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Difference Between a Motorcycle Helmet & Bicycle Helmet

Motorcycle and bicycle helmets appear common in nature and desired function, but these helmets are actually quite different and share only a few similarities. The differences in these helmet types include safety ratings, weight, materials and style. It isn't recommended to use either helmet for a use other than those intended by the helmet manufacturer.

  1. Similarities

    • Both helmet types protect a rider's head in the event of a crash. Both types also come in a variety of color options and applications such as road and dirt and basic and luxury. Both helmet types must pass strict safety guidelines before they are sold to the consumer.

    Safety Ratings

    • In the United States, motorcycle helmets must gain approval from the Department of Transportation, according to all-motorcycle-helmets.com. Bicycle helmets, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, must by law meet only the Consumer Product Safety Commission's bicycle helmet standard. While both standards are high, some concerned groups argue for the enactment of stricter bicycle standards.

    Weights

    • There is no standard for motorcycle or bicycle helmet weight, but the average motorcycle helmet is much heavier than the average bicycle helmet. Motorcycles generally travel much faster than bicycles, though some bicycle racing events see speeds upward of 60 mph. But because motorcycle helmets strive to prevent brain injury at high speeds, they are usually built of thicker and heavier materials.

    Materials

    • Both helmets incorporate a protective shell--typically with a high-impact plastic base and a foam-padded inner shell. The lightweight foam is designed to crush slightly during a crash, cradling the head while slowing head movement. Bicycle helmets are usually lightweight and use more vents for cooling the head; they have far less actual helmet surface area than motorcycle helmets.

    Helmet Fit

    • Proper fit is important for both motorcycle and bicycle helmets. A motorcycle helmet generally fits snugger than a bicycle helmet due to a cushier padding, but fit is essentially the same. A helmet should cradle the cranium without causing too much pressure. The helmet should fit snug enough to not rock side-to-side or back and forth when the head is moved, and the chin strap should snugly fit under the chin without pinching while the head is moved.

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