Safety Protocol Specification
SHARP (UK Rating)
Story & Background
Launched by the UK Department for Transport in 2007, SHARP provides a 1-5 star safety rating to help consumers compare the relative safety of helmets that all meet the legal ECE minimum.
2007
SHARP launched by UK Department for Transport to provide objective safety ratings.
2012
Published ratings for over 200 helmet models, showing massive safety gaps.
2020
Updated testing protocol to align with ECE 22.06 rotational standards.
2026
Acts as the premier independent 5-star safety scoring service globally.
Testing Protocol & Methods
Consumer Safety Rating
- Independent Procurement: Helmets are bought from random retailers to avoid manufacturers sending "special" samples.
- 8.5 m/s Impact: Tested at higher speeds than mandatory ECE pass/fail levels.
- Linear & Rotational: 32 total impact tests per helmet model.
Technical Specifications & Performance
Impact Sites
32 Locations
Anvils Tested
Flat & Kerbed
Testing Speeds
3 Rates (to 8.5 m/s)
Score Format
1 - 5 Stars
SHARP UK Rating vs Standard ECE 22.06
Additional consumer testing metrics beyond baseline pass/fail
ECE 22.06 (Baseline)
Testing Locations: 18 Points
Output Type: Pass/Fail Only
SHARP UK Rating
Benchmark
Testing Locations: 32 Points
Output Type: 1-5 Star Scorecard