1 December, 2023
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Last updated: August 2026 You can see the updates at the end of this article.
There are many types of motorcycle helmets on the market, and the corresponding brand can be difficult to choose.
There are many types of electric motorcycle helmets, which are divided into several categories: full helmets, three-quarter helmets, uncovered helmets, and half helmets (also known as Harley helmets). This article provides a complete guide to the top 10 motorcycle helmet manufacturers in the world.
Best list of top 10 motorcycle helmet manufacturers in the world
| Number | Company |
|---|---|
| 1 | AGV |
| 2 | SHOEI |
| 3 | Arai |
| 4 | SHARK Group |
| 5 | HJC |
| 6 | AIROH |
| 7 | SUOMY |
| 8 | Scorpion |
| 9 | NOLAN |
| 10 | ZEUS |
AGV
| Established date | 1947 |
| Company location | Italy |
| Company website | https://www.agv.com/at/en/ |
Founded in 1974, the Italian helmet brand AGV is named after the company’s founder. Initially, it produced bicycle cushions, and in 1954 began experimenting with the production of motorcycle helmets.
Since then, it has embarked on a path suitable for its development. It can be seen in major motorcycle events that, as the vane of the industry, the spokesperson for safety is crowned with the title of “crown of kings”.
With excellent R&D capabilities, AGV helmets quickly achieved success in the market, established a good brand image in the market with its excellent product quality, and soon became one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of international sports competition equipmentent.
With enthusiasm and perseverance, AGV continues to introduce high-tech, high-quality, and high-safety products, making it a leading brand and vane of the entire industry.
The earliest helmets introduced by AGV companies were open helmets with leather shells. The advanced production process ensures that all AGV helmets have perfect safety. This is all due to the strong emphasis that AGVs place on R&D and safety testing.
SHOEI
| Established date | 1959 |
| Company location | Japan |
| Company website | https://shoei-helmets.com/ |
One of Japan’s top 10 motorcycle helmet manufacturers in the world. Based on the concept of “Made in Japan,” we currently have two factories in Japan: Ibaraki and Iwate.
At the same time, it has a variety of test sites in the world, as well as the world’s impact absorption performance standard testing equipment, and more than 3,000 helmets are used for experimental testing and demonstration every year, constantly breaking and improving the existing standards, with “passive safety” and “active safety” as the company’s main concepts.
“Passive safety” is to protect the head in an accident, while “active safety” is to improve comfort in riding, which makes it comfortable for the rider to ride to avoid accidents. Also know the top 10 electric motorcycle manufacturers.
Arai
| Established date | 1935 |
| Company location | Japan |
| Company website | https://www.araiamericas.com/ |
Arai is another top 10 motorcycle helmet manufacturers in the world, specializing in the manufacture and development of helmets for racing and daily protection. Arai helmets are also used in motorcycle and motor racing events, including Formula 1.
The round shell will better relieve the force in the event of a crash, thus protecting the head. ARAI’s design philosophy requires all accessories to fall off as soon as they are hit to avoid secondary injury, which is why all ARAI helmet air ducts are glued.
In addition, the shell is made of super fiber, which is 30% higher than ordinary glass fiber in terms of tensile strength and compressive strength. The lower part of the helmet also acts as a cushion, and the level of safety certification is higher.
It has always been hand-made, and the personnel who make the shell have to go through two years of professional training before they can take up their posts, and painting and polishing are also hand-made.
The lining is adjustable, and you can add or remove the sponge to create a lining that fits your head. The streamlined helmet has a significant effect on reducing wind resistance and wind noise.
SHARK Group
| Established date | 1989 |
| Company location | France |
| Company website | https://us.shark-helmets.com/ |
With more than 25 years of experience, SHARK has become one of the world’s leading helmets. Designed to maintain high performance, safety and comfort even under extreme conditions, it has gradually appeared in major motorcycle races.
Known for safety, distinction and quality. The SHARK helmet is always at the forefront of the industry in terms of design details and functionality, using advanced materials and technologies to ensure a high level of safety and comfort.
For the ultimate in comfort and user safety, we are committed to designing products that exceed safety standards to protect all types of motorcycle riders. The brand is born out of a love of racing, track and speed, and the products fully meet the high standards required for the event.
HJC
| Established date | 1971 |
| Company location | Korea |
| Company website | https://www.hjchelmets.com/ |
HJC is the world’s largest manufacturer, occupying more than 30% of the European helmet market, with an annual sales volume of more than 1.8 million, and each product has passed the impact and collision test.
