Modern Vespa

I was at the International Motorcycle Show and I decided to finally buy a new helmet (a shiny agv numo evo stinger) to replace a helmet that I've had for over 5 years.

So now I wonder.. what should I do with my older helmet? It's actually protected my head once before when I had a fall on my scooter (all the more reason to replace). I would feel weird cutting off the straps and dumping it in the trash, I want to think of ways to repurpose it. Maybe an art project or something? Ideas? What have you done with yours?

Pot for some over-winter plants, like herbs?

Not being funny here, but you should have replaced the helmet immediately after the crash. They're made for single use.

In UK, you can donate old helmets to emergency services; they use them for training.

I try to find a kid that can't afford a new one. Anything is better than nothing.

are helmets not compulsory in usa?

Not everywhere....

blimey

I have a display in the loft

well I say a display its more of a pile

We cut the straps off of them and throw them out.

We believe it's the safest and most prudent thing to do.

SDG

Cut the straps, crush and place in the black bin..... Is what I have planed for my 1st Shoei Dragon decal helmet. It's now going in two years since that plan. It's displayed in my garage.

(ask my wife and she's says why is that old thing that you longer use hanging on a nail in this garage). What does she know.

Give em to kids. They can be a spaceman, deep sea diver, star-wars character, medievel knight, orc, whatever.

👍 Best answer yet!👏👏

I give mine away. I figure a helmet is better than no helmet. Our local CC gives away free helmets once a year. Not compulsory to wear one here (unless your under 18 i think). Eye protection is the only requirement. I once saw a kid riding a scooter with a snorkeling mask on. It was eye protection. My Ruby is going on the wall in my bedroom with track lighting to illuminate it. 8)

I've given several to my sister. They have several ATVs and several kids and grandkids who ride them off road when visiting in Arizona. Mine have been worn, but not "used".

I have always thought that much of the hype on getting a new helmet if you drop one is BS, put out by those who either make or ell new ones. I still have 2 or 3 Nolans Ii will probably donate to a cycle shop down the street that sells used gear.

"Sentimental Value"
Hold onto them! Stop tearing at your emotions
Turn those old helmets into table lamps or hanging lamps. One or all of them!
If you decide to hang a few, hang them at different lengths. Be creative. Not a hard task. Be brave, you can do it!

Some examples: (not my lids)

Couldn't disagree more. You may aswell ride without a helmet than ride with a second hand one, let alone one that you have said you had an impact with. As previously said they are single use, after impact - replace. Give it to kids to play with but don't give it to anyone to use at all.

Are you seriously saying that wearing no helmet is safer than wearing an old used one?

I agree. For example, how about a used snell rated helmet vs a new half helmet? (Lol). How about a used helmet that was used one day? other than personal issues, there is nothing unsafe with a used helmet that hasn't been damaged.

I donated one to the rental shop in Pontedera after Bella Italia '12.

I would be interested to see the unbiased tests which support your contention that they are single use, or that explains what type/ severity impact requires replacement. i can easily understand not relying on one that has been in an accident and is cracked or damaged, but even then I think it would be better than none at all.

Common sense really. Hit something hard and it'll be fine. Hit it again then it might crack and split in half. Or not. Who knows. Defo not going to test this helmet strength theory with my own head inside

in my book, even a dropped helmet is worth as much as a plastic bag it came in, let alone a crashed one

I usually get a new one every three years or so. My old one gets a good clean and wax then goes into my extra helmet bag to be used as a spare if needed. The old spare then gets chucked. The exception is a crash damaged one (only one so far) those get thrown in the trash.

I may have been a bit over the top saying better than none at all, however the point is you are wearing a helmet for a reason, for the security that if you have an impact it is designed to protect your head and brain. If a helmet has had an impact, it is weaker, it will not disperse the force and it may offer you no protection at all. Wearing a helmet that has been in an impact will give you a false sense of security and negates the entire reason that one would want to wear a helmet, which is why if you're willing to wear a second hand one, you may as well not wear one at all as you could come away with just as much injury.

Mmm, nope.
If all you have is a ratty old egg carton, do you just toss your dozen in a plastic bag?

What? i don't get the point you are trying to make, but if you are comparing
eggs to your head and your brain then go ahead and do what you want lol

From Snell: http://www.smf.org/helmetfaq#aDroppedHelmet

"I dropped my helmet! Do I have to go buy a new one?"

Generally the answer is probably not. Helmets are one-use items, but are quite durable otherwise, at least the ones we certify. Frequent dropping or spiking a helmet on the ground, or other hard surfaces may eventually degrade the helmet's performance. Similarly if the helmet falls to the ground at highway speeds unoccupied, the owner must be aware that some degradation may have occurred. In general, the real damage comes when the helmet contacts an object with a head inside. The Foundation recommends that if you are participating in an activity that requires that you wear a helmet, you avoid hitting stuff with your head. It can be difficult to readily determine if a helmet has been damaged, and the protective capabilities compromised without a thorough inspection by a trained professional. Some manufacturers may provide this service or direct you to these others that can perform these inspections. The Foundation recommends that if you suspect your helmet may be compromised, then replace it. If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.

Depends on the state, some have mandatory laws, others allow you to opt out with proof of sufficient medical insurance and other say it is totally up to adults of legal age to decide what risks are acceptable.

Texas is in the medical insurance, MSF course and over 21 it is your choice whether or not to wear a helmet camp. Under 21 you must wear a helmet.

I tend to keep a lot on hand for my own use. But I did take two really nice Shoei full helmets to Goodwill today. I figure there are folks who can't afford a new helmet, so why not use a good condition used helmet. Even at 10 years old, they provide much better protection than riding with nothing.

-craig

Donate emergency services guys. Take it into the local ambulance/fire station/training school. Maybe of use for them training motorcyclist procedures as they cut helmets of a dummy.

Liking the lamp idea

Not sure what (common) sense means, but Snell, you know, the guys who test and certify helmets, don't agree with you. To me, that is more convincing. JMHO, of course. I bet Shoei loves you, $5-600 every time you drop your helmet

That's a good idea, I will call them re my three Nolan helmets that I done wear anymore. See if they would want them. Otherwise, off to the local cycle shop.

This may as well be a helmet law argument at this point. Everyone needs to chill a little bit imho.

You know what they say about arguing on the internet.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Best,
SDG

Just bought a pricey Shoei Neotec. I'd hate to have to replace it if I just dropped it. It took about 3 years before my Bell Revolver jammed up forcing me to buy a new helmet and the Bell has fallen off the hallway shelf and bike a few times. Maybe we should dedicate a Helmet thread about our used helmets complete with pictures and stories?

The recommendation to replace your helmet it is driven by the fact that the Styrofoam core used for cushioning degrades over time. Five years is the recommend limit. After that just trash the friggin' thing.

Same is true for bicycle helmets.

Best
Miguel

In certain states they are mandatory

fair enough if you trust them so much youre willing to bet your own head on it thats your choice. btw never dropped a helmet yet

Yes, wasn't this discussion supposed to be about some alternative use of old helmets?
I'm not 'artsy crafty' enough to do 'cool' stuff with an old one. I think I can however make a lamp with one. How about a foot stool or I think I've seen a bird house made from one somewhere in the past.

Re: Dropping a helmet, I'd like some more information on that as I've dropped mine several times over the years from waist high or less, no visible damage done except for a scratch or two in the finish. (I know a 'crash' is a manditory replace situation.)

Best answer yet. I took an old one to our local EMS. They were delighted! Yes, they can use them for training.

Just contacted my local VFD and they would love to have my old helmets for training. Dropping them off Thursday.