Understanding CE Ratings For Motorcycle Clothing
When choosing new motorbike clothing, you want something that looks good, feels good, and keeps you safe. The CE approval means the gear has been tested to meet specific EU safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring it provides adequate protection in different areas.
Why CE Approval Matters
The CE approval is a legal safety standard which has been around since 2018, & almost all UK motorcycle clothing sold in the UK is designed to meet the standard PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
That means your gear has been independently tested to ensure it provides enough protection in the event of a motorbike accident. It’s a reassurance that your clothing, from trousers to jackets, is manufactured to meet the highest of safety standards.
How CE Testing Works
Every CE-approved garment undergoes a series of tests that assess its abrasion resistance, tear strength, seam durability, and impact protection. The results then determine a safety rating, shown on the inside label.
The CE Ratings Explained
| Rating | Protection Level | Typical Use |
| AAA | Highest | Track, touring, or heavy-duty riding |
| AA | High | Every day road use |
| A | Basic | Urban or low-speed commuting |
| B | Abrasion only (no armour) | Casual gear or over-clothing |
| C | Impact protectors only | Armour inserts or standalone pads |
Each rating reflects how long the material resists abrasion and how well seams and armour perform during impact testing.
CE-Approved Armour vs. CE-Approved Clothing
It’s easy to confuse CE-approved armour with CE-approved clothing.
- Armour (shoulder, elbow, knee, or back pads) is tested under the EN 1621-1 or EN 1621-2 standards.
- Garments (like jackets or trousers) are tested under EN 17092, which covers the whole structure, materials, seams, and fit.
So, even if your jacket has CE armour, the garment itself isn’t fully CE-approved unless the whole piece meets EN 17092. Each of our products clearly states which jackets, trousers, or even gloves have been tested to meet these regulations.
What to Look for When Buying
When shopping for motorcycle clothing, always check the inside label or tag. A genuine CE-approved garment should include:
- The CE mark symbol
- The EN 17092 code (e.g., EN 17092-AA)
- The manufacturer’s name
- The PPE certification number
If you don’t see the CE label, this could indicate it has not been tested or if it has only been tested to meet the UK CE-rated armour.
We stock a huge range of CE-approved gear from leading brands, including Alpinestars clothing, RST, Dainese, and more, all of which meet the latest UK safety standards.
CE Approval and the Law
While there’s no legal requirement in the UK to wear CE-approved clothing, it’s illegal to market or sell any protective motorcycle gear that isn’t CE-certified.
CE-approved clothing can also be a factor for insurance claims or track-day eligibility, since it verifies that your gear meets recognised protection standards. We always recommend that anyone, no matter the level of riding experience, should consider using CE-approved riding gear.
CE Ratings and Waterproof Gear
How does this apply to motorbike waterproofs? CE testing for waterproof garments focuses more on abrasion and seam strength, rather than water resistance itself. So while a jacket may be CE-approved for protection, that doesn’t guarantee it’s waterproof. Look for additional ratings, such as “10k/10k” or a specific membrane (e.g., GORE-TEX), for weatherproof performance.
Common Questions About CE-Approved Gear
Is CE-approved the same as UKCA?
Post-Brexit, the UK introduced UKCA marking, but CE-approved gear is still recognised and valid in the UK.
Does CE approval expire?
The certification doesn’t expire, but new standards may emerge. Always verify that the product complies with the latest EN 17092 version.
Can I upgrade armour to improve protection?
Yes, many riders replace Level 1 armour with Level 2 inserts for enhanced impact resistance.
Ride Safe, Ride Smart
Choosing CE-approved motorcycle clothing means investing in safety that’s been tested, verified, and trusted by professionals. From everyday motorcycle clothing to advanced Alpinestars clothing and motorbike waterproofs, J&S Accessories makes it easy to ride with confidence, knowing your gear is built to protect when it matters most.
