Open Face Helmets

An open-face helmet, often called a jet helmet, protects your head like any approved helmet, but leaves your face uncovered because it has no chin bar. In return it is lighter, quick to put on and take off, lets you hear the traffic, usually fits under a scooter seat and is the coolest option in summer. It is the helmet for town riding and short trips, and here you will find models from NZI, which makes the vast majority, By City and Tucano Urbano.

What an open-face helmet protects, and what it does not

The shell and EPS liner cover your skull just as they would on a full-face helmet, and an open-face label carries the letter J. What is left outside is your chin and face, which in a forward fall is exactly the area that tends to take the impact. That is why an open-face helmet makes sense at town speeds and on routes you know; if you head onto the motorway every day or go touring, a full-face helmet or a modular will cover you better.

Long visor, mini-jet or sun visor

• Long visor: it comes down to your chin and keeps off wind, insects and light rain. This is what the NZI Magma has, and it is the most practical choice for daily scooter riding.
• Internal sun visor: the Ringway 2 Duo and Rolling 4 Sun lower it at the touch of a switch, so you can leave your sunglasses at home and tuck it away at night.
• Mini-jet: more compact and lighter, with your face more exposed to the wind. It is the format of the Pasarela helmets NZI designed with Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, some of the most popular in this section.

Common questions

Will it fit under my scooter seat?

Many will, but it depends on the space and the size: measure the compartment and compare it with the helmet, as an XL takes up quite a bit more room than an S. If it does not fit, a top box is the answer.

Can I use an intercom with an open-face helmet?

Yes. Without a chin bar, the microphone sits on a flexible boom next to your mouth. The Ringway 2 Duo is Bluetooth-compatible; on other models, check the product page for speaker pockets.

Are there versions for children?

Several open-face models come in kids' versions, such as the Helix, Single II and Bambino. Our page of kids' motorcycle helmets explains what to bear in mind with a young passenger.

To see NZI models only, go to the NZI open-face helmets, and for sizing and approval, to our guide to motorcycle helmets.