As motorcyclists, we prioritize safety, but the world of protective gear can be a bit of a maze. Yet it’s crucial to understand gear we rely on. One of the key aspects to consider is its CE rating—a standard many riders have heard of but may not fully understand.
That’s why today, I’ll help clear up the confusion surrounding CE ratings and the European safety standards that shape the armor we wear. Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned rider, knowing what these labels mean can help you make informed decisions when choosing your protective gear.
What Does “EN” and “CE” Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. The “EN” in these standards stands for “European Norm,” and you might also see armor listed as “CE,” short for “Conformité Européene” (which means “European Conformity”). The term “CE Marking” replaced “EC Mark” in 1993 and is now the standard phrase used in all EU official documents. The CE marking indicates that motorcycle safety gear meets the rigorous standards set by the European Union, ensuring that gear sold within the European Economic Area (EEA) is tested and approved for safety.
Although these standards aren’t legally required in the U.S. for street riding, they’ve been informally adopted by riders and manufacturers alike. In Europe, however, it’s a different story—you can’t legally ride a motorcycle without gear that meets these safety standards.
In 2020, new standards were established, notably EN 17092-1:2020, which outlines the specific test methods required for motorcycle gear to achieve its CE rating. These tests assess various attributes, including impact absorption, abrasion resistance, seam strength, tear strength, rotational cut resistance, and transverse rigidity. Importantly, these tests must be conducted by a third-party organization, as brands cannot rely on their own in-house testing to obtain CE certification.
Motorcycle Armor CE Rating: What It Is and Why It Matters
But before I dive deeper, allow me to clarify what “Motorcycle Armor CE Rating” actually means.
The CE rating is a standardized assessment of protective gear, particularly armor used in motorcycle jackets, pants, gloves, and boots. It evaluates the armor’s ability to protect against impact, abrasion, and other types of injuries during a crash. A higher CE rating generally indicates better protection, with CE Level 2 being more protective than CE Level 1.
| 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 |
How CE Standards and PPE Regulations Work Together
So, how do CE standards tie into Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Quite a bit, actually. Since April 2018, all motorcycle garments sold as protective gear in Europe must comply with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regulations, meaning they have been tested and certified by an official body to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards.
Motorcycle clothing—especially jackets and pants—falls under the category of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), much like helmets or boots. Just like other types of PPE (think construction gear or safety goggles), motorcycle clothing has its own set of standards that dictate how it should be used and what level of protection it offers.
For leisure riders, the standard we care about is CE-standard EN 17092, which has become a harmonized European standard. “Harmonized” means it’s recognized across the EU as a reliable way to certify motorcycle gear.
Now, let’s be clear: this is a simplified overview of a complex topic that’s influenced by both politics and economics. But the takeaway is that the CE-certification label means something. It indicates that the gear has been tested to meet minimum safety requirements, so you know it’s actually designed to protect you on the road.
CE Ratings in North America
In North America, CE-rated gear is primarily a requirement for track use. Since each racetrack may have different standards, the specific rating you need can vary. It’s similar to how helmet requirements work: on the street, you might only need a DOT-approved helmet, but certain tracks may require a Snell-rated or ECE-rated helmet, both of which are prerequisites for FIM homologation.
Always check the requirements before heading out to the track.
Why the EN 17092 Standard Matters
The EN 17092 standards, ranging from EN 17092-2:2020 to EN 17092-6:2020, are crucial because they establish the specific criteria that motorcycle apparel must meet to be certified under different protection classes. These classes range from Class C, which is the minimum protection level, to Class AAA, the highest and most protective standard.
The introduction of EN 17092 was driven by the need to ensure that riders can purchase gear that truly offers protection. Just because something looks sturdy doesn’t mean it’s up to the task in a crash. The EN 17092 standard ensures that clothing sold as motorcycle gear is indeed capable of providing the protection you need.
