Motorcycle clothing ratings explained: How to choose safe CE & UKCA certified gear

Quick answer: What are motorcycle clothing ratings and how do you choose?

Motorcycle clothing ratings (CE and UKCA) show how well gear protects you in the event of a crash. For most riders, choose AA-rated clothing with Level 2 protectors for the best balance of safety, comfort, and versatility. Always check the label, what protectors are included, and fit before buying.

What are CE and UKCA motorcycle clothing ratings?

Motorcycle clothing ratings are safety certifications under Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) law in Europe and the UK.

They confirm that gear such as jackets and trousers has passed laboratory testing for:

• Abrasion resistance
• Impact protection
• Tear and seam strength
• Fit and stability on the body

In practice, this means your gear has been tested to reduce the risk of injury in a crash.

What is the difference between CE and UKCA?

• Conformité Européenne (CE) marking: Required for products sold in the European Union
• UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking: UK-specific certification introduced after Brexit

Note:
The UK Government has decided to continue recognising existing EU requirements for a range of product regulations, including CE marking for motorcycle clothing. This means businesses may use both UKCA and CE marking to sell products in the UK.

Why is motorcycle clothing considered PPE?

Since 2018, motorcycle clothing has been legally classified as PPE under EU Regulation 2016/425.

This means:

• Products must pass certified safety tests before being sold
• Manufacturers must meet strict compliance standards
• Labels must clearly show certification and classification

For riders, this turns gear from a style choice into a safety-critical decision.

How does the EN 17092 standard classify motorcycle clothing?

EN 17092 is the key standard used to rate motorcycle clothing protection levels.

What do A, AA and AAA ratings mean?

• C – Protectors only, do not offer minimum abrasion protection (specialised non-shell, impact protector ensemble garments, designed only to hold one or more impact protectors in place, either as an undergarment or as an overgarment.)
• B – Same abrasion level as Class A but without impact protectors included
• A – Basic protection
• AA – High protection
• AAA – Maximum protection

Higher ratings mean better abrasion resistance, stronger seams, and more durable construction. It could also mean stiffer and less comfortable materials.

Do these ratings correspond to the riding speed?

Not directly. The A, AA and AAA classifications do not correspond to specific riding or crash speeds, and they should not be interpreted as a guarantee of protection at any particular speed.

Instead, the classifications indicate the level of performance a garment achieves in standardised laboratory tests, including resistance to abrasion, tearing and seam strength. In general, AAA provides the highest level of protection, followed by AA and then A, but the classification alone cannot predict how a garment will perform in a real-world accident.

You may sometimes see A, AA and AAA classifications associated with specific road speeds. However, these speed references are not part of the current EN 17092 classification system. References to specific road speeds were removed from the EN 17092 series following the public enquiry in 2017, as linking a laboratory classification to a particular riding speed could create the misleading impression that a garment is guaranteed to protect the rider at that speed.

However, no CE classification can guarantee that a rider will remain unharmed in the event of a crash, regardless of the riding speed. Real-world accidents involve many variables that cannot be replicated by laboratory testing, including the angle and type of impact, the road surface, contact with other vehicles or objects, and the way the rider lands or slides.

The best approach is therefore to choose the highest level of protection that is practical and appropriate for your intended use, while remembering that A, AA and AAA are performance classifications, not speed ratings.

What are Level 1 and Level 2 protectors?

Motorcycle armour is tested separately under EN 1621 standards.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?

Level 2 protectors transmit significantly less force to your body during impact.

Which protector level should you choose?

• Level 1: suitable for short, low-speed urban rides
• Level 2: recommended for touring, commuting, and higher speeds

Note: If you are looking for the best Level 2 motorcycle armour for road riding, prioritise certified protectors with a secure fit and proven impact performance.

→ You might be interested in: Choosing the best motorcycle balaclava for hair protection

Protectors can perish

While I was doing some research & development work for Linda-Jean’s first motorcycle jacket prototype, I used the equipment I already had.

I wanted to compare the protection from my old jacket with the sample protectors I received from the supplier I was considering for my prototype.

Well, the picture speaks for itself.
The shoulder protector just crumbled in my hand.

Although impact protectors don’t technically have an expiry date, they can, over time become:

• brittle
• crack
• and even start to crumble.

Tip:
If you bought your jacket or trousers 5 years ago or more, check them.

Experts also recommend replacing the armour.
This means you don’t have to buy a new jacket; simply get yourself a new set of protectors, ensuring they’ll fit into the built-in pockets.

What protectors are required in certified motorcycle clothing?

Mandatory protectors

• Jackets, rated A, AA and AAA: shoulders and elbows
• Trousers, rated A: knees
• Trousers, rated AA and AAA: knees and hips

Optional but strongly recommended

• Jackets: back protectors
• Trousers: hip protectors only for A ratings

Important: A jacket or trousers can be CE-certified without a back protector or hip protectors. Always check what is included.

