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It’s an unpleasant but useful decision to change a motorcycle helmet after it is expired. That’s OK with it. However, a question arises in our mind after getting a new helmet i.e. ‘What to do with old motorcycle helmet?
There are so many ideas to utilise an expired old helmet already existed on various platforms. Some of them are useful and practical while some of them are really useless and harmful too.
Here, in this article, we will discuss what you actually can do with your old motorcycle helmet considering every aspect.
10 Modern ideas for: What To Do With Old Motorcycle Helmet
1) Use as a wall decorative item
You will be surprised to know that you can use an old helmet as a wall decorative item. You can color the helmet and draw some beautiful pictures on it to make it attractive. If the helmet already has good graphics on it, there is no need to do anything. You also can put a small antic piece inside it to increase its status!
If you have a little bit knowledge of art then you can decorate it in a better way. You can paint it with different colors, add some nice stickers or add some extra graceful items to it. After decorating this helmet, you can place it on the wall or keep it in the self in drawing room.
2) Turn it into a flower pot
I don’t know whether you have seen it or not but I have seen some people make a flower pot out using old motorcycle helmet. You can also do it very easily. There are two ways. First one is, you can keep there an artificial flower plant. In second way, you can grow an actual flower plant in it and turn the old helmet in a beautiful flower plant.
The second method is also very easy. Take out liner, paddings and face shield. Make three or four holes for hanging purpose. Afterwards put soil in it and plant any small size flower plant or succulents. It looks really very nice.
If your helmet is expired and want to get new one, then read this article
3) Make a lampshade
A lampshade is one of the most creative thing you can do with old motorcycle helmets. This idea will not only save your money but also you will be worthy of praise for your creativity. You can do it like this. Take an old expired motorcycle helmet. Remove everything from the inside portion. Make a hole on top of the helmet. Now add a holder for bulb. Attach wire and done!
You also can add some semi-transparent plastic cover to its lower edges to make it longer. Make sure the stand is strong to hold the weight of the helmet shell and the lamp. It can become more eye-catching if you paint it with various colors. In this way, you can save your old motorcycle helmet from turning it into garbage.
4) Donate to School or Helmet Donation Centers
It is really a bright idea to donate your old helmet to any school for education purpose. With the help of this helmet the teachers can tell the importance of helmet to the students more practically. They can also teach students how to choose a motorcycle helmet.
There are some organizations that accepts helmets as donation like Pickupplease. If your helmet is in good condition then this is one of best noble options what you can do with your old motorcycle helmet i.e. to donate it. Some organizations accept sports helmets while some of them accept motorcycle helmet or both. So you will have to contact them before donating.
5) Use as a base for clay art
If you are interested in clay modelling and if you ask me what to do with old motorcycle helmet, my answer will be use it in making a model. Not only clay artist but a common motorcyclist can also make an attractive clay model out of it. It is so easy.
First of all, take out all internal parts from the helmet. Secondly, take out paint for external shell with the help of some sharp object or sandpaper. Third part is your imagination. Now, you can use the shell as a head of a woman. Apply clay on the shell to make hair. Use face shield part to make face. And so on. This is just an example.
6) Use as a mushroom head in the garden
If you want to make an eco-friendly use of your old motorcycle helmet then you can consider this idea. You can make a mushroom head in the garden with help of your expired helmet. I have seen this my friends garden.
What you have to do is, paint the helmet with red or white oil color and put it on a stalk. You can draw some different colors dots on it to enhance its beauty. Now, all is done! Put it near any flowering grass or any shrub. It looks really amazing.
7) Use it as theater prop
Another brilliant idea to use an old motorcycle helmet is to use it as a theater prop. You know there needs a lot of props in making of a drama or movie. If the drama is historical you can modify the expired helmet into a king or queen crown by adding golden or silver papers on it. You can turn it into a soldier’s helmet by doing some modifications to it.