At present, it has been involved in helmet supplies for major sports events, including cycling events, ski events and so on. Specializing in the manufacture and sale of motorcycle helmets, protective gear and related products. This product can also be used on electric scooter.
The HJC brand products are sold to North America, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world, and the production and sales of its HJC brand motorcycle helmet products rank among the top in the world.
AIROH
| Established date | 1986 |
| Company location | Italy |
| Company website | https://www.airoh.com/ |
AIROH helmet quality is second to none in the industry, and it is world-class for off-roading. With Benlg electric motorcycle, the riding experience can be different.
Before production, it has been carefully studied by professional designers for a long time to ensure that the selection of materials and product design are more refined.
Handmade exterior appliqués and interiors, scratch-resistant glass masks. The mid-to-high-end helmets are made of multi-functional axial carbon fiber and Kevlar material, which is tough and wear-resistant. Realize the coexistence of ultra-light weight and safety.
SUOMY
| Established date | 1997 |
| Company location | Italy |
| Company website | https://www.suomy.com/en/ |
It mainly produces racing helmets. The Italian company is closely linked to major competitions, looking for inspiration and data in the field to manufacture and design helmets with their own characteristics.
SUOMY racing helmets are currently the only manufacturer that uses the aircraft charcoal brazing process to make helmets, no matter what grade of helmets are produced in Italy.
The products have passed various standard quality certifications in Europe, America and the world, and are active in major competitions.
Over the years, SUOMY has been looking for ways to increase brand awareness and customer satisfaction. Some of SUOMY’s products are now manufactured overseas, but most of the raw materials such as synthetic Kevlar fibers, helmet parts, and lenses are still produced in Italy.
Scorpion
| Established date | 1845 |
| Company location | America |
| Company website | https://www.scorpionusa.com/ |
Scorpion is a U.S. brand of helmets and is the world’s leading manufacturer of helmets and apparel for motorcycles with high-performance technical protection.
Each of their engineers loves to ride heavy bikes, and the products are designed to best fit the real needs of a true rider. All of their products meet world-class standards and some of them can be worn while riding electric tricycle.
The wide range of products covers all helmet styles. To change the market through innovative and smart products that will change the public’s attitude towards equipment.
NOLAN
| Established date | 1972 |
| Company location | Italy |
| Company website | https://nolan-helmets.com/it_IT/ |
The NOLAN Group is currently the largest helmet manufacturer in Europe. The first helmet manufacturer to use LEXAN material, the famous X-Lite brand, is also part of Nolan Group. At the same time, it has developed its own anti-scratch lenses, which are active in major motorcycle races all year round.
NOLAN currently owns four brands: Nolan, X-lite, Grec, and N-Com. Nolan and Grex primarily produce polycarbonate helmets, targeting the mid-to-high-end and mid-range segments. X-lite mainly produces composite fiber helmets, targeting the high-end sports market.
N-Com, on the other hand, focuses on the development of helmet communication systems. NOLAN has earned a reputation in the market through its relentless pursuit of safety and quality, as well as its unrelenting exploration of innovation.
In fact, it was the first company in Europe to produce a full helmet made of thermoplastic material and the first to introduce an important innovation.
Safety and quality are the norm. Two in-house laboratories have been set up for this purpose, which play a crucial role both in the product development phase and in daily production.
ZEUS
| Established date | 1988 |
| Company location | China |
| Company website | http://www.zeus-helmets.com/ |
It is a world-renowned professional motorcycle helmet manufacturer. The products are characterized by innovative design, material research and development and patent institutions.
The largest helmet manufacturer in Taiwan Province and the world’s first-line helmet brand. Focus on lightweight design and ventilation performance. Suitable for long distance riding and use in high temperature environments.
Based on Taiwan, looking to the world, looking forward to the future, with continuous innovation and research and development, we will launch more diversified and more competitive products.
At the same time, it also promotes the brand to all over the world. In addition to having a number of institutional design patents, it is also far ahead of its peers in the research, development and application of composite materials due to its high degree of technical expertise and is the most iconic helmet manufacturer in Taiwan.
Conclusion
When choosing to buy an electric motorcycle helmet, the first consideration is safety. Top 10 motorcycle helmet manufacturers in the world are all excellent and experienced manufacturers. Both in terms of appearance and practicality, it can meet a variety of needs and situations.
