Motorcycle PPE - Jacket & Trousers

EN 17092-1:2020

Protective garments for motorcycle riders get tested and certified under this standard.
Garment Testing

Three (3) Main tests are performed on garments. 

  • Impact Abrasion Resistance
  • Seam Strength 
  • Tear Strength

According to the performance, the garment is allocated a Class (AAA,AA,A,B or C) and Certification is issued.

There are a lot of additional tests that are required to satisfy health and safety requirements, for example leather and textile pH, Chromium (VI) and AZO colorants detection etc.

The degree of risk or hazard that a motorcyclist will face is closely linked to the type of riding and the nature of the accident. Riders are cautioned to carefully choose motorcyclists’ protective garments that match their riding activity and risks.  
Garment Zones
Garments are divided into three (3) risk zones


 



 
What to look out for when purchasing PPE?
  • A lot of garment descriptions online mention CE Certification BUT this is referencing the protectors NOT the whole garment
  • A lot of gear gets advertised as a CE Garment, but does not say A,AA, AAA -  please do ask the shop you are purchasing from!
  • If you do not get hip protectors with an AA rated garment, then it might not be an AA rated garment, ask the shop!
  • It is mandatory for Jackets to come with shoulder and elbow protectors but NOT back protectors (If AAA,AA and A rated). 
  • It is mandatory that trousers with AAA and AA rating are fitted with knee and hip armour, BUT it is not mandatory to fit hip protection to an A rate garment.
  • Check labels, it is mandatory that ALL Certified garments have CE labels showing the rating. 
Performance Levels

AAA

AA

A

B

C

The highest level of protection, against the standards that can be tested.

Designed for high risk, high speed riding.

 

 

 

High level of protection against the standards that can be tested. 

Suitable for touring, adventure riding offering a balance between protection and comfort.

 

Medium protection  against the standards that can be tested. 

Suitable for urban riding and include impact protectors.

 

 

This class is for specialised garments, designed to provide the equivalent abrasion protection of Class A garments but without the inclusion of impact protectors.

 

This class is for specialised non-shell garments, designed only to hold one or more impact protectors in place either under garments or as an over-garment.

 

 
Protection Provided by Garments
PPE is designed to combat the hazards encountered during normal riding on a motorcycle and when the rider is involved in a road traffic accident. The clothing is designed and constructed so that it should remain in place on the wearer, and reasonably intact on impact with the road surface; thus it should usually prevent any skin contact with the road and therefore minimise mechanical impact injuries to the rider. Protective clothing cannot provide protection from more serious injuries, although it may assist in reducing the severity of injuries.  
Whilst certain types and levels of accident protection can be provided by clothing, protection against all hazards is impossible.
Use Garments with Additional PPE

To achieve the maximum available levels of protection in the event of an accident, this garment should be used in conjunction with compatible, correctly fitting items of PPE which give coverage to areas of the body not protected by this garment alone - i.e.: a total PPE package should be used, comprising helmet, gloves, boots; and jacket & trousers or one-piece/two-piece suit.