I understand that you’re supposed to change a helmet at around 5 years. I bought a new one In 2015 and as it’s not been used for a couple of years I thought I’d clean it up before my new scooter arrives. Upon removing the inner liner to wash I found a date sticker, it was actually made in 2012, 3 years before I bought it. What actually counts here? The amount of time it’s been used or it’s manufactured date? If it’s the manufactured date then buying one already 3 years old is a bit of a scam.

Depends on the quality of the helmet, ie how much it costs, as I'm sure the cheaper ones you have to change after 2 years

I recall that Arai state something along the lines of replace after 5 years from when you bought it or 7 years from date of manufacture.

Technically your helmet is done! Using it does accelerate its degradation process more quickly due to heat, sunlight etc. But even in the box they degrade but just take a bit longer so that's why it's generally 5 years when in use, 7 years from date of manufacturer if stored. Those are the general rules that apply if you want your head to have maximum protection.

Not much in my head these days so the Shoei helmet I bought 2 years ago @ £400 should be good enough for a few more years - other circumstances permitting. When not in use it’s kept in an ‘Oxford ‘ bag.

Jim

Looks like I'm going to be looking for a new one!

Within reason, Time out the box, daily use...
then again alot of the mid price stuff has come a long way in 7 years, so worth something new...
Check out HJC... maybe a deal on last seasons designs, along as they have not been sat kn a box for a few years....
otherwise you are back to square one...

Wouldn't touch HJC after I found loose screws and blurred screws.

Nolan I find is a good fit and not too expensive.

My helmet is 63 years old. Still works for me