The Regulation
So, since April 2018, all motorcycle gear comes under this thing called the PPE regulation. Basically, if it's sold as protective motorcycle clothing, it's considered personal protective equipment (PPE). That means it needs to be tested by an official notified body to meet certain standards.
In this article, we'll break down what CE certification and compliance mean in simple terms. It's important for you as a shopper, so you know what to keep an eye out for when you're shopping for motorcycle gear.
Is wearing CE approved gear mandatory?
Wearing a CE-certified garment while riding a motorcycle is not mandatory, despite some misinformation circulating. Depending on the country or region you're in, there might be minimum legal requirements for what you must wear (typically just a helmet, and maybe gloves or boots), but beyond that, it's up to your discretion. However, this might change in the future.
With the EN 17092 standard being harmonized, it means that motorcycle clothing sold in stores must comply with specific requirements if they're intended for use while riding. This ensures that gear designed for motorcycling actually provides the necessary protection when it's needed most.
Ultimately, what you choose to wear while riding is still your decision. You're not obligated to wear CE-certified garments, but it's worth noting that clothing developed before 2018 might not have undergone certification. However, just because a garment isn't certified doesn't necessarily mean it's unsafe. Nonetheless, it's highly recommended to prioritize maximum protection when you're out on your bike. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones are paramount.
Certification Classes
let's break down these classifications for motorcycle clothing:
Class AAA/AA/A: These products provide protection against both impacts and abrasion. They're basically the top tier in terms of safety. So, if you're wearing gear from these classes, you're getting protection for both crashing and skidding scenarios.
Class B: This category offers protection specifically against abrasion. While it won't safeguard you from impacts, it's still better than nothing, especially if you're concerned about sliding on the pavement.
Class C Over (CO) and C Under (CU): These classes only focus on impact protection. "Over" means the garment has impact protectors placed on the outer layer, while "Under" means they're beneath the outer layer. So, they're mainly about shielding you from the impact in areas where those protectors are positioned.
AAA Rated (EN 17092-2:2020)
And when you see those marked zones on a Class AAA garment, it means they've all passed the required tests for impact and abrasion resistance, as shown in the corresponding image. So, you can trust that you're getting top-notch protection where you need it most.
AA Rated (EN 17092-3:2020)
Class AA garments strike a solid balance between protection and comfort. They provide good protection against both impacts and abrasions, with materials and constructions that meet stricter standards than Class A gear but aren't quite as hardcore as Class AAA. These garments are versatile, offering protection suitable for a wide range of riding activities.
Unlike Class AAA gear, Class AA garments typically come with fewer ergonomic and weight penalties, making them more comfortable for various riding scenarios. When you see those marked zones on a Class AA garment, it means they've all passed the required tests for impact and abrasion resistance, as shown in the corresponding image. So, you can rely on them to keep you safe on the road without feeling too weighed down or restricted.
A Rated (EN 17092-4:2020)
Class A garments provide a basic level of protection against both impacts and abrasions. They're designed with materials and constructions that meet standards that aren't as stringent as those for Class AAA or Class AA gear. These garments are intended to offer the minimum necessary protection while keeping ergonomic and weight penalties to a minimum.
You'll often find Class A garments suitable for warm climates or as overlays worn over other clothing. They're great for riders who prioritize comfort and flexibility over maximum protection. And just like with other classes, when you see those marked zones on a Class A garment, it means they've all passed the required tests for impact and abrasion resistance, as depicted in the corresponding image. So, even though they're not as heavy-duty as Class AAA or Class AA gear, they still provide a certain level of safety you can rely on.
B Rated (EN 17092-5:2020)
Class B garments are specifically tailored to provide abrasion protection similar to Class A garments but without including impact protectors. It's important to note that Class B garments don't offer impact protection on their own. To ensure complete minimum protection, it's recommended to pair them with EN 1621-1 shoulder and elbow impact protectors for jackets, or knee impact protectors for trousers/pants.
For maximum protection from Class B garments, like the Sierra jersey in the REV’IT! DIRT Series collection, they should always be worn together with Class CO or Class CU garments, such as the Proteus protector jacket. This combination ensures both abrasion resistance and impact protection.
It's strongly advised against wearing Class B garments without impact protection to ensure your safety on the road.
The zoning for Class B and CO garments is the same as for Class A garments, ensuring that all marked zones provide the necessary level of abrasion resistance.
Class C Garments (EN 17092-6:2020)
Class C garments are specialized for holding impact protectors in place, either as an Undergarment (CU) or an Overgarment (CO). These garments are not intended to provide complete minimum abrasion protection but are designed solely to offer impact protection for areas covered by the impact protector(s). They are meant to be worn in combination with Class AAA, AA, or B garments to enhance overall protection.
CU garments, which are designed to be worn under other clothing, do not have zoning since they solely offer impact protection provided by the protectors carried in the product. They're essentially designed to supplement the protective capabilities of other garments.
Overall, Class C garments are focused on providing supplemental impact protection rather than complete abrasion or impact protection on their own. They're meant to be part of a layered approach to motorcycle safety, enhancing the protective features of other gear worn alongside them.
Labelling
Not everyone follows the rules, so it's crucial to keep these points in mind when determining if a garment, boot, protector, or pair of gloves is truly CE-compliant. Correct labelling is a key part of CE compliance, and it's a pretty straightforward way to spot fake labelling versus the real deal. So, pay close attention to the labelling to ensure authenticity.
Clothing
Gloves
Footwear
Chest Protectors
Back Protectors
Limb Protectors
What's more, inside the booklet, there'll be a special website address where you can request a DoC (Declaration of Conformity) for the product. This document will then be sent to you by mail. If the item you're checking out isn't certified, there won't be a DoC available. It's pretty straightforward, right?
