Motorcycle Armor CE Ratings: A Rider’s Essential Guide

The CE (Conformité Européenne) rating system is a safety standardization framework established by the European Union to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE), including motorcycle armor, meets rigorous health, safety, and environmental benchmarks. Introduced in 1993 under Directive 93/68/EEC, CE certification mandates third-party testing of impact absorption, abrasion resistance, and material durability.

Since April 2018, the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 has governed motorcycle armor, replacing the outdated Directive 89/686/EEC, which lacked specificity for motorcycle clothing.. This regulation classifies protective gear as PPE, requiring CE certification for all products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).

While legally binding only in Europe, motorcycle armor CE ratings have become a global benchmark for quality, influencing manufacturers and riders in North America, Asia, and beyond.

Motorcycle Body Armor	Type	CE Level	Check & Buy Now
Scorpion Safe Tech	Shoulder	Level 2	RevZilla | CycleGear
Knox Microlock	Elbow/Knee	Level 2	RevZilla | CycleGear
Icon D3O Ghost	Shoulder/Hip	Level 1	RevZilla | CycleGear
Icon Field Armor 3	Knee	Level 1	RevZilla | CycleGear
Alpinestars Nucleon KR-Cell CiR	Chest	Level 2	RevZilla | MotoSport
Alpinestars Nucleon KR-2i	Back	Level 2	RevZilla | Amazon
Forcefield Pro Lite K	Back	Level 2	RevZilla | Amazon

Key CE Standards for Motorcycle Armor

CE certification for motorcycle armor is anchored in harmonized European Norm (EN) standards. These frameworks ensure protective gear meets rigorous safety benchmarks through systematic testing. Three pivotal standards govern different aspects of motorcycle armor, each addressing unique risks riders face.

EN 1621-1:2012 – Limb Protectors

EN 1621-1:2012 focuses on armor for shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips—joints vulnerable to high-impact forces. The standard mandates testing with a 5 kg hemispherical impactor dropped from heights simulating collision speeds up to 25 km/h.

During testing, piezoelectric sensors measure transmitted force, ensuring it remains below 18 kN for Level 1 and 9 kN for Level 2 certification. Post-impact evaluations check for structural integrity, guaranteeing no cracks or deformations compromise safety. By standardizing force dispersion, this standard reduces fracture risks in low- to high-speed crashes.

EN 1621-2:2014 – Back Protectors

EN 1621-2:2014 prioritizes spinal protection, critical in off-road or high-speed scenarios. The standard categorizes back protectors by coverage area:

• Level 1 (LB/CB): Covers lumbar or central spine (≥450 cm²).
• Level 2 (FB): Extends to the full spine, sacrum, and shoulder blades (≥600 cm²).

Repeated impact tests assess material resilience, with Level 2 armor requiring thicker composites (20–30 mm) to distribute energy across broader surfaces. This minimizes localized pressure on vertebrae, addressing risks from multi-directional impacts on uneven terrain.

EN 17092:2020 – Complete Garment Systems

EN 17092:2020 evaluates garments as integrated systems. The Darmstadt abrasion test drags fabric at 7 m/s to measure resistance duration—over seven seconds for Class AAA certification. Seams undergo separate strength tests to ensure they withstand tearing during slides.

Ergonomic assessments verify armor alignment in riding positions, preventing displacement mid-crash. Reinforced pockets in high-risk zones (shoulders, elbows, knees) ensure protectors remain effective. By balancing abrasion resistance and mobility, this standard safeguards riders without restricting movement.

Motorcycle CE Armor Levels: Level 1 vs. Level 2

CE-rated motorcycle armor is classified into two tiers—Level 1 and Level 2—to help riders balance protection and practicality based on their risk exposure. These levels address distinct riding environments, from urban commutes to high-speed crashes, ensuring gear adapts to diverse safety needs.

• CE Level 1: Level 1 motorcycle armor is designed to absorb moderate impacts, transmitting a maximum force of ≤18 kN (with no single test exceeding 24 kN). Testing involves dropping a 5 kg hemispherical impactor from 1 meter, simulating collisions at 16 km/h. Lightweight materials like D3O or Poron XRD—flexible polymers that stiffen on impact—are used, maintaining a slim profile (10–15 mm thick).
• CE Level 2: Level 2 motorcycle armor reduces transmitted force to ≤9 kN (≤12 kN maximum per test) by doubling kinetic energy exposure. The same 5 kg impactor is dropped from 2 meters, replicating 25 km/h collisions. Thicker (20–30 mm), denser composites like CE-Tec Viscoelastic Foam or thermoplastic shells prioritize energy dispersion, sacrificing flexibility for enhanced protection.