How EN 17092 Differs from EN 13595
EN 17092 differs from the older EN 13595 standard by focusing on PPE for leisure motorcycle use, which is categorized into various riding styles like sport, adventure, and urban. That means the standard considers the type of riding you’ll be doing and tailors the protective requirements accordingly.
For instance, urban riders probably won’t be donning full-leather race suits on their daily commute. EN 17092 strikes a balance between safety and comfort, taking into account factors like breathability, waterproofing, and flexibility—all while ensuring the gear offers adequate protection for the intended riding style.
What Does the EN 17092 Test For?
CE EN 17092 is rigorous, and here’s what it tests for:
- Impact Abrasion Resistance: Tests if the fabric can withstand a slide after an impact without tearing. A hole larger than 5 mm means it fails. The outer shell should take the hit, not your skin.
- Tear Strength: Measures how difficult it is to tear the fabric apart after it’s been slit. This ensures that a sharp object won’t easily rip open your gear.
- Seam Strength: Ensures that the seams, especially at vital connection points, stay intact during a slide.
- Dimensional Stability: The garment is washed five times under controlled conditions to check for shrinkage. No more than 5% shrinkage is allowed, ensuring the gear maintains its fit and that the protectors stay in place.
- Innocuousness: Ensures that the chemicals used in the garment (like dyes) are safe for your skin and the environment.
Beyond Clothing: Other Relevant EN Standards
While our focus is on motorcycle armor, other gear like boots, gloves, and impact protectors also have their own CE standards:
- Boots: EN 13634:2017
- Gloves: EN 13594:2015
- Elbow, Knee, Hip, Shoulder Protectors: EN 1621-1:2012
- Back Protectors: EN 1621-2:2014
- Chest Protectors: EN 1621-3:2018
- Lanyard-Activated Air Bag Protectors: EN 1621-4:2013
- Stone Shield Protectors (used in motocross): EN 14021:2013
Each category has specific standards that gear must meet to be certified.
Understanding the CE Labeling Code
CE labels might look like a jumble of numbers and letters, but they’re actually pretty straightforward once you know the code. For example, “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: CE Level 1 and CE Level 2. Level 2 offers better impact protection and is often required for higher-speed track schools or races.
- 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:
- Pictogram: Indicates it’s protective equipment for bikers.
- Category and Type of Protection: Specific details of what’s covered.
- Temperature Tests: Indicates validation for low (-10°C) and high (+40°C) temperature impact tests.
- Performance Level: Level 1 or 2.
- Additional Markings: These might indicate other certifications or relevant tests.
CE Certification Classes: What to Look For
Motorcycle apparel made after 2018 will have a “Class” section in the CE label or marking. The latest technical standard, UNI PrEN 17092, identifies five classes of protectiveness:
- Class AAA (prEN 17092-2:2017): Maximum protection, heavier and less comfortable.
- Class AA (prEN 17092-3:2017): High level of protection, suitable for most riding conditions.
- Class A (prEN 17092-4:2017): Lighter and more comfortable, but with less protection.
- Class B (prEN 17092-5:2017): Abrasion resistance equivalent to Class A, but without impact protectors.
- Class C (prEN 17092-6:2017): Protects against impact but not abrasion (e.g., underwear with integrated impact protectors).
Risk Zones in Protective Garments
The performance requirements for assigning a protection class are based on specific risk category zones of the garment:
- Zone 1: High-risk areas like shoulders, elbows, and knees. Must pass the highest standards for impact and abrasion resistance.
- Zone 2: Moderate-risk areas. Still requires good protection but with slightly lower standards than Zone 1.
- Zone 3: Low-risk areas that may not face direct impact but still need to meet certain standards.
- Zone 4: Areas that can be used for ventilation and stretch panels but must still provide a basic level of protection.
CE Tested, Certified, or Approved—What’s the Difference?
