REWOLVE Blog
Learn how CE ratings work and what they mean for rider safety. REWOLVE explains CE-approved motorcycle clothing, armour standards, safety classifications (AAA to C), and how to choose the right protective gear for every type of riding, with a particular focus on motorcycle suits as the highest-performing category of rider protection.
Selecting the right motorcycle gear is about more than style or comfort. Riders choose protective equipment because it directly impacts survival and injury outcomes in an accident. CE certification is the benchmark that confirms your clothing meets strict EU standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When your gear carries a CE rating, it has been independently tested to verify its protective performance where it matters most.
This is especially important for motorcycle suits, which are engineered to deliver the highest level of all-round protection. A well-constructed CE-approved suit integrates abrasion resistance, armour coverage, and seam strength into a single system, making it the most complete form of protective apparel available to riders.
CE Certification: Why It Matters
CE approval became mandatory for protective motorcycle clothing in 2018 under PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Nearly all motorcycle garments sold in the UK are designed around these requirements.
For riders, the value is simple: CE-certified gear has passed rigorous safety tests, giving confidence that jackets, trousers, and especially full motorcycle suits can withstand the real forces experienced in a crash. It’s a formal assurance that your equipment is engineered and manufactured to a proven safety level.
How CE Testing Works
Before a garment receives a CE rating, it must undergo a series of controlled performance assessments. These include testing for:
- Abrasion resistance
- Tear strength
- Seam and construction durability
- Impact protection when armour is integrated
Motorcycle suits typically excel in these evaluations because they are designed as unified protective systems, ensuring consistent coverage across high-risk zones. The results inform the final CE label, which you’ll find printed or stitched inside the garment.
Understanding CE Ratings
The CE label shows a performance class under EN 17092, the standard that governs motorcycle protective clothing.
Rating | Protection Level | Typical Use
AAA | Highest | Track use, high-speed touring, heavy-duty riding
AA | High | Everyday road riding
A | Basic | Urban and low-speed commuting
B | Abrasion only (no armour) | Casual or over-garments
C | Armour only | Standalone armour pieces or pads
AAA-rated motorcycle suits sit at the top of this hierarchy. Their design emphasises slide time, seam integrity, and the behaviour of armour during a crash. This makes them the go-to choice for riders prioritising maximum protection.
CE Armour vs. CE Clothing
A common point of confusion is the difference between CE-approved armour and CE-approved garments.
Armour components (shoulders, elbows, knees, back pads) are tested to EN 1621-1 or EN 1621-2.
Garments such as jackets and trousers are tested under EN 17092.
Motorcycle suits must pass the same EN 17092 criteria but often incorporate multiple armour zones and higher-grade materials. A jacket fitted with CE armour does not automatically make the entire garment CE-approved. The full piece must pass EN 17092 tests to be legally classed as protective equipment. At REWOLVE, every item clearly states whether it meets the appropriate CE level, so riders know exactly what protection they are buying.
What to Check Before Purchasing
A legitimate CE-approved motorcycle garment must display:
- The CE marking
- The EN 17092 performance class (for suits, often AA or AAA)
- The manufacturer’s name
- The PPE certification reference
- If a garment lacks this information, it may not have undergone full CE testing and could only contain CE-rated armour without full garment approval.
CE Certification and Legal Requirements
While UK riders are not legally required to wear CE-certified clothing, any protective motorcycle gear sold as protective equipment must comply with CE regulations. For track days, insurance considerations, or professional use, certified gear is often mandatory.
Motorcycle suits, in particular, are frequently required in high-speed environments due to their superior protective performance. REWOLVE strongly recommends CE-approved gear for all riders, regardless of experience level. