When I looked into helmet laws Western Australia, I found that the basic rule is much clearer than the details. If you ride a bicycle, motorcycle, moped, or eRideable in WA, you generally need to wear an approved helmet.
The part that can cause trouble is knowing which helmet is legal, how it must fit, what happens if you ride without one, and whether the same rules apply to passengers. I have broken those points down here so you can check the rule without digging through road laws.
What Do Helmet Laws in Western Australia Require?
Western Australia requires riders to wear an approved helmet on bicycles, motorcycles, and eRideables. The helmet must be securely fastened while riding.
That includes children and passengers in the situations covered by the rules.
For motorcycles, the rule is especially clear. Regulation 244 of the Road Traffic Code 2000 requires an approved helmet to be securely fitted and fastened for both the rider and anyone carried on the motorcycle.
| Vehicle | Helmet rule |
|---|---|
| Bicycle | Approved helmet required |
| Motorcycle or moped | Approved helmet required |
| eRideable | Approved helmet required |
So the first thing I would not do is assume that a small electric scooter gets a different safety rule.
Western Australia Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle helmet use is compulsory for riders and passengers in WA.
The Road Safety Commission says an approved helmet must be securely fitted and fastened. The rule also covers mopeds.
There is a real penalty for ignoring it. Failing to wear an approved motorcycle helmet can result in a $550 infringement and 4 demerit points.
Do Motorcycle Passengers Need a Helmet?
Yes.
This is one detail people sometimes miss when they think only about the driver. A passenger being carried on a motorcycle or moped must also wear an approved protective helmet.
| Motorcycle situation | Helmet needed? |
|---|---|
| Rider | Yes |
| Passenger | Yes |
| Moped rider | Yes |
| Moped passenger | Yes |
The passenger rule is not something I would leave to chance, especially on a rental motorcycle.
Which Motorcycle Helmets Are Legal in WA?
Not every helmet sold online is automatically legal for road use in Western Australia.
The Road Safety Commission lists several approved standards. These include Australian standards AS 1698:1988 and AS/NZS 1698:2006, plus certain ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 helmets.
There is an important detail with ECE 22.05 helmets. WA says those helmets must have been imported into Australia, or made here, before 3 January 2024. ECE 22.06 helmets are also approved under the current rules.
How Can I Check a Motorcycle Helmet?
Look for the certification mark or label.
For ECE helmets, the approval mark is shown on a label, often sewn into the chinstrap. The mark includes an “E” inside a circle, followed by a country number.
| Helmet check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Australian standard | Approved compliance label |
| ECE 22.05 | Correct approved helmet and import date |
| ECE 22.06 | ECE approval marking |
| Unknown helmet | Do not assume it is legal |
This is one place where buying a cheap helmet online can create an unexpected problem. The helmet may look perfectly good but still lack the approval marking needed for legal use.
Helmet Laws Western Australia for Bicycle Riders
Bicycle riders also have a legal helmet requirement in WA.
The current Road Safety Commission guidance says all bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet that is securely fastened, unless they have an applicable exemption. That includes children and people carried as passengers or in bicycle trailers.
This is stricter than the bicycle rule in some other parts of the world.
| Bicycle rider | Helmet required? |
|---|---|
| Adult | Yes |
| Child | Yes |
| Bicycle passenger | Yes |
| Child in bicycle trailer | Yes |
The current WA guidance also says approved helmets carry a sticker or label showing that they have passed the required safety tests.
What Bicycle Helmet Standards Are Accepted in WA?
Western Australia adopted new bicycle helmet standards on 3 July 2024.
The approved list includes Australian, European, US, and Snell standards. The Road Safety Commission also notes that some older standards were phased out on 22 September 2025.
Current accepted examples include:
- AS/NZS 2063:2008
- AS/NZS 2063:2020
- EN 1078:2012+A1:2012
- US CPSC 16 C.F.R. Part 1203
- ASTM F1447-18
- Snell B-95, 1998 revision
This is worth checking if you have an older helmet sitting in the garage.
What If My Old Helmet Has an Older Standard?
Do not assume that an old sticker still means the helmet meets today’s accepted list.
WA phased out several older bicycle helmet standards in September 2025. If you are unsure, compare the label on your helmet with the current list from the Road Safety Commission.
That small check can save a lot of confusion.
What Are the Fines for Not Wearing a Helmet?
The penalty depends on what you are riding.
For bicycle riders, the current WA government page lists a $50 infringement for not wearing a helmet.
For motorcycle riders, failing to wear an approved helmet carries a $550 infringement and 4 demerit points.
eRideable riders who fail to wear a helmet can also receive a $50 infringement.
| Offence | Listed infringement |
|---|---|
| Bicycle without helmet | $50 |
| eRideable without helmet | $50 |
| Motorcycle without approved helmet | $550 + 4 demerits |
The difference is worth knowing. A motorcycle helmet offence is much more costly.
