STAYING SAFE ON THE ROAD

Understanding CE Ratings for Motorcycle Gear

When it comes to motorcycle gear, safety is paramount. One of the most trusted indicators of a product’s safety performance is its CE rating. You will find that we refer to a CE rating repeatedly throughout our website.

This guide will explain what CE ratings are, why they matter, and how they can help you make informed decisions when purchasing motorcycle gear.

CE stands for "Conformité Européenne," which translates to "European Conformity." A CE mark indicates that a product meets the European Union’s health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

In the context of motorcycle gear, CE ratings ensure that the product has been rigorously tested for performance and durability to provide adequate protection in the event of an accident.

Motorcycle gear with a CE rating has undergone stringent testing to evaluate its ability to protect the rider. Different types of gear are tested for specific criteria, such as impact resistance, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and seam burst strength. These tests ensure that the gear can withstand various conditions and offer effective protection.

Key areas where CE ratings apply include:

  • Armour: Found in jackets, pants, and suits, armour is rated based on impact protection.
  • Apparel: Jackets, pants, gloves, and boots are assessed for abrasion resistance, seam strength, and other durability factors.
  • Helmets: Although helmets follow a different standard (ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06), they also comply with European safety regulations.

CE ratings provide riders with confidence that their gear meets safety benchmarks. By choosing CE-rated products, you can be assured that:

  • The gear has been independently tested for safety and durability.
  • It offers a measurable level of protection in case of an accident.
  • You’re investing in reliable, high-quality equipment.

CE Ratings for Clothing

Motorcycle clothing is classified into several performance levels under the EN 17092 standard:

  • AAA: Highest level of protection, ideal for high-speed or spirited riding.
  • AA: High protection, suitable for most road riding conditions. In many cases, balances comfort/breathability and protection.
  • A: Basic protection, good for urban or casual riding.
  • B: Similar to A but without impact protectors.
  • C: Specialised items like undergarments with integrated protectors.

CE Ratings for Armour

CE Level 1

  • Provides a basic level of protection.
  • Allows for more flexibility and comfort.
  • Suitable for riders prioritising mobility and lighter gear.
  • Max transmitted force to the body 18kN

CE Level 2

  • Offers enhanced protection with stricter standards for impact resistance.
  • Common in high-performance or touring gear.
  • Slightly bulkier but provides better safety.
  • Max transmitted force to the body 9 kN

CE Ratings vs. Australian Standards

At Peak Moto, we proudly offer an extensive range of CE-rated motorcycle gear. We also try to showcase Australian small businesses wherever possible, so that they may have a platform to grow.

However, it’s important to note that Australian brands are currently not required to adhere to CE certification standards unless they sell to Europe. While some Australian products may undergo rigorous in-house testing, they do not carry a CE mark unless explicitly stated.

We would recommend keeping this in mind particularly if you plan on doing high-speed or long-distance riding.

Look for the CE mark on the label, tag, or inside the product. The label will often include additional details, such as the EN standard (e.g., EN 1621-1 for armour or EN 17092 for clothing) and the specific level of protection. This information helps you compare products and select gear that matches your riding needs.

When shopping for motorcycle gear, beware of brands—especially cheaper ones—that claim their products are CE-certified when only the armour inserts are.

This tactic can mislead riders into believing the entire garment meets rigorous safety standards, which it does not.

Proper CE certification involves testing the entire product for abrasion resistance, seam strength, and impact protection, not just including CE-rated armour. Look for clear labelling that specifies the garment's certification level (e.g., EN 17092 for jackets and pants) and avoid vague claims.

Investing in gear from reputable brands ensures your safety isn’t compromised by deceptive marketing practices.

In some instances you may ask for the CE Certificate, and most manufacturers would not have an issue showing it if they did complete and pass the testing protocols.

MotoCAP (Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program) is an independent initiative that evaluates motorcycle gear for safety and comfort.

It aims to help riders make informed decisions by providing ratings based on rigorous testing of protective clothing and gear. MotoCAP assesses two main factors:

  1. Protection Rating: This measures how well the gear protects against abrasion, impact, and bursting in the event of a crash.
  2. Thermal Comfort Rating: This evaluates how effectively the gear manages heat and moisture, contributing to rider comfort in various conditions.

MotoCAP is supported by governments, insurers, and transport organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Its detailed and transparent assessments empower riders to choose gear that offers the best combination of safety and comfort for their needs.

However, due to MotoCAP being relatively new compared to CE, and being specific to our region of the world, the rating system is not as widely used.

At Peak Moto, we prioritise the CE system because every item sold in the EU must have this mark, whereas MotoCAP is an optional testing initiative.