When it comes to use cases and practical applications, Level 1 excels in low-to-moderate risk scenarios, such as city commuting or touring. Its slim design integrates seamlessly into mesh jackets, gloves, or riding jeans, offering comfort during prolonged wear. For example, a rider navigating 30–50 km/h city traffic benefits from its balance of mobility and localized impact protection, ideal for low-speed collisions with shorter deceleration distances.

On the other hand, Level 2 is mandatory for high-risk activities like track racing or off-road riding, where crashes often exceed 80 km/h. The bulkier construction mitigates multi-directional impacts common in high-speed tumbles, dispersing energy across larger areas to reduce fractures and soft tissue damage. Professional leagues like MotoGP require Level 2 certification, underscoring its role in extreme conditions.

For instance, Level 2 back protectors must cover ≥600 cm² (vs. Level 1’s 450 cm²), shielding the full spine, sacrum, and shoulder blades. This expanded coverage is critical for off-road crashes, where uneven terrain increases the risk of spinal injuries.

However, while Level 2 halves transmitted force compared to Level 1, its bulk can restrict mobility—a drawback for sportbike riders needing agile movement. Manufacturers address this with innovations like SAS-Tec’s Flexicore, which divides rigid plates into articulated segments for flexibility. Emerging materials, such as non-Newtonian foams (e.g., Safeguard’s Adaptive Foam), aim to deliver Level 2 protection in slimmer profiles, though certification hurdles remain.

CE Garment Classes: AAA to C

Under the EN 17092:2020 standard, motorcycle garments are categorized into five classes (AAA to C) based on abrasion resistance, impact protection, and structural integrity. These classifications help riders align their gear with specific riding styles and risk levels, ensuring optimal safety without compromising practicality.

Class AAA (Highest Protection)

• Protection: Exceeds 7 seconds on the Darmstadt abrasion test, simulating slides at 7 m/s. Mandates CE Level 1 or 2 armor at shoulders, elbows, and knees.
• Typical Use: Predominantly found in racing leather suits, where rigidity and maximum abrasion resistance are prioritized. Rare in textiles due to the need for uncompromised structural integrity.
• Testing: High-risk zones 1-3 (shoulders, elbows, knees) undergo rigorous abrasion and seam-strength evaluations to prevent failure during crashes.

Class AA (Touring and Adventure)

• Protection: Balances 4–7 seconds of abrasion resistance with CE Level 1/2 armor at shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
• Typical Use: Textile jackets and pants crafted from multi-layer fabrics like Cordura® or Kevlar® blends, offering durability and flexibility for long-distance rides.
• Design: Reinforced stitching and ergonomic cuts ensure comfort during extended wear, ideal for touring or off-road adventures.

Class A (Urban Commuting)

• Protection: Meets minimum abrasion resistance (2–4 seconds) with CE Level 1 armor at shoulders, elbows, and knees (hips optional).
• Typical Use: Lightweight mesh jackets or riding jeans designed for short-distance urban rides. Prioritizes breathability and comfort in stop-and-go traffic.
• Trade-off: Lower abrasion resistance is offset by enhanced airflow, making it suitable for low-speed environments.

Class B (Abrasion-Resistant Base Layers)

• Protection: Provides abrasion resistance but lacks integrated armor. Must be paired with Class C garments for impact protection.
• Typical Use: Riding shirts or base layers meant for layering. Ideal for riders seeking modularity, allowing customization based on weather or risk level.
• Functionality: Often incorporates stretch panels for mobility but requires careful coordination with armor holders.

Class C (Armor Holders)

• Protection: Offers no abrasion resistance but secures CE-certified armor in place.
• Typical Use: Mesh liners or armored undershirts, worn beneath Class B gear or standalone jackets.
• Practicality: Enables riders to add or remove armor as needed, though reliance on outer layers for abrasion protection demands meticulous layering.

Key Considerations

1. Layering Systems: Combining Class B (abrasion-resistant) and Class C (armor-holding) garments provides flexibility but requires attention to fit and compatibility.
2. Material Trade-offs:

• AAA: Prioritizes protection over comfort (rigid leather).
• AA/A: Balances durability with breathability (textiles/mesh).

1. Real-World Application: Higher classes (AAA/AA) suit high-speed or off-road environments, while Class A/B/C cater to urban or modular needs.
2. Maintenance: Leather AAA gear demands specialized care, while textiles (AA/A) are easier to maintain. Regular armor checks (e.g., hardening, odor) ensure longevity.

By understanding these classes, riders can make informed decisions, selecting gear that aligns with their specific riding conditions while adhering to scientifically validated safety standards.

