Understanding CE Ratings for Motorcycle Clothing and Gear

Motorcycle riders face many risks on the road, and protective clothing plays a crucial role in reducing injuries during accidents. But how do you know if your gear offers real protection? CE ratings provide a clear standard to help riders choose clothing and equipment that meet safety requirements. This post explains what CE ratings mean, how they apply to motorcycle gear, and why they matter for your safety.

What Are CE Ratings?

CE stands for Conformité Européenne, which means European Conformity. It is a certification mark that indicates a product meets European Union safety, health, and environmental protection standards. For motorcycle clothing and gear, CE ratings show that the item has passed specific tests for impact resistance, abrasion, and other protective qualities.

CE certification is mandatory for many types of motorcycle protective equipment sold in Europe. It gives riders confidence that their gear has been independently tested and meets minimum safety criteria.

How CE Ratings Apply to Motorcycle Clothing

Motorcycle clothing includes jackets, trousers, gloves, boots, and armour inserts. CE ratings focus mainly on the protective armour and the materials used in these items. The certification process tests how well the gear can absorb impact and resist abrasion during a crash.

CE Armor Levels

CE armour is classified into two main levels based on impact protection:

• Level 1: Provides basic protection with a maximum impact force of 35 kN (kilonewtons). Suitable for casual riders or those who want lightweight protection.

  
  

• Level 2: Offers higher protection with a maximum impact force of 20 kN. Recommended for sport or touring riders.

  
  

Armour is usually placed on key areas like elbows, shoulders, knees, and back. When buying gear, check if the armour is CE certified and which level it meets.

Abrasion Resistance Standards

Besides armour, the outer fabric of motorcycle clothing must resist abrasion to protect skin during sliding accidents. CE standards test materials by measuring how long they can withstand friction against rough surfaces.

Materials like leather, Cordura, Kevlar, and other high-denier textiles are common in CE-rated gear. The higher the abrasion resistance, the better the protection.

Understanding CE Labels on Motorcycle Gear

When shopping for motorcycle clothing, look for labels or tags that show CE certification. These labels include:

• The CE mark symbol

  
  

• The standard number (e.g., EN 1621-1 for armor, EN 17092 for garments)

  
  

• The protection level (Level 1 or Level 2)

  
  

• Manufacturer details and testing body information

  
  

For example, a jacket might have a label stating it meets EN 17092-3 Class A, which means it offers a high level of protection for abrasion, impact, and seam strength.

Why CE Ratings Matter for Riders

Choosing CE-rated gear is essential because it ensures your clothing and armour have been tested under controlled conditions. This testing simulates real crash scenarios to verify the gear’s ability to protect you.

Without CE certification, there is no guarantee that the gear will perform as expected in an accident. Some non-certified products may look sturdy but fail to provide adequate protection.

Examples of CE Standards for Motorcycle Gear

Here are some common CE standards you will encounter:

• EN 1621-1: Standard for limb protectors like elbow and knee armour. Tests impact absorption.

  
  

• EN 1621-2: Standard for back protectors. Requires higher impact resistance.

  
  

• EN 17092: Standard for motorcycle garments, including jackets and pants. Covers abrasion resistance, impact protection, and seam strength.

  
  

• EN 13595: Older standard for protective clothing, still used by some manufacturers.

  
  

Knowing these standards helps you compare products and understand their safety levels.

CE certified motorcycle jacket

How to Choose the Right CE-Rated Gear

When selecting motorcycle clothing and gear, consider these tips:

• Check the CE certification: Always buy gear with clear CE labels and standard numbers.

  
  

• Match protection level to your riding style: Level 2 armour is better for high-speed or long-distance riding, while Level 1 may suffice for city commuting.

  
  

• Look for full coverage: Jackets and trousers with CE-rated armour on elbows, shoulders, knees, hip and back offer more protection.

  
  

• Consider abrasion resistance: Choose materials tested for high abrasion resistance, especially if you ride on motorways or rough roads.

  
  

• Fit and comfort matter: Protective gear should fit well to stay in place during a crash and allow freedom of movement.

  
  

Maintaining Your CE-Rated Motorcycle Gear

Proper care helps maintain the protective qualities of your gear:

• Follow manufacturer washing instructions to avoid damaging armour or fabrics.

  
  

• Inspect armour regularly for cracks or wear and replace if damaged.

  
  

• Store gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

  
  

• Avoid modifying gear in ways that reduce protection, such as removing armour inserts.

  
  

The Future of CE Ratings and Motorcycle Safety

CE standards continue to evolve as new materials and technologies emerge. Innovations like airbag suits and smart protective gear are being tested for certification. Riders should stay informed about updates to standards and choose gear that meets the latest safety requirements.

Choosing CE-rated motorcycle clothing and gear is a practical step to reduce injury risk on the road. Understanding these ratings helps you make informed decisions and invest in protection that works when you need it most.

Visit our shop in Haddenham to see our selection of CE certified motorcycle we have on offer.

Address: Unit 20 Bradmoor Farm, Stanbridge Road, Haddenham, HP17 8JX