if you own a motorcycle and wondering what to do with an old motorcycle helmet, here are the 20 things you can do with your old motorcycle helmet.
We all know the importance of wearing motorcycle helmets. It provides us optimum safety during any kind of impact on our heads. It’s save us from critical brain injury and trauma. However, over time the helmet you are using can become worn out, and deteriorate after using for years. after using it for years you may want to replace your old helmet! but exactly when do you need to replace the helmet? here you will get the answer How Long Are Motorcycle Helmets Good For? I guess you’re thinking of getting a new one or you already have an old motorcycle helmet with you! now you’re thinking about what to do with an old motorcycle helmet!
In this article, I will explain and explore 20-plus options to do with an old motorcycle helmet. And this will help you to make a well-informed decision! and ensure the responsible disposal or repurposing of your old motorcycle helmet.
Importance Of Helmet Safety
The primary purpose of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the rider’s head during an accident, collision, or accidental fall. The motorcycle helmet is constructed with many components such as inner padding, straps, visor, etc. The motorcycle helmet absorbs the impact force and distributes them and the inner pad of the motorcycle helmet absorbs it. Helmets are typically made from a combination of plastic, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, etc. these materials are not environmentally friendly and can hundreds of years to decompose fully in a landfill. So, it is very essential to find an alternative way to handle old helmets, so that we can minimize the impacts on the environment.
Environmental Impact Of Old Helmets
Let’s know briefly what is the environmental impact of old helmets.
Waste Generation
When we dispose of an old motorcycle helmet improperly then it can harm the environment by increasing waste generation. As I mentioned earlier motorcycle helmets are made of various materials such as plastic, foam, and padding which can take longer time in order to decompose perfectly in landfill area, which contribute to the increase of waste.
Resource Depletion
helmet materials are made of many natural resources which require extraction to get it. As mentioned before plastic, padding, foam, and strap is used to make helmets. So the production of these things consumes energy and other raw material. so it’s directly contributing to resource depletion and environmental degradation.
Emission and pollution
During the manufacturing of a motorcycle helmet greenhouse gas and other air pollutant substances is produced. Which directly affects the environment. additionally, when you destroy or incinerated the helmet it releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere which causes air pollution.
There are so many factors that can affect the environment. there are so many things you can do! if you are wondering what to do with an old motorcycle helmet. Also, I will discuss how to dispose of your old motorcycle helmets properly.
How To Inspect A Motorcycle Helmet- Evaluating Guides
Before deciding what things you can do with your old motorcycle helmet. You need to evaluate and examine your helmet to ensure your helmet is in good condition because I going to give you 20 ideas on what to do with an old motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle helmet examination requires a few steps! below are all the right steps to evaluate motorcycle helmets.
External Appearance
The first thing to check is the external appearance of the motorcycle helmet. There might be some damage visible, also if there are any dents, cracks, or scratch you will notice it. These things are very minor things but they can compromise the helmet structure integrity and may be less effective in case of any accidents and impacts.
Shell Integrity
The most important thing after checking the outer body or external appearance of a motorcycle helmet is the shell integrity. In order to check perfectly the shell quality and inner cracks of any motorcycle helmet, you need to open the padding. After that, you need to check the inner shell very well. If you found any bigger cracks it’s better to stop using it and you can use it to decorate and other things, please make sure if there any serious cracks are visible then don’t sell or give it to somebody, because life is one, don’t help this way instead use below 20 ideas on what to with an old motorcycle helmet.
Retention System
check the condition of the helmet retention system which includes chin straps and buckle. check the quality and whether it’s tightening properly or not.
Padding And Liner
Now check the motorcycle helmet’s inner padding, check for any wear and tear also check the odors. check the cushioning and comfort of the inner padding. if you’re thinking of giving it to someone please use the helmet inner pad cleaner before giving it.
Safety Certification
Check whether your helmet has appropriate safety certifications. such as DOT(Department of Transportation)),ECE(Economic Commission for Europe), these certifications ensure the standard safety requirements.
Visor Functionality
Now check that one of the most important of the motorcycle helmet is the visor. check whether the visor functionality is working fine or not. and check whether the visor is totally clean or not, and whether the visor has any scratches or not. check the nuts or attaching system of the visor, because after use for years the nuts which connect the visor with the helmet body get corrosion In that case, it is very risky to use it further give it to someone or donate it.
Strap Condition
Check the condition of the strap and its attachment points with your motorcycle helmets. you need to make sure there are no frayed edges and weakening stitching and also check strap strength. and lastly, check the ability of the straps to keep the helmet securely in place.
Foam Integrity
The foam inside the motorcycle helmets plays a very important role to protect your head during an accident or collision. The foam absorbs the impact forces and distributes them equally. So, you need to check carefully whether the foam of the helmet is not crumbling, not excessively compressed, or lose in shape.
Ventilation System
check whether helmet ventilation is working perfectly or not. Usually, most motorcycle helmet comes with two ventilation system. One in front of the helmet, check thoroughly whether it can open and close easily. The other place of ventilation is in the upper section of the helmet, check whether it’s working or not. The ventilation system provides the rider better comfort by allowing fresh air inside and keeping your head cool during the ride.
Odor Or Moisture
it can be checked during the inspection of the padding of your motorcycle helmet, you may check how to remove odor or moisture easily from a motorcycle helmet.