How is motorcycle clothing tested for safety?

The body is divided into risk zones (Zones 1, 2, 3)

The EN 17092 standard defines risk assessment zones against impacts, abrasion and tearing of each garment as follows:

Higher-risk zones must meet more demanding abrasion and tear resistance requirements.

Certified gear undergoes laboratory testing by approved bodies.

Abrasion resistance test (Darmstadt method)

• Fabric is dropped onto a rotating abrasive surface
• Simulates sliding on asphalt
• Materials must not develop holes larger than 5 mm

Impact protection test

• A weighted striker is dropped onto the protector
• Measures the force transmitted to the body

Fit and ergonomics testing

• Ensures protectors stay in place during movement

How do you choose the right motorcycle clothing rating for your riding style?

Urban riding (commuting, city use)

• Rating: A or AA
• Protectors: Level 1 or Level 2
• Material: Textile
• Focus: comfort, mobility, breathability

Touring and road riding

• Rating: AA or AAA
• Protectors: Level 2 recommended
• Material: Leather or textile
• Focus: balance of comfort and protection

→ Choose a CE AA certified women’s motorcycle jacket with Level 2 armour

Track riding

• Rating: AAA
• Protectors: Level 2 + back protector
• Material: Leather
• Mandatory: One-piece leather suit or two-piece suit with full-circumference zip and Level 2 protectors, including a back protector. Always check the specific circuit regulations!

If you are wondering what motorcycle gear rating you need for touring, most riders benefit from AA-rated gear paired with Level 2 protectors for long-distance comfort and protection.

→ How can you protect your neck: Multifunctional motorcycle neck tube for all-season riding

Practical experience: What I personally look for in motorcycle gear

As a rider with over 20 years of experience across commuting, touring, and alpine riding, I consistently choose:

• AA-rated jackets and trousers
• Level 2 protectors
• A close, secure fit that keeps the armour in place and allows me to move freely.

This approach also reflects what we design for women riders at Linda-Jean Women’s Motorcycle Fashion: gear that balances protection, comfort, and real-world usability without compromising on style.

On long alpine rides, I have experienced how temperature changes and fatigue affect focus. Gear that balances comfort and protection is not a luxury; it is essential for staying safe and alert.

→ Read this: Learnings from a motorcycle touring holiday

Why does certified motorcycle clothing cost more?

The gear rating can influence the price because an authorised body requires the execution of the following testing:

• Advanced materials with higher abrasion resistance
• Extensive laboratory testing

AAA-rated garments demand significantly more development and testing than A-rated gear. This can result in a price difference between similar products with different ratings.

→ Read this if the pricing topic interests you: Understanding the cost of motorcycle gear in 2026

Pre-purchase checklist: How to verify motorcycle gear safety

• CE or UKCA marking present
• EN 17092 rating clearly stated (A, AA, AAA)
• EN 1621 certified protectors included
• Protector level specified (Level 1 or Level 2)
• Proper fit (secure but comfortable)

→ Find out how to choose the right women’s motorcycle jacket for you.

Disclaimer

CE/UKCA certified motorcycle clothing is designed to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. However, it does not eliminate risk nor guarantee the absence of physical injury or damage to your equipment.

Injury severity depends on many factors, including speed, impact dynamics, road surface, environmental conditions and type of collision.

Every rider is responsible for their behaviour on the road, compliance with traffic laws, and personal risk assessment.

Motorcycle equipment is a risk-mitigation tool, not an absolute guarantee of protection.

Conclusion: How to choose motorcycle gear with confidence

Choosing the right motorcycle clothing means understanding standards, knowing your riding style, and investing in protection consciously.

Always check CE or UKCA labels, prioritise proper fit (think second skin), and never compromise on quality.

Safety is not an accessory. Your riding gear protects you, and we only have one skin. It deserves to be protected.

I am fully aware that there are many motorcycle clothing brands on the market, across different styles and price ranges, making the buying process almost overwhelming. Choose the motorcycle clothing brand and item that aligns with you, your riding style and your budget.

When you see CE or UKCA marking, you can ride with greater confidence, knowing your gear has your back, and your shoulders, elbows, and knees, when it matters most.

If you would like to explore the topic of motorcycle clothing rating further, the 100+ page MotoCAP guide provides even deeper technical insight.
Click here to access the MotoCAP guide.

Enjoy every ride. Ride safely.

I’d love to hear from fellow female riders:

💬 What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to motorcycle gear?
Drop a comment or send me an email, your feedback will help me shape the future of Linda-Jean Women’s Motorcycle Fashion.