Motorcycle Armor CE Certification Process

The CE certification process for motorcycle armor is a systematic technical evaluation governed by EU Directive 89/686/EEC and harmonized European Norms (EN). It ensures protective gear meets biomechanical safety thresholds through standardized laboratory testing, material characterization, and ergonomic validation. Below is a detailed technical breakdown of the protocol:

1. Accredited Laboratory Testing

All evaluations are performed by ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratories, ensuring traceability to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB or NIST). Testing equipment, such as servo-hydraulic drop towers and triaxial piezoelectric force transducers (Kistler 9367C), is calibrated to ≤±1.5% measurement uncertainty. The process adheres to three primary standards:

• EN 1621-1:2012: Specifies impact attenuation for limb protectors (shoulders, elbows, knees) via controlled freefall tests.
• EN 1621-2:2014: Defines force dispersion and geometric coverage for back protectors.
• EN 17092:2020: Governs whole-garment abrasion resistance, seam strength, and ergonomic fit.

2. Impact Attenuation Analysis

Limb Protectors are tested using a 5 kg titanium hemispherical impactor (radius: 50 mm ±0.5 mm) dropped from defined heights.

For Level 1 certification, the impactor delivers 49 J of energy (1 m freefall, 4.43 m/s velocity), with transmitted force limited to ≤18 kN to prevent tibial fractures. Level 2 requires 98 J impacts (2 m freefall, 6.26 m/s), with ≤9 kN force transmission to mitigate soft tissue injuries. Force-time curves are captured at 100 kHz sampling rates via triaxial piezoelectric sensors and analyzed per EN 1621-1 Annex A.

Back Protectors undergo a progressive impact sequence (50 J, 75 J, 100 J) across 12 zones. Level 2 certification mandates a mean transmitted force ≤9 kN and ≥600 cm² coverage area, validated via 3D laser scanning. High-speed photogrammetry (Photron SA-Z, 20,000 fps) quantifies material deformation modes (e.g., buckling, delamination) to ensure energy dissipation.

3. Material Durability Testing

Armor materials are subjected to environmental and mechanical stress assessments:

• Compressive Creep (ASTM D395): 100 N static load at 70°C for 24 hours; post-test thickness reduction ≤10%.
• UV Degradation (ISO 4892-2): Xenon-arc exposure (1,200 hours, 0.55 W/m² at 340 nm) with ≤15% Shore A hardness deviation.
• Hydrolysis Resistance (ASTM D638): Tensile specimens (Type IV) immersed in deionized H₂O at 40°C for 168 hours; ≥80% tensile strength retention.
• Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA): Frequency sweeps (0.1–100 Hz) evaluate viscoelastic properties (storage modulus, loss tangent) of shear-thickening polymers under strain rates >30 s⁻¹.

4. Whole-Garment Evaluation

Abrasion Resistance is tested via the Darmstadt drum (EN 17092-3:2020), where specimens are dragged at 7 m/s against 180-grit Al₂O₃ abrasive. Class AAA certification requires ≥7 seconds to breach (energy dissipation ≈3.5 kJ). Seam Strength is validated using ASTM D1683 grab tests (500 mm/min strain rate), requiring ≥150 N resistance to prevent burst propagation.

Ergonomic Fit is quantified using 3D motion capture systems (Vicon MX, 200 Hz sampling) to track armor displacement during simulated riding kinematics (ISO 20685:2010). Displacements >5 mm increase fracture risk by 22%.

5. Certification and Quality Assurance

Manufacturers submit technical documentation, including finite element analysis (FEA) models (HyperMesh/Optistruct) simulating oblique impacts (30°–60° incidence) and material composition reports (FTIR spectroscopy). Factory Production Control (FPC) audits enforce statistical process control (SPC) for parameters like foam density (±3% tolerance, measured via helium pycnometry). Post-certification, 2% of production batches undergo reduced-energy impact tests (EN 1621-1 Annex B) to ensure consistency.

Motorcycle Armor CE Ratings Labels – Identifying Key Markers

CE-certified motorcycle armor features standardized labels that provide critical safety information, which might look like a jumble of numbers and letters, but they’re actually pretty straightforward once you know the code.

• CE Mark: A visible CE logo indicates conformity with EU safety regulations. Mandatory for all armor sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).
• EN Standard Number: Specifies the testing standard met (e.g., EN 1621-1:2012 for limbs, EN 1621-2:2014 for back protectors). For example, the EN1621-2:2014 breaks down like this:
• EN1621: Indicates the item is rated for motorcycle use.
• -2: Specifies the area of protection (e.g., “-2” is for back protection).
• 2014: The year the standard was implemented.

There are two levels of CE protection: Labeled as “CE Level 1” for moderate-impact protection and labeled as “CE Level 2” for high-energy impact absorption.

• Level 1: Maximum transmitted force must be below 18 kN, with no single value exceeding 24 kN.
• Level 2: Maximum transmitted force must be below 9 kN, with no single value exceeding 12 kN.

