If you’re buying a motorcycle helmet, you may be worried about how expensive they can be. A high quality new motorcycle helmet can cost as much as 400 dollars. So why not buy a used motorcycle helmet?

The answer is no. When you’re riding, the helmet is one of the more important safety protections that you have. This is why most states and towns have passed laws requiring that a helmet be worn.

If you decide to buy a used motorcycle helmet, you are in effect putting your life in danger. You should never under any circumstances buy a used motorcycle helmet for a few reasons.

One of the major reasons is that you have no idea if the used motorcycle helmet has ever been damaged. A helmet is designed to only withstand one impact. After one impact, its internal shock absorbers are rendered worthless.

You may be thinking that you would be able to tell if the helmet had been dropped or in a crash, but this isn’t true. Many helmets are scratch and dent resistant. Just because a helmet looks safe doesn’t mean it is.

A separate issue is the age of the helmet. Even if it has never been dropped or damaged, its shock absorbing layer, made of expanded polystyrene, will break down over time. This means you will not be adequately protected.

You also do not know if your used motorcycle helmet has suffered from heat or exhaust damage. Any helmet left too close to the gas tank, or in the sun, will suffer irreparable damage to its lining.

It is never a good idea to buy a used motorcycle helmet. Any older helmet can have a variety of problems with it, all of which lead to problems in safety. You are therefore putting your health at risk.