Helmet Laws Western Australia for E-Scooters
Electric scooters fall under WA’s eRideable rules when they meet the legal definition.
A compliant eRideable can be a scooter or similar device. It must meet limits on size, weight, and speed. The current government guide says an eRideable must weigh no more than 25 kg, be no more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide and 135 cm high, and have a speed limit of 25 km/h on level ground.
Riders must be at least 16 years old for an eRideable.
What Helmet Can I Use on an E-Scooter?
WA says an approved bicycle, skateboard, or motorcycle helmet can be used when riding an eRideable. It must be approved and securely fastened.
That gives riders some flexibility.
| eRideable helmet | Legal option? |
|---|---|
| Approved bicycle helmet | Yes |
| Approved skateboard helmet | Yes |
| Approved motorcycle helmet | Yes |
| Unapproved helmet | No |
There is no reason to gamble on a helmet with an unclear label. Check the certification before riding.
Are There Exceptions to Western Australia Helmet Laws?
There are limited exemptions.
For bicycle riders, WA says a person may be exempt if religious headwear makes it impractical to wear a helmet. A person may also receive an exemption for a medical reason if they have a written exemption from the Department of Transport.
This is not the same as simply deciding that a helmet is uncomfortable.
| Possible exemption | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Religious headwear | Helmet cannot fit properly because of the headwear |
| Medical reason | Written exemption is required |
| Personal preference | Not a general exemption |
That distinction is important. A medical issue needs the proper written exemption.
How Should a Helmet Fit in Western Australia?
A legal helmet is not much use if it is sitting loose on your head.
WA’s bicycle guidance gives a simple fit check. The helmet should sit correctly, the straps should form a “V” below the ears, and the chin strap should be secure.
I would also avoid buying a helmet without knowing whether it fits.
The Road Safety Commission advises trying a motorcycle helmet on before buying it. It also warns against second-hand helmets because you may not know whether the helmet has been dropped, damaged, or involved in a crash.
When Should You Replace a Helmet?
A crash is an obvious reason to replace it.
WA also advises replacing a motorcycle helmet after it has been dropped. Bicycle helmets should be replaced when they are cracked, damaged, worn out, or have problems such as crumbling foam or frayed straps.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Crash damage | Replace it |
| Cracked shell | Replace it |
| Damaged straps | Replace it |
| Normal dirt | Clean and inspect |
This is one area where trying to save money can backfire.
Common Mistakes With Helmet Laws in Western Australia
The biggest mistake is buying a helmet first and checking the standard later.
The second is assuming that all helmets are interchangeable. Bicycle, eRideable, and motorcycle rules have different approved standards, even though there can be some overlap.
| Mistake | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Buying by appearance | Check the approval label |
| Using an old helmet without checking | Compare its standard with the current list |
| Wearing a loose helmet | Adjust it before riding |
| Using a damaged helmet | Replace it |
Another common mistake is forgetting about passengers. Motorcycle passengers also have a helmet duty, and children carried on bicycles must wear helmets too.
What Else Should Riders Know About WA Helmet Rules?
Helmet use is only one part of staying legal and safe.
For bicycles, WA also requires working brakes and an effective warning device. At night or in poor visibility, cyclists must use the required lights and reflectors.
eRideable riders face other rules too. For example, eRideables can be ridden up to 10 km/h on footpaths and pedestrian crossings, and up to 25 km/h on bicycle paths, shared paths and local roads where permitted and safe.
Motorcycle riders have their own road rules and safety requirements.
The practical lesson is simple: a helmet does not replace the rest of the road rules.
Final Thoughts
The main thing I learned from checking helmet laws Western Australia is that the helmet rule itself is simple, but the approved standards are where people can get caught out. Bicycle riders, motorcycle riders, passengers, and eRideable users all have helmet duties, but the approved standards and penalties differ.
Before riding, I would check the label inside the helmet, make sure it fits properly, and replace it if it has been damaged. That takes only a few minutes and is far easier than dealing with a fine or finding out after a crash that the helmet was not suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to ride without a helmet in Western Australia?
Yes. WA requires bicycle riders, motorcycle riders, passengers, and eRideable users to wear approved helmets, unless a valid exemption applies.
How much is the fine for no helmet in WA?
The listed bicycle and eRideable infringement is $50. A motorcycle helmet offence is $550 and can add 4 demerit points to the rider.
Do e-scooter riders need helmets in WA?
Yes. E-scooter users must wear an approved helmet that is securely fastened. WA allows approved bicycle, skateboard, or motorcycle helmets for eRideables.
What motorcycle helmets are legal in Western Australia?
WA accepts approved Australian standards and certain ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 helmets. Check the helmet label before riding to confirm compliance.
Can you get a helmet exemption in Western Australia?
Yes, limited exemptions exist. Religious headwear may qualify when a helmet cannot fit, while medical exemptions require written approval from the Department of Transport.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
