Do Unused Bike Helmets Expire?

It’s a fact that a modular motorcycle helmet that you use regularly degrades quickly and eventually expires. But when you let the unused hood sit on that table, garage, or in the store, does it still expire?

Do you have a helmet that has been lying unused for months or even years and wondering whether you can still rely on its safety protection? Read on for the factual response! 

Do Helmets Degrade in Quality and Reach Expiry Date When not Used?

Motorcycle helmets feature various types of shell and lining materials. And durability varies from one material to the next. For instance, fiberglass and carbon have a longer lifespan than thermoplastics. No material can last forever, eventually, every helmet weakens and grows brittle. 

When you subject your helmet to straining daily use, its quality goes down little by little. The occasional falls, knocks or even crushes contribute to its compromised quality.

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When not in use, a helmet’s lifespan may stretch beyond the conventional 3 to 5 years lifespan. But it also depends on a collection of factors. Majorly the storage condition will determine the longevity of the helmet. 

A poorly stored helmet that still suffers UV rays, dampness, and intense heat eventually degrades significantly. That especially holds for the glue, rivets, and plastic buckles on the helmet. 

What’s the Lifespan of Unused Motorcycle Helmets?

It’s not easy to predict when an unused bike helmet will expire. Even the best modular motorcycle helmet expires soon when stored poorly. If you don’t protect the helmet from direct sunlight or dampness, its lifespan shortens.

At the same time even if you don’t use the lid but it lies in the store where it’s tossed about or squeezed by other heavy objects, don’t expect it to last longer. 

Still the initial quality of the helmet influences its longevity. Under the same storage settings, carbon and fiberglass register longer shelf life than thermoplastics. 

What Other Factors Determine the Lifespan of Helmets?

A helmet that’s exposed to harsh chemicals becomes less effective whether worn or not. Although Kevlar or carbon may suffer insignificant loss in quality, ABS and polycarbonate degrade severely when exposed to gasoline. 

In addition, a crash or any impact that squeezes the EPS liner, causing a crack on the shell negatively impacts its lifespan. The wear and tear of the helmet also causes the buckles, straps, and even the padding material to become less effective. 

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What is the Best Way to Store Your Unused Bike Helmet?

If you don’t plan to use your helmet soon it's wise to keep it safe. That involves:

Keep it in a dedicated helmet bag

Ensure you keep it off the floor 

Choose a storage setting that doesn’t expose the helmet to extreme temperatures 

The helmet should be in a place that puts it at risk of falling or being squeezed by other heavy objects

The issue of whether unused helmets expire or not relies heavily upon the storage setting. If you store your motorcycle helmet in the proper location and setting, it may last longer than 5 or even 10 years. 

But when the storage condition exposes it to dampness, extreme temperature variations, occasional drops, and pressure from other objects, it expires fast. Therefore, if you don’t plan to use your helmet soon, Helmet Gurus advises that you store it in the right place.