SHARP is the safety rating for motorcycle helmets set up by the Department for Transport in November 2007. SHARP provides an independent assessment of how much protection a helmet can offer in an impact. Helmets are rated from 1 to 5 stars; the more SHARP stars a helmet has, the better the protection it can give.

SHARP is the only assessment of helmet performance that results in a safety rating. 

Once a helmet has been subjected to a rigorous testing process, it is awarded a SHARP rating of between 1 and 5 stars.

A 5-star helmet offers good levels of protection right around the helmet. That’s not to say a lower rated helmet won’t protect you. Regardless of its SHARP rating, every helmet on sale in the UK must meet at least one regulatory standard, ensuring it offers at least a minimum level of protection.

SHARP tests have shown that not all helmets offer the same level of impact protection. Individually, we can all judge the price, extra features and build quality of a helmet. SHARP offers you independent advice on that often hidden property of a motorcycle helmet - how well it can protect you in the event of a crash.

During testing, SHARP have found differences in performance of as much as 70% between high and low scoring helmets. That’s why the SHARP scheme is so important. Their independent advice can help to ensure you choose a helmet that offers the best protection possible.

Remember, fit comes first. The secret is finding several helmets that fit you best, and then selecting the helmet with the highest SHARP rating.

For more information, visit the SHARP website by clicking here