2026 Update: Helmet Safety Standards and the Brands on This List
Last updated: August 2026. This Top 10 list was first published in December 2023. Helmet safety rules and brand ownership have both moved on since then, so the notes below are added to keep the list useful. They supplement the original rankings; the list order itself is unchanged.
1. Helmet safety certifications you must check before buying
A motorcycle helmet is a life-saving device, so the certification label matters more than the logo. The main standards in 2026 are:
ECE 22.06 (United Nations Regulation No. 22, 6th amendment). This is the mandatory standard for new helmets sold in Europe and more than 50 countries. It took effect for new type-approvals on 1 January 2022 and fully replaced the older ECE 22.05 — helmets built to 22.05 can no longer be produced or sold as new in Europe (retail of 22.05 stock largely ended by early 2024). 22.06 adds rotational and oblique impact testing, 18 randomised impact points, visor and chin-bar checks, and even accessory (intercom) testing. Look for the "ECE 22.06" mark.
DOT / FMVSS No. 218 (United States). This is the legal minimum in the US. It is a self-certification system — the manufacturer tests its own helmets — and a DOT-only helmet is not legal for road use in Europe. Many quality helmets carry both DOT and ECE 22.06.
Snell M2025 (Snell Memorial Foundation). A voluntary, independently tested, racing-oriented standard. M2025 took effect in late 2024, replacing M2020 (M2020 production stopped in 2025). It comes in two variants: M2025D (aligned with DOT) and M2025R (aligned with ECE 22.06, adds Head Injury Criterion testing). M2025 adds an oblique 8.0 m/s impact test (rotational acceleration capped at 10,000 rad/s², BrIC capped at 0.78).
FIM FRHPhe-02 (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme). The standard for professional racing (MotoGP, WorldSBK). Introduced in 2022, it becomes compulsory from 2026, replacing FRHPhe-01. A helmet must already hold an ECE, Snell or JIS rating before it can be FIM-homologated.
SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme). Run by the UK Department for Transport. SHARP is not a certification — it is a 1-to-5 star comparative rating applied to helmets that already pass ECE. It is a useful secondary check when comparing specific models (SHARP is updating its methods under the SHARP 2025 project).
Practical takeaway: for road use in Europe and most of the world, ECE 22.06 is the baseline; DOT covers the US; Snell M2025 and FIM FRHPhe-02 are for track and racing. Always buy from a reputable retailer and check the label on the helmet, not just the brand name.
2. AGV, SHARK and NOLAN: group ownership you should know
Some brands on this list are not fully independent rivals:
AGV is part of the Dainese group. Dainese acquired AGV in July 2007; Dainese itself was owned by Investcorp from 2014 and acquired by The Carlyle Group in 2022. AGV's Pista GP RR was among the first helmets to earn FIM homologation.
SHARK and NOLAN belong to the same group. SHARK was founded in 1986 in Marseille by former racers André and Robert Teston. Its parent, 2R Holding (2Ride Holding), acquired the Nolan Group in 2019. The Nolan Group makes Nolan, X-lite, Grex and N-Com, and produces around 400,000 helmets a year, entirely in Italy. Combined, the SHARK-Nolan group makes roughly 800,000 helmets a year. So when you see SHARK ranked 4th and NOLAN 9th on this list, they are sister companies, not separate competitors.
The other eight brands (Shoei, Arai, HJC, Airoh, Suomy, Scorpion, Zeus, and AGV via Dainese) are separate companies. We keep each brand on its own line in the list, but note the SHARK-Nolan relationship so the market picture is clear.
3. Market position and sales scale in 2025-2026
This list is a brand-recognition round-up, not a sales ranking. The ten brands were chosen for their visibility and racing heritage, not ranked by units sold. To read it correctly in 2026, here is where each sits by market scale.
