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CE-Safety Labels: Reading and Interpreting Labels for Motorcycle Clothing
In this blog, we discuss the different types of CE standards that motorcycle clothing and protective gear must meet to ensure legal requirements within Europe. We teach you how to interpret these safety labels so that you always wear the best protection.
The importance of safety labels for motorcycle clothing
Previously, I have written blogs about the difference between the old ECE 22.05 and the new ECE 22.06 helmet certification, the safety of motorcycle jeans, and the importance of impact protection in motorcycle clothing.
I realized that I had not yet made a complete overview of the different CE labels in motorcycle clothing. Within the European Union, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must comply with the Conformité Européenne (CE) requirements, which ensures safe motorcycle clothing.
CE safety labels for motorcycle jackets, motorcycle trousers and motorcycle suits
All motorcycle clothing falls under PPE and the most important CE standards are laid out in the EN 17092 series. These standards classify motorcycle clothing into different classes based on their level of protection. The clothing is tested for abrasion resistance, tear resistance, seam strength, and the presence of protectors.
EN 17092-2:2020 / Class AAA
Motorcycle suits and leather motorcycle clothing usually fall into this class, which offers the highest level of protection. This is ideal for demanding conditions and provides maximum abrasion resistance and impact protection, often used by professional riders on and off the track. A downside of class AAA motorcycle clothing is the reduced comfort.
EN 17092-3:2020 / Class AA
This class includes a large part of the motorcycle clothing, suitable for daily use and touring. It offers a high level of protection and is still comfortable. Combined with the best possible back protector (Level 2), this is a winning combination!
EN 17092-4:2020 / Class A
Most motorcycle jackets fall into this class. Class A motorcycle clothing offers basic protection, is ideal for urban use and shorter rides. This clothing is lighter, offers more comfort and mobility, and is preferred by motorcyclists who want to adopt a casual look.
Attention: Accidents on public roads often involve coming to a stop due to contact with the ground, an object, or a vehicle. In these situations, the importance of a Level 2 protector outweighs the abrasion resistance of the fabric.
EN 17092-5:2020 / Class B
This clothing offers the same abrasion resistance as class A, but without impact protection. This is intended to be combined with separate protectors or a protector harness for full protection.
EN 17092-6:2020 / Class CU and Class CO
Class CU is for garments with protectors that are worn under other garments such as a protective harness, while class CO is for protectors that are worn over other garments. These items are only shock-resistant, they are not abrasion-resistant.
CE safety labels for detachable protectors
Protectors are crucial for protection in case of an accident. They are tested for shock absorption and coverage. The shock absorption is expressed in 2 levels. CE-level 1 protection and the better CE-level 2 protection. The most important standards for protectors are:
EN 1621-1:2012
This standard applies to elbow, shoulder, knee, and hip protectors.
- CE-Level 1: Remaining kinetic energy < 35 kN
- CE-Level 2: Remaining kinetic energy < 20 kN
EN 1621-2:2014
This is the standard for back protectors, essential to protect your spine from serious injuries in an accident.
- CE-Level 1: Average remaining kinetic energy < 18 kN – Maximum measured value 24 kN
- CE-Level 2: Average remaining kinetic energy < 9 kN – Maximum measured value 12 kN
EN 1621-3:2018
This standard is for chest protectors, important for motorcyclists who go off-road or ride at high speed.
- CE-Level 1: Average remaining kinetic energy < 18 kN – Maximum measured value 24 kN
- CE-Level 2: Average remaining kinetic energy < 15 kN – Maximum measured value 20 kN
CE safety label for mechanical airbags
EN 1621-4:2013
This standard applies to mechanical airbags (activation with pull cord), which inflate in an accident to drastically reduce the impact.
- CE-Level 1: Average remaining kinetic energy < 4.5 kN – Maximum measured value 6 kN
- CE-Level 2: Average remaining kinetic energy < 2.5 kN – Maximum measured value 3 kN
CE Safety Labels for Motorcycle Gloves and Motorcycle Shoes/Boots
EN 13594:2015
Motorcycle gloves that meet this standard are abrasion-resistant and provide impact protection, while maintaining freedom of movement and comfort.
- CE-Level 1: These gloves offer good protection and are ≥ 4 seconds abrasion resistant. The knuckle protection is optional, but you will almost always find this.
- CE-Level 2: These gloves offer the best protection and are ≥ 8 seconds abrasion resistant. The knuckle protection is mandatory. Gloves with a level 2 protection rating are extremely rare
EN 13634:2018
This standard describes the requirements for boots and shoes. This includes the shaft height, abrasion resistance, cut and tear resistance, and the transverse rigidity of the sole.
Height of the Motorcycle Boot
- CE-Level 1: Covers the ankle
- CE-Level 2: Covers the shin
Wear Resistance
The shoes are divided into 2 areas depending on the likelihood of needing abrasion resistance in real life. Area A includes the sole, heel, and tip, area B includes the rest of the shoes.
- CE-Level 1: Area A: ≥ 1,5 seconds abrasion-resistant – Area B: ≥ 5 seconds abrasion-resistant
- CE-Level 2: Area A: ≥ 2,5 seconds abrasion-resistant – Area B: ≥ 12 seconds abrasion-resistant
Cut and Tear Resistance
For this test, a sharp knife falls at a fixed speed on both areas (2m/s for Level 1 and 2.8m/s for Level 2) and it is measured how deep the knife can penetrate through the material.
- CE-Level 1: Area A: < 25 mm – Area B: < 25 mm
- CE-Level 2: Area A: < 25 mm – Area B: < 15 mm
Lateral stiffness of the sole
This measures the resistance the boot offers if your foot ends up under the motor. For this, the sole is laterally compressed to 20mm thick, if less than 1kN of force is needed, then the boot fails the test.
- CE-Level 1: 1 – 1.4kN
- CE-Level 2: > 1.5 kN
The influence of temperature on protectors
Temperature affects the performance of a protector. Protectors tested at 40 °C and -10 °C receive the respective designations T+ and T-. These symbols guarantee that the protector maintains its function, regardless of exposure to heat or cold.
Scientific Foundation of CE Labels
The importance of protective motorcycle clothing and equipment is scientifically substantiated. Studies show that suitable motorcycle clothing reduces the risk of serious injuries in accidents. For example, a study (Motorcycle protective clothing: protection from injury or just the weather?) published in “Accident Analysis & Prevention” (de Rome et al., 2011) shows that protective clothing significantly reduces the risk of skin damage and fractures. In addition, a study (Protective Clothing and Impact Protection for Motorcyclists) by The Australasian College of Road Safety emphasizes that approved protectors can reduce the impact force by more than 50%.
Choose the right CE standards for your riding style
When choosing motorcycle clothing and gear, it’s important to ensure that the CE marking and associated standards are aligned with your riding style. For some, freedom of movement is paramount and there is less need for wear-resistant clothing. Choose what suits you and don’t fixate on the class of motorcycle clothing or protectors. You are not obliged to wear protective clothing, but we always recommend it.
By choosing the right motorcycle clothing and protectors, you ensure that you are well protected against the risks of motorcycling. Safety should always come first, so you can enjoy every ride with peace of mind.
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Nathan is our webshop employee who is ready with advice and assistance to help customers. When he is not answering customer questions, he writes helpful texts and blogs for the RAD site.