There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with straddling a motorcycle, feeling the rumble of the engine beneath you and the wind rushing past. It’s a unique sense of freedom and connection. But with all freedoms come responsibility – to yourself, and to those who care about you – to make your ride as safe as possible. This is where motorcycle CE ratings become indispensable.

Too many riders unknowingly invest in gear that offers little to no real-world protection, often because they don’t understand the rigorous testing standards behind genuinely safe equipment. Aesthetics and brand reputation are one thing, but when it comes to safeguarding your skin and bones, you need more than just a good look.

While mastering riding skills and defensive techniques are crucial, your motorcycle safety gear is your next line of defense. Think of it as your shield against the unpredictable. But with countless brands, styles, and price points, how can you be sure that the sleek jacket or sturdy boots you’re considering will actually protect you when it matters most? 

This blog will help you with all of that. We’re going to explore CE ratings: what they are, why they are non-negotiable for any serious rider, the critical indicators to look for on your gear, and which essential items are covered by these vital safety certifications. By the end, you’ll feel confident, clear, and fully informed, when you’re choosing the best gear to protect your passion.

Why motorcycle safety gear matters

No rider ever plans for an incident, but they do happen. When they do, the forces involved can be immense, even at low speeds. Quality, CE approved motorcycle gear protects you from road rash, soft tissue injuries, fractures and dislocations. This isn’t meant to instill fear, but rather to highlight the critical role your motorcycle safety gear plays.

A quality helmet, a sturdy jacket, protective trousers, durable gloves, and robust boots aren’t just accessories. They’re purpose-built to absorb impacts, resist abrasion, and keep your body intact. They provide a vital layer of defense, mitigating the severity of injuries and, in many cases, preventing them altogether.

Beyond emergency situations, wearing the right gear significantly enhances your comfort. It’ll shield you from wind, weather, and fatigue. Greater comfort equates to better focus and confidence.

Think of your gear as your reliable companion or guardian angel. It provides peace of mind so you can fully immerse yourself in the joy of riding. It’s an investment in your well-being, and bodily protection. It’s crucial to ensure that protection is genuine before you’re forced to put it to the test.  Which is exactly why the universally recognized mark of quality CE ratings is so important.

What do motorcycle CE ratings mean?

So, you understand why motorcycle safety gear is non-negotiable. But when it comes to truly trusting your gear, you need to look beyond the marketing hype and dig into the science of protection. This is when motorcycle CE ratings become your most valuable tool.

At their heart, CE ratings create an easy way for you to identify if an item meets specific European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. “CE” stands for “Conformité Européenne,” which literally translates to “European Conformity.” Since Brexit, we’re phasing out CE ratings and replacing them with UKCA marks. It essentially denotes the same level of protection, and a lot of manufacturers use both side by side so they can satisfy European and British markets.

While originating in Europe, these standards are globally recognized as the benchmark for genuine protective equipment, including motorcycle gear. When you see a CE mark on your gear, it’s a manufacturer’s declaration that the product has undergone rigorous, independent testing and complies with the relevant EU directives. The CE stamped, stuck or printed on your gear proves its protective qualities.

You can’t just add a CE rating to anything. Items undergo a battery of laboratory tests by independent, certified bodies. These tests simulate real-world accident scenarios to assess the gear’s ability to protect you.

CE ratings are objective, giving scientific proof that your gear can perform when you need it most. They provide a standardised way to compare different products, so you can cut out the hype and choose gear based on verifiable protection levels, not just looks or personal brand loyalty. CE ratings (and UKCA marks) give you peace of mind, knowing that your investment in safety is worthwhile. Without a CE rating, there’s simply no guarantee that the gear will protect you if the worst were to happen.

Decoding safety labels: what to look for

Understanding that CE ratings signify rigorous testing is one thing, but knowing how to interpret the specific labels on your gear is another. Figuring out how the CE rating system works lets you find the safest motorcycle gear for your riding style and needs. Items rarely just say “CE Approved”. You need to look for specific numbers and letters that tell the full story of its testing and protective capabilities.

The CE mark itself & what follows it

First, look for the official CE mark – it’s a distinct logo with the ‘C’ and ‘E’ both curved in the same direction with a small space between. This is followed by a series of numbers, typically an EN standard number, and then you’ll usually find the level classification. This is the key to decoding the protection. Remember the UKCA mark too; it looks different but will have similar classifications.

Understanding garment protection (Jackets, Trousers, Suits)

For protective clothing like motorcycle jackets, trousers, and one-piece suits, the relevant standard you’ll typically see is EN 17092. This classifies garments into five different levels based on their protection against abrasion, tear strength, and seam strength:

• AAA (Triple-A): This is the highest level of protection. Made for the most demanding use. Gear rated AAA offers exceptional abrasion and impact resistance, often using heavy-duty materials and construction.
• AA (Double-A): A very high level of protection, suitable for general road riding and most touring. It offers significant abrasion and tear resistance, balancing protection with comfort and practicality.
• A (Single-A): A baseline level of good protection, typically for lighter riding conditions or urban commuting. While it provides some defense, it has less abrasion and tear resistance than AA or AAA.
• B: Garments rated ‘B’ provide abrasion and tear resistance similar to ‘A’ but don’t have impact protection (i.e., no integrated armour). These are generally thin, casual-looking items.
• C: This classification is only for garments that offer impact protection (i.e., they hold armour in place) but provide no significant abrasion resistance themselves. Think of mesh liners designed to hold armour.

