Don’t buy a fake motorcycle helmet
When students turn up for a CBT we ask that they bring their own motorcycle helmet & gloves, and at the minimum; a strong jacket and trousers. However, we are seeing more fake motorcycle helmets being brought along that have been bought in good faith on Amazon. Please don’t buy a fake motorcycle helmet. Your life is at risk using one and you will not be able to continue your CBT.
The Highway Code states the following legal position regarding motorcycle helmets;
On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet. This does not apply to a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely…Before each journey check that your helmet visor is clean and in good condition.
To comply with regulations the helmet must be approved to the European Standard ECE2205 or ECE2206. The latter is the most recent standard released over the last couple of years to replace ECE2205, but as long as an ECE2205 helmet is in good condition it is still valid to use. This will mean that the helmet has been rigorously tested to withstand certain types of impacts and help reduce head injuries.
On Amazon there are many helmets that are very cheap – around £39, that have a sticker on them that might say ECE2206 but do not have the official label inside – usually found on the back of the strap. The construction is terrible, very thin plastic and there is usually a minimum of the required dense expanded polystyrene that performs a significant role in head protection. DO NOT BUY THESE HELMETS.
The best place to buy your helmet is in a motorcycle shop and if you are doing a CBT with 3CMT then you can visit Sportsbikeshop in Reading or Infinity Motorcycle at Camberley. A good motorcycle clothing shop will spend time with you to ensure you buy the right type of helmet and that it fits properly.
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