Many technologies have become lighter, stronger, more efficient, smarter, and more sustainable in the last quarter-century, and motorcycle helmets are no exception. In fact, the advances in helmet design have been remarkable, especially considering the relatively slow pace of development through the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Let’s start with the basics. Computer simulations and modern design tools have transformed research and development, leading to lighter helmets made from advanced composite fibres like carbon or polycarbonate. Ventilation systems have improved, interiors are now optimised for noise reduction and comfort, visors close more securely and resist scratching, and inner fabrics better manage sweat and hygiene. In off-road helmets, detachable peaks attached with powerful magnets have even become popular.
Beneath the shell, layers of materials such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) play a crucial role in impact absorption. These materials are designed to compress or crumple on impact – then, in the case of EPP, rebound slightly – helping to manage energy transfer in a crash. This is why riders are advised to replace their helmets after any serious impact.
For decades, helmet testing focused on passing certifications such as Snell or DOT, which mainly assessed linear impact resistance through simple drop tests or spike impacts. While these methods measured how well a helmet resisted direct hits, they didn’t reflect how most real-world crashes occur.
That changed in the mid-2000s, when Swedish neurosurgeon Hans von Holst and researcher Peter Halldin began studying the dangers of rotational motion – the twisting forces that occur when a helmet strikes the ground at an angle. These forces can make the brain shift or stretch inside the skull, leading to concussions or worse. Their research led to the development of Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System): a thin, low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows 10–15 mm of slip, reducing rotational energy during an impact.
The innovation transformed helmet safety and testing standards. Mips received the Polhem Prize for Science in 2019 and is now used by more than fifteen major helmet brands across multiple sports. In World Supercross racing, helmets from Fox, Alpinestars, Bell, and Troy Lee Designs all carry that small but significant yellow Mips logo.
Mips didn’t take off overnight. The Swedish team spent years convincing a conservative industry of its value, relying on data and persistence to win trust. Over time, rotational motion became a recognised factor in helmet safety testing, including in the FIM homologation process that governs top-level motorcycle racing.
“When we started talking about rotation some 15 years ago, people said, ‘you’re crazy,’” recalls Mips CEO Max Strandwitz. “It wasn’t until 2012, when we appeared in Popular Science, that the word ‘rotation’ really stuck. Today, about half of U.S. consumers recognise what Mips is and understand what we do—though Europe is still a couple of years behind.”
The late 2000s and early 2010s saw an explosion of new ideas, particularly in off-road motorcycling. American company 6D introduced its Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system—a layered, shock-absorbing design inspired by Mips’ rotational concept. South Africa’s Leatt developed the Turbine 360 system, while Bell launched its Flex and later Spherical systems, the latter co-developed with Mips. Shoei responded with its Motion Energy Distribution System, a modular EPS structure designed to manage rotational and linear forces.
Some manufacturers pushed innovation even further. Fly Racing’s Formula helmet, launched five years ago, incorporated Rheon energy-absorbing pads and Conehead EPS technology. Its latest version, the Formula S (released in 2024), even includes a built-in chip capable of detecting crashes, sending GPS data, and automatically triggering an emergency call if the rider is motionless.
In less than a decade, riders have gained more helmet choices than ever—ranging from affordable models to premium, feature-packed designs. As certification standards grow more demanding, advanced safety features are becoming increasingly common, even at lower price points.
Riders may still choose a helmet based on its color, shape, price, or the brand worn by their favorite racer. But thanks to these technological leaps, the same helmet is now far more capable of protecting against concussion or serious injury.
It’s a no-brainer.