(The global motorcycle-helmet market was roughly US$4.5-9.2 billion in 2025 depending on whether bicycle and industrial helmets are included — figures vary by research house, so treat the numbers below as approximate industry estimates, not audited facts.)
| Brand | Approx. 2025 market scale | Tier | Notes (source) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoei | ~US$480M revenue / ~11.6% share (2024) | Tier 1 (premium leader) | Industry research estimate (T2/T3) |
| Arai | ~US$420M / ~10.15% | Tier 1 | Industry research estimate (T2/T3); hand-built shells, MotoGP presence |
| HJC | ~US$390M / ~9.43%; plants make 1M+ units/yr | Tier 1 (volume + mid-premium) | Revenue estimate (T2/T3); 1000ps reports Vietnam plant >1M/yr, Europe hub ~500k/yr |
| AGV (Dainese) | ~US$300M / ~7.23% | Tier 1-2 | Industry research estimate (T2/T3) |
| Shark (2R Holding) | ~US$260M / ~6.29% | Tier 2 | Industry research estimate (T2/T3) |
| Nolan (2R Holding) | ~US$230M / ~5.55%; ~400k units/yr all-Italy | Tier 2 | Revenue estimate (T2/T3); Nolangroup ~400k/yr |
| Suomy | smaller volume | Niche / racing | Not in global top 10 by revenue (T2/T3) |
| Airoh | smaller volume | Niche / sport | Not in global top 10 by revenue (T2/T3) |
| Scorpion (EXO) | smaller global volume | Mid-tier (US) | Not in global top 10 by revenue (T2/T3) |
| Zeus | smaller, export-focused | Regional (Taiwan) | Not in global top 10 by revenue (T2/T3) |
Read it this way: Shoei, Arai and HJC form the clear top tier by both revenue and reputation. Shark and Nolan are sister companies under 2R Holding with a combined output of roughly 800,000 helmets a year. Suomy, Airoh, Scorpion and Zeus are respected niche or regional brands — strong in specific segments (racing, sport, the US, Taiwan) but not global volume leaders.
If you ranked purely by units sold, the global top ten would look different: high-volume mass-market makers such as Studds (India, 7M+ helmets a year), LS2, Bell and Schuberth would sit alongside Shoei, Arai and HJC, and several names on this page would fall outside the top ten. That is why this article is best read as a tour of well-known brands, not a sales league table.
4. Quick comparison of the 10 brands (2025-2026)
The table shows a representative current flagship for each brand, its shell material, the certifications it typically carries, and an approximate street price. Prices are approximate 2025-2026 street/UK MSRP and vary by market, size and colour.
| Brand | Representative model (2025-26) | Shell material | Certifications | Approx. price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGV | Pista GP RR (race) / K6-S (road) | Carbon / carbon-aramid | ECE 22.06, FIM, DOT (selected) | 700-1,600 |
| SHOEI | X-SPR Pro (race) / NXR2 (road) | AIM+ fibreglass composite | ECE 22.06, FIM, DOT | 550-1,200 |
| Arai | RX-7V Evo (race) / Quantic (road) | Super Fibre / PB-SNC2 composite | ECE 22.06, Snell M2025 (some), DOT | 500-1,000 |
| SHARK | Race-R Pro GP | Carbon-aramid | ECE 22.06, FIM | 450-700 |
| HJC | RPHA 1 / RPHA 12 | Carbon-fibre PIM EVO | ECE 22.06, FIM, DOT | 380-600 |
| AIROH | GP 500 | Carbon / composite | ECE 22.06, DOT | 400-600 |
| SUOMY | SR-GP / SR-GP EVO | Carbon-kevlar composite | ECE 22.06, FIM (race) | 400-700 |
| Scorpion (EXO) | EXO-R1 Air / EVO | Ultra-TCT (fibreglass+aramid+poly-resin) | DOT, ECE 22.06 | 300-500 |
| NOLAN | X-804 RS Ultra Carbon | Carbon fibre / polycarbonate (varies) | ECE 22.06, DOT | 300-650 |
| ZEUS | various full-face | Composite / polycarbonate | ECE, DOT | 100-250 |
Sources
SHARP (UK Department for Transport) — sharp.dft.gov.uk. Snell Memorial Foundation (M2025 standard) — smf.org. UN Regulation No. 22 (ECE 22.06). AGV official history — agv.com. Arai Americas history — araiamericas.com. ScorpionEXO / KIDO — scorpionexo.com, kidosports.com. Nolangroup / 2R Holding — nolan-helmets.com; SHARK — shark-helmets.com.
Luvenie Alison
With a focus on SEO and extensive writing skills, I have been active in the writing for many years and good at writing dynamic industrial pieces and popular scientific articles. At the same time, it’s my fifth year in the two-wheeler and related industries. I have worked with my team on numerous significant projects and trainings, and very familiar with our product. Still in the process of continuous learning, I have always maintained a sense of new things to ensure that the content of the article is timely and innovative.
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