In doing this, there is no need to remove interior. May be you will have to to cut the chin bar for this. If it is a half helmet your work becomes easier. You will have to cover the helmet with some particular type of color papers as I mentioned it before. So why to throw the old helmet? There are so many uses.
8) Make a bird feeder
It is another eco-friendly concept for what to do with old motorcycle helmet, that is to make a bird feeder. By this idea you will not only held birds but also prevent the helmet from going waste. Other people will also learn a lesson from you that a thing that seems a useless can be used for a noble cause.
To create a bird feeder from the expired motorcycle helmet, you will need only two things. A hole driller or any pointed object to make holes and two stripes or strong threads for hanging. Take out all pads and liners and make two or three holes and tie the treads. Feel the helmet with grains and hang it on a tree. Your bird feeder is ready.
9) Make a letterbox with old motorcycle helmet
A helmet letter box is also a very creative concept you can use instead of throwing away your old helmet. If you like this idea, you can do this with the help some instruments. I am sure your neighbors will admire you for your creativity.
I will tell how to do this. Remove the padding and cut a rectangular opening on the front. Sand the edges, attach a hinge and a latch or lock. Fix the helmet to a post or wall using screws or bolts. You can apply pretty decals and colors to beautify it according to your wish. Most importantly, take some precautions so that your letters remains protected from external forces like wind or rain. You can make a small shade for that.
10) Recycling old motorcycle helmet
If you have really made up your mind to take your old helmet out of the house, then do one thing. Contact your local recycle center. They may give you appropriate amount of money for the helmet too. Even if they don’t give money, you can get rid off your old helmet if you think it is useless.
It is sometimes becomes necessary to recycle the helmet, mostly when it is broken. You can not use its visor, liner or anything. That is why recycling is the best option for such broken and old motorcycle helmet.
Other conventional ideas to reuse an expired helmet
Use it as a birdhouse
You can turn an old helmet into a quirky birdhouse with a little bit of DIY imagination. If you hang it up outside, some bird will start making it its new home.
Turn it into a pet bed
If you have a tiny pet, such as a squirrel or a while mouse, you may turn an old helmet into a cosy bed for them. Add some cotton or soft clothes inside and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind sleeping area for your pet.
Transform it into a clock
Another do-it-yourself option is to make your helmet a wall clock. You can do this by adding clock components to the front.
Make use of it for target practise.
If you enjoy shooting or archery, an old helmet can serve as an excellent target practise board. Just make sure that you take some necessary measures.
Make it a storage container for kids
You can reuse an old helmet as a storage container for kids. They can store there tiny items such as keys, pebbles or kid’s jewellery. To achieve this, simply remove the cushioning and add some additional interior compartments.
Repurpose it into a Halloween costume
Halloween is a time of unique and funny dresses. It is also a time of being creative. You can use your old motorcycle helmet to make a costume, particularly top most part as a mask.
Main Reasons to Why Shouldn’t You Use Old Motorcycle helmets
Now that you have some creative ideas for repurposing your old motorcycle helmet, it’s important to remember why you shouldn’t use an expired motorcycle helmet. Here are some reasons:
1)The foam padding inside the helmet can break down over time, making it less effective in protecting your head in case of an accident.
2) The structural integrity of the helmet can be compromised because of external elements like humidity, hot weather or the direct sun.
3) The helmet may have invisible cracks or damage that can affect its ability to protect you.
What not to do with an old motorcycle helmet
There are some important tips that you should not do with your old motorcycle helmet for your own sake and to avoid environment issues.
Do not resell or donate cracked old motorcycle helmet
If you are unable to reuse the old helmet artistically as we mentioned before, it’s essential to dispose it properly. It is tempting to sell or donate it but there are certain things you should avoid. First and foremost, do not sell or give away a crashed helmet. Even if it appears to be unharmed, internally it is damaged. And therefore its usefulness is equal to none in the future!
In fact by donating or selling such helmets you are indirectly putting someone’s life in danger.