When you see terms like “CE Tested,” “CE Certified,” or “CE Approved,” it’s essential to know what they actually mean:
- CE Tested: The manufacturer has tested the garment, but not necessarily in a certified testing facility. It might meet some standards, but there’s no official accreditation.
- CE Certified: It’s more secure, indicating that garment samples were tested in certified facilities. However, it’s crucial to check which parts of the garment were tested.
- CE Approved: The most reliable term (the gold standard), meaning that several parts of the garment were tested in certified facilities and accredited to meet or surpass the required standards in all zones.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—a crash course in understanding the CE ratings that are stamped on your motorcycle gear. Whether you’re commuting through the city, hitting the twisties on the weekend, or tackling an off-road adventure, knowing what those labels mean can help you ride with confidence, knowing you’re well-protected.
After all, the best gear isn’t just about looking cool—it’s about staying safe so you can keep riding for years to come. Ride safe, and gear up smart!
FAQs – I Have the Answers!
Q: EN 17092 vs. EN 13595 Ratings: What’s the Difference?
EN 17092 is tailored for PPE used in leisure motorcycle riding, covering various genres like sport, adventure, and urban riding. Unlike the older EN 13595 standard, which was more rigid and focused on professional riders, EN 17092 considers the different types of riding we do.
For example, urban riders might not wear a full-leather one-piece suit to commute, even though it offers maximum protection. EN 17092 strikes a balance between safety, comfort, breathability, and flexibility, making sure you get the right protection for your riding style.
Q: What Is a Motorcycle Armor CE Rating?
In simple terms, a Motorcycle Armor CE Rating is a certification that shows the gear has been tested and meets the minimum safety requirements set by the European Union, meaning the armor you’re wearing isn’t just for show—it’s been proven to offer real protection in the event of a crash.
Q: What Is the Difference Between EN and CE Ratings?
EN” stands for “European Norm,” indicating the specific European standard a product adheres to. “CE” stands for “Conformité Européene,” meaning “European Conformity.” A CE rating signifies that a product meets EU safety standards, ensuring it complies with health and safety requirements for public use. Both ratings work together to indicate that the product is safe and reliable under European regulations.
Q: What Is CE-Rated Motorcycle Armor?
CE-rated motorcycle armor refers to protective gear that has been tested and certified according to European safety standards. The “CE” mark indicates that the armor meets specific criteria set by the European Union for impact protection, abrasion resistance, and overall safety.
CE ratings ensure that the armor has passed rigorous tests and is designed to provide effective protection in the event of a crash or accident. The rating system, which includes various classes like Class AAA, AA, A, B, and C, helps riders choose gear that meets their safety needs.
Q: Is CE-1 or CE-2 Better?
CE Level 2 armor offers better protection compared to CE Level 1. CE Level 2 armor is designed to absorb more impact energy and provide superior protection, meeting higher standards for safety.
Q: How Good Is CE Level 2 Armor?
CE Level 2 armor is highly effective and provides excellent protection. It is tested to absorb more impact energy and offers better safety compared to Level 1 armor, making it suitable for more demanding riding conditions and higher levels of protection.
Q: Is CE Level 1 Armor Good?
CE Level 1 armor provides good protection and is suitable for many riders. However, it offers less impact absorption compared to CE Level 2 armor. It’s often used in entry-level or less aggressive riding gear.
Q: What Is CE Level 1 and 2?
CE Level 1 and Level 2 are classifications within the CE armor rating system. CE Level 1 armor meets the minimum impact protection requirements, while CE Level 2 armor meets more stringent standards for impact absorption and overall safety.
Q: What Does CE AAA Mean?
CE AAA is the highest level of protection in the CE rating system. It indicates that the armor meets the highest standards for impact protection and abrasion resistance, typically found in high-end or racing gear.
Q: What Does CE Approved Armor Mean?
CE approved armor is gear that has been tested and certified to meet European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. The CE mark signifies that the armor has passed rigorous testing and complies with EU regulations for safety and performance.
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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