Walk into any bike shop and every jacket, jean and hoodie promises "protection". The only claim that really counts is the one on the CE label sewn inside. This guide explains what those letters and numbers mean, so you can compare kit properly and pick the right level for how you ride.
Two standards, two jobs
Motorcycle protective gear is tested under two separate European standards, and a good label shows both:
- EN 17092 rates the garment itself: how well the fabric resists abrasion and tearing, and how strong the seams are when you slide down the road. It gives a class from AAA to C.
- EN 1621 rates the armour: how much impact force a protector lets through to your body. It gives a Level 1 or Level 2.
A jacket can have a strong garment class and basic armour, or the other way round. You need to check both.
EN 17092 was published in 2020 and replaced the older EN 13595 standard, which was withdrawn by March 2023. If you see EN 13595 on older kit, it is still certified, just under the previous rules.
EN 17092 garment classes at a glance
| Class | Standard part | Abrasion protection | Impact protectors | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | EN 17092-2 | Highest | Required | Sports, track-style and fast touring riding |
| AA | EN 17092-3 | High | Required | Touring and everyday road riding |
| A | EN 17092-4 | Basic | Required (hip optional) | Urban riding and lighter casual kit |
| B | EN 17092-5 | Same as Class A | None | Abrasion only; add your own armour |
| C | EN 17092-6 | No claim | Holds protectors only | Armoured base layers worn with another garment |
AAA and AA are both serious ratings. A is a real certification but a lower bar, built for comfort and casual looks. B and C are not full protective garments on their own, which many riders don't realise.
For classes AAA and AA, elbow, shoulder, knee and hip protectors are all mandatory. Class A requires elbow, shoulder and knee protectors, with hip protectors optional.
CE armour: Level 1 vs Level 2
Armour is tested by dropping a weight onto it and measuring how much force reaches the other side. Less force means better protection.
| Armour | Standard | Level 1 (max force) | Level 2 (max force) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elbow, shoulder, knee, hip | EN 1621-1 | 35 kN | 20 kN |
| Back | EN 1621-2 | 18 kN | 9 kN |
Level 2 lets through roughly half the force of Level 1, and it is usually a little thicker. Many riders choose Level 2 for the back and shoulders, where hard impacts are most likely.
How to read a CE label
Check the label inside the garment, not the swing tag. On a garment label you should see:
- The CE mark.
- The standard number, EN 17092, with its class (AAA, AA, A, B or C).
- The motorcyclist pictogram.
Armour carries its own label or stamp showing EN 1621-1 or EN 1621-2, the body area and the level (1 or 2). If a product says "CE armour" but the garment itself has no EN 17092 class, only the armour has been tested, not the fabric.
Which rating do you need?
- Commuting and short town rides: Class A kit is a big step up from regular clothes. Add Level 2 armour where you can.
- Everyday road riding and touring: AA is the sweet spot of protection and comfort for most UK riders.
- Fast road, sports bikes and track days: go for AAA.
Whatever you choose, fit matters as much as the rating. Armour only works if it sits over your elbows, shoulders and back when you're in the riding position, so try kit on while sitting on a bike if you can.
Quick answers
Is AA better than A? Yes. AA passes tougher abrasion tests than A and suits higher-speed riding.
Is a Class B garment safe? It offers Class A abrasion resistance but no impact protectors, so pair it with separate CE armour.
Can I upgrade my armour? Usually, yes. Most jackets and hoodies with armour pockets take standard CE inserts, so you can swap Level 1 for Level 2 if they fit the pocket.
Do armoured hoodies have CE ratings? Some are certified as complete garments under EN 17092, and others only carry CE-rated armour. Always check the label to see which you're buying.
Looking for casual protective kit? Browse the MOTROX protective hoodie range , with sizes from S to 8XL.