Fit and Comfort
have you checked it all? now wear the helmet and check how it’s fitting, and how much comfort you’re getting after that. ensure the motorcycle helmet fits perfectly and you’re not getting any excessive pressure or discomfort.
Crash History
Now, if the helmet involved any crash or impact previously, examine it very carefully all the steps, that I mentioned earlier. after having a normal crash or impact you need to check the sale properly because impact forces can cause internal damages that may not be immediately visible! but it can compromise the helmet’s effectiveness.
Age And Usage
Consider the age of the helmet and how frequently it is used. You can check How How Long Are Motorcycle Helmets Good For? to get a better idea about it. The longer you use the more deterioration and damage the helmet gets, check the above mention article to get the proper information.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for the specific helmet model. Sometimes manufacturing companies provide the expected life span of motorcycle helmets. you can follow Maintaining And Caring Tips For Motorcycle Helmets.
Professional Inspection
Now, if you have any doubts about the helmet’s condition! or want a thorough evaluation, consider seeking a professional inspection. Some motorcycle gear shops and manufacturer offer inspection services.
What to Do with an Old Motorcycle Helmet?
Donate It
you can donate your old helmet to organizations and charities that accept used helmets. But if you’re doing so please make sure your helmet is in good condition and doesn’t have an accident history. The organization or charity may distribute them to individuals who can’t afford proper head protection.
Sell It
Are you sure your helmet is in good condition and you checked it thoroughly? Additionally, if it meets all the safety standards then you can sell it. You can sell it to someone who needs a used helmet you can find many online platforms to sell your old motorcycle helmet.
Recycle It
As mentioned, before the recycle the helmet may harm the environment if you don’t do it the right way. you can reach out to the local recycling centers that accept old motorcycle helmets. they will separate each component and process them for reuse, reducing waste and the minimizing environment.
Repurpose It
do you have creative ideas? now you can utilize it. Now you can get creative and repurpose your old motorcycle helmet into something unique and functional. there are so many things you can do with an old motorcycle helmet such as. you can turn it into a flower p[ot, a lampshade, or a wall clock! let your imagination transform your helmet into an attractive decor item.
Art Or Sculpture
do you have artistic skills and ideas? or do you know someone who can do it? now you can turn your old motorcycle helmet into a work of art or a sculpture. you can paint it nicely and showcase your creativity! and you can decorate it in your room or garage.
Costume Or Cosplay Prop
this is another unique idea! if you’re thinking of what to do with an old motorcycle helmet! do you enjoy dressing up for events or photoshoots? you can use your old helmet as a costume or cosplay! this is one of the things you can do with your old motorcycle helmet. Whether it’s for a sci-fi character, a superhero, or a post-apocalyptic ensemble, the helmet can add an authentic touch to your costume.
Training Or Educational Tool
you can consider donating your old motorcycle helmet to a school, training center, or any safety organization, that provides motorcycle safety courses. The old motorcycle helmet can be used for demonstrating purpose, teaching students about safety and proper usage of it.
Movie Or Theater prop
you can reach out to local production companies to inquire about motorcycle donations. Because certain entertainment industry requires old helmets to create realistic scenes and that’s why your old helmet can get a new home as a pro in movies, or theater production.
Display Or Memorabilia
This is my personal best choice. We all love to ride motorcycles and our helmets too, if it’s getting old or if you want to upgrade to a new one, the best thing you can do is keep it with you. Yes! clean it up and you can do custom stickering and line it up properly in your room. This is the right way to show your love for motorcycle riding and love and passion for motorcycle riding.
Safety Demonstration
if you have an old motorcycle helmet you can use this idea, you can give your old helmet for the safety demonstration. y
Donate To Emergency Services
you can contact local fire departments, paramedical or emergency response organizations! and inquire if they accept old motorcycle helmets. They can use your old motorcycle helmet for training purposes.
Give It To A Motorcycle Club Or Community
you can Consider donating your old helmet to a motorcycle club or a local community center where they can use it as a display item.
Create An Unique Planter
you can remove the inner padding, straps, and all other components including the visor. after you can fill it with soil and you can small flowers and plants on it this way your old helmets can become a charming and unconventional planter.
Donate To A Costume Shop
Contact local costume shops or theater groups to see if they are interested in accepting your old helmet. They can repurpose it as part of costumes for various productions,
Use It As A Decorative Centerpiece
You can clean your old motorcycle helmet and place it on a display stand. You can showcase your old helmet this way.
Create A Pet Bed
you can convert your old helmet into a cozy and stylish bed for your pet. you can remove the inner padding, line the inside with soft fabric or cushioning, and add a comfortable blanket.
Transform It Into A Helmet Cam
With the right equipment, you can turn your old motorcycle helmet into a tutorial-making helmet cam.
Donate To Motorcycle Training Schools
reach out to local motorcycle training schools and see if they accept donated helmets for their students.
Use It For Motorcycle-Themed Crafts
If you enjoy crafts, you can incorporate your old helmet into motorcycle-themed art projects
Repurpose As A Helmet Display
If you have multiple helmets or a helmet collection, you can use your old helmet as a dedicated display stand. Place it on a shelf or mount it on the wall to showcase your passion for motorcycling.
I hope you got an idea of what to do with an old motorcycle helmet, you can also read what to do with a motorcycle helmet when parked