Do not modify for reusing for driving
Second, do not attempt to modify an old helmet keeping in mind you can reuse it while driving. This could result in damaging its structure. It will become less useful in the case of an accident. Furthermore, if you apply stickers or painting on the old helmet, it can make it difficult to discover cracks or other problems that may occur over time.
Do not just throw or burn it
Finally, it is not appropriate to simply throw an outdated helmet. It is an easy way to get rid off old helmet, but remember, helmets are not biodegradable. They can take hundreds of years in a landfill to degrade. Burning of the helmet will create air pollution which harmful to environment. Instead, look for a local helmet recycling programme as we mentioned before. You can also contact the helmet manufacturer to inquire about recycling or disposal options.
QnAs
Is a 10 year old motorcycle helmet still good?
There is very less probability that a 10 year old motorcycle helmet is still good. Motorcycle helmets have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 3-5 years, depending on how often you use them and how well you take care of them. The materials that make up the helmet degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, sweat, dust, insects, and other factors. Too old helmet can not give proper protection in event of an accident.
Do unused motorcycle helmets expire?
Yes, unused motorcycle helmets do expire. Even if you keep your helmet in storage, it can still deteriorate over time due to changes in temperature, humidity, and air quality. Some manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet after 5 years of storage. Therefore, you must avoid wearing an expired helmet even when it is packed and unused.
How long do motorcycle helmets last in storage?
Motorcycle helmets last in storage for about 5 years, but this may vary depending on the storage conditions and the quality of the helmet. To keep helmet free from fading or growing fungus, you should store it in a cool, dark and dry place. You should also avoid placing any heavy objects on top of your helmet or squeezing it into a tight space.
Are old motorcycle helmets safe?
No, old motorcycle helmets are not safe. As helmets becomes old, they lose their ability to deal promptly with impact. This means that they may not protect your head in crash. Old helmets may also have cracks, dents, loose parts or damaged linings that can compromise their safety. You should always inspect your old helmet for any defects before wearing it. If fact you should stop wearing it.
How do you know if a helmet is still good?
You can know if a helmet is still good by checking its age, usage, and condition. A good rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every 3-5 years, or sooner if you use it frequently or expose it to harsh environments. You should also look for any signs of damage or wear on the outer shell, the inner foam, and the lining of your helmet. If you notice any cracks, dents, tears, stains, or loose parts, you should get a new helmet.
How do I know if my motorcycle helmet is bad?
You can know if your motorcycle helmet is bad by looking for some common indicators such as, it is older than 5 years or it met with an accident. It is useless if there are visible fractures or dents. Also, deformed foam and torn lining are not acceptable in a motorcycle helmet. Lastly, you can say your motorcycle helmet is bad if it does not fit properly and feels uncomfortable.
What happens to a helmet after 5 years?
After 5 years, following things happens to a helmet that make it lose its effectiveness and safety-
i) The degradation of the materials that make up the helmet due to exposure to sunlight, sweat, dust, insects, and other elements.
ii) The deterioration of the glue and resin that hold the helmet together due to changes in temperature and humidity.
iii) The weakening of the foam and lining that absorb and disperse impact forces due to compression and wear.
iv) The fading or peeling of the paint and decals that give the helmet its appearance and visibility.
v) The loosening or breaking of the straps, buckles, vents, and other parts that ensure the helmet’s fit and comfort.
Therefore, it’s recommended to replace your helmet every five years, even if it appears to be in good condition. If you’re wondering what to do with your old motorcycle helmet, you can donate it to a local charity or recycle it or follow our ideas instead of throwing it away.
Conclusion
“What to do with old motorcycle helmet?” It is a natural question that arises in our mind after we get a new helmet. You can not throw it away because there are many memories attached to it, also because it will be a waste. You can not keep it at home because it occupies space. Therefore, it is the best way to use it in a different manner.
Here, in this article we have given many beautiful ideas what you can do with your expired or old motorcycle helmet. If you follow these ideas, your helmet will never go in waste!