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows with a tape measure, or ruler if you don’t have one handy. If you’re between sizes, always choose the larger size. Once you have your measurement, consult the size chart of the helmet manufacturer to find the closest fit.
Should a motorcycle helmet be tight?
A good rule of thumb is that a motorcycle helmet should be tight enough that it doesn’t move around on your head when you’re riding.
How often should you replace your helmet?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every three to five years. However, this may vary depending on the materials used and how often you use it. If you use your helmet regularly, you may need to replace it more often.
How long do motorcycle helmets last?
The average motorcycle helmet will last for three to five years.
Why are some helmets so expensive?
The main reason that helmets are so expensive is because they need to be able to protect your head in the event of an accident.
Useful Video: $600 Helmet or $100 Helmet? Is it Actually Safer?
Conclusions
Hopefully, this article has helped to answer some of the most common questions about motorcycle helmet costs. As you can see, there is a wide range in prices depending on the type of helmet and the features that it offers. Ultimately, the best way to choose a helmet is to find one that fits well, is comfortable, and meets your budget. Safety should always be your top priority when riding a motorcycle, so make sure to choose a helmet that will keep you protected in the event of an accident. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/shopping-guides/how-much-does-a-motorcycle-helmet-cost
- https://powersportsguide.com/motorcycle-helmet-costs/
- https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/types-of-motorcycle-helmets/
- https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/motorcycle-insurance/guides/how-to-choose-the-right-motorcycle-helmet-for-you.html
- https://www.fortamoto.com/motorcycle-helmets/dont-buy-a-used-helmet/