When you see “EN340:2003” on a piece of armor, it’s a general standard, not specific to motorcycles. If it’s listed alongside “EN1621,” the latter is the one that really matters.

Breaking Down the CE Label Requirements

For general protective clothing, the EN 340 standard includes:

• Manufacturer identification
• Product identifying mark
• Size or size range designation
• EN ### (specific Standard number)
• Pictogram for specific hazard protection, plus performance levels
• Care labeling, including the maximum number of cleaning cycles
• Marking for single-use PPE (e.g., “DO NOT RE-USE”)

For EN 1621 standards, the labeling includes:

• Type of protector (e.g., S for Shoulder, E for Elbow, H for Hip)
• Indication of covered area (e.g., A for reduced coverage, B for normal coverage)
• Performance levels (1 or 2)

When you check the CE label on your armor, look for the following:

1. Pictogram: Indicates its protective equipment for bikers.
2. Category and Type of Protection: Specific details of what’s covered.
3. Temperature Tests: Indicates validation for low (-10°C) and high (+40°C) temperature impact tests.
4. Performance Level: Level 1 or 2.
5. Coverage Area (Back Protectors Only): LB/CB: Level 1 coverage (lumbar or central spine) and FB: Level 2 coverage (full spine, sacrum, shoulder blades).
6. Manufacturer and Certification Body Codes: A four-digit code identifies the notified body (e.g., *0123*) that certified the product. Manufacturer details (name, address) ensure traceability,
7. Expiration Recommendations: Some labels include advisories to replace armor every 3–5 years due to material degradation.
8. Additional Markings: These might indicate other certifications or relevant tests.

Motorcycle Amort CE Certification Common Misconceptions

A pervasive misunderstanding among riders is the assumption that CE AAA-rated garments inherently include Level 2 armor. This myth stems from conflating garment abrasion resistance with armor performance. CE AAA certification, governed by EN 17092:2020, focuses solely on a garment’s ability to withstand abrasion for over seven seconds on the Darmstadt machine and maintain structural integrity in high-impact zones (shoulders, elbows, knees).

However, armor levels are evaluated separately under EN 1621-1:2012 for limbs and EN 1621-2:2014 for back protectors. Manufacturers frequently prioritize Level 1 armor in AAA-rated suits to preserve flexibility, as thicker Level 2 protectors could restrict movement in racing tucks.

Another widespread fallacy is the belief that non-CE gear is inherently unsafe. While CE certification provides standardized validation, many non-CE products incorporate materials that meet or exceed EN abrasion thresholds, such as 600D Cordura or Dyneema®, but avoid formal certification due to cost or regional market preferences.

However, non-CE gear often omits critical testing for seam strength, dimensional stability, or innocuousness (e.g., pH balance), leaving vulnerabilities unaddressed. Thus, while non-CE gear may offer partial protection, it lacks the holistic safety guarantees of certified products.

FAQs — I Have the Answers!

Q: Is Motorcycle CE Armor Mandatory Outside Europe?

No legal mandate exists for CE-certified armor outside the European Economic Area (EEA). However, its adoption is strongly recommended due to rigorous third-party validation.

In North America, organizations like the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) encourage voluntary compliance, while tracks such as Circuit of the Americas enforce CE Level 2 requirements for professional events. In Asia and Africa, uncertified gear dominates markets, but touring riders often opt for CE-certified options for long-haul safety. Notably, insurers in regions like Australia increasingly prioritize CE-certified gear in accident claims, linking compliance to liability assessments.

Q: Can I Use Motorcycle CE Armor with Non-CE Jackets?

Yes, provided the armor itself is CE-certified and positioned in anatomically critical zones (shoulders, elbows, knees, back). However, non-CE jackets may lack reinforced stitching or abrasion-resistant panels, increasing the risk of armor displacement or fabric failure during slides. Compatibility is also a concern: armor pockets in non-CE gear may not secure protectors adequately, necessitating aftermarket solutions like Velcro® adjusters or elastic retention straps.

Q: How Often Are CE Standards Updated?

EN standards undergo revisions every 3–5 years to reflect advancements in material science and crash dynamics. The 2020 update to EN 17092, for instance, introduced ergonomic testing to assess mobility in riding positions and mandated stricter seam-strength thresholds. Similarly, EN 1621-2:2014 clarified coverage requirements for Level 2 back protectors, specifying minimum dimensions for shoulder blade protection. Riders should verify the standard version (e.g., EN 17092:2020 vs. EN 17092:2017) when purchasing gear, as outdated certifications may not incorporate recent safety improvements.

Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government, educational, corporate, and non-profit organizations:

• The George Institute of Good Health
• European Commission
• Kelly & Associates Injury Lawyers
• Techno FAQ
• Motorcycle Accident Resource
• Motorcycle Legal Foundation

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