For most road riders, aiming for single to triple A ratings provides the best balance of safety and usability. Always check the garment’s internal label for the specific EN 17092 standard and the class (e.g., EN 17092-3:2020 Class AA). And always invest in the highest level of protection you can afford.

Glove protection

Motorcycle gloves are vital for protecting your hands and wrists. They’re typically tested under the EN 13594 standard. You’ll usually see two levels of protection:

• Level 1: Offers a good baseline of protection for general riding.
• Level 2: Provides a higher level of impact and abrasion protection, often found in race-spec or high-performance touring gloves. Look for “KP” (Knuckle Protection) if the glove includes specific knuckle armour, indicating it has passed additional impact tests.

Boot protection

Motorcycle boots are designed to protect your feet and ankles from impact, crush injuries, and abrasion. They adhere to the EN 13634 standard and are typically classified as Level 1 or Level 2, similar to gloves:

• Level 1: Good for general riding, offering a fundamental level of protection.
• Level 2: Provides enhanced protection against impact, abrasion, and often features greater transversal rigidity (resistance to crushing side-to-side and severe twists of the ankle and feet).

Armour ratings

Often found within jackets, trousers, and suits, or sometimes purchased separately, armour has its own specific CE ratings, typically under the EN 1621 standard:

• EN 1621-1 (Limb Protectors): This covers armour for shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
• Level 1: Standard level of impact absorption.
• Level 2: Absorbs significantly more energy from an impact, offering superior protection.

• EN 1621-2 (Back Protectors): This standard specifically covers back protectors.
• Level 1: Standard impact absorption for the back.
• Level 2: Offers the highest level of impact absorption for the back, significantly reducing transmitted force.
• You might also see designations like FB (Full Back), CB (Central Back), or B (Type B, smaller area) indicating the coverage area of the back protector.

Always opt for Level 2 armour if you can afford to, especially for back and limb protection. It’s a substantial safety upgrade worth having. Ensure integrated armour is securely positioned and doesn’t shift easily.

Helmets

Helmets have their own distinct and critical safety standard, ECE 22.06, in Europe (which is also widely adopted globally) and SHARP ratings here in the UK. Often, helmets in Britain display both. Helmets undergo an even more rigorous battery of tests, including impact absorption, penetration resistance, and retention system effectiveness. The ECE mark on a helmet indicates it meets these life-critical standards and is legally approved for road use. Do not confuse helmet standards with the CE ratings for other garments and protectors.

By understanding these specific standards and looking for the corresponding marks on your gear, you gain the confidence that your motorcycle safety gear rating is a true indicator of its protective capabilities.

Which motorcycle safety items have CE ratings?

Now that you know what CE ratings are and how to decode them, you might be wondering which specific pieces of your riding kit should carry one. The simple answer is: any item designed to protect you in the event of a crash. This broadly covers your primary protective layers.

Here’s a comprehensive list of motorcycle safety gear you should expect to find CE-rated (or UKCA marked for UK products):

• Jackets: Whether textile or leather, all protective motorcycle jackets should be CE-rated to EN 17092 (Class A, AA, or AAA) for abrasion, tear, and seam strength.
• Trousers: Similar to jackets, motorcycle trousers (textile or leather) should also carry an EN 17092 rating to indicate their protective capability.
• One-Piece Suits: Full riding suits integrate the protection of a jacket and trousers and are also rated under EN 17092 for overall garment performance.
• Gloves: Essential for hand protection, motorcycle gloves are CE-rated to EN 13594, often with Level 1 or Level 2 classifications, and potentially a ‘KP’ for knuckle protection.
• Boots: Designed to protect your feet and ankles, protective motorcycle boots adhere to the EN 13634 standard, typically as Level 1 or Level 2.
• Armour: Crucially, the individual armour pieces found in your jacket (shoulders, elbows, back), trousers (hips, knees), or purchased separately, will have their own specific CE ratings. These fall under EN 1621-1 for limb protectors and EN 1621-2 for back protectors, with additional Level 1 or Level 2 classifications indicating their energy absorption capabilities.

A Quick Reminder on Helmets

As mentioned, helmets are a special category due to their life-critical role. While often colloquially grouped with CE-rated gear, they have their own dedicated European standard, ECE 22.06, and in the UK, often carry SHARP ratings too. Always ensure your helmet meets ECE 22.06 —it’s the minimum legal requirement.

By ensuring every item on your motorcycle safety gear list carries the appropriate CE or UKCA mark and corresponding protective levels, you’re building reliable protection for every journey.

Preserve your passion

Riding a motorcycle is an incredible passion, that joy is amplified when you ride with confidence, knowing you’re as protected as possible. Understanding motorcycle CE ratings isn’t just about technical specifications; it’s about making informed choices to positively impact your safety and peace of mind.

Learning what CE ratings are, how to decipher the protection levels for jackets, trousers, gloves, boots, and armour, and recognising the specific standards like EN 17092 or EN 1621, is invaluable knowledge. You now know that a simple “CE approved” label isn’t enough – you need to look for the specific classes (like AA or AAA) and levels (like Level 2 armour). You’ll know to look out for the UKCA mark if you’re buying motorcycle gear in the UK and spot SHARP ratings for helmets.

The safest gear is the gear you understand, trust, and wear every single time you ride. It’s an investment in your well-being, confidence and future.Quality gear forms a crucial protective layer. True riding safety comes from a combination of excellent equipment and expert training. For comprehensive instruction that builds skill, confidence, and defensive riding techniques, and ends with the gift of a discount on the essential motorcycling gear you need, take the next step in your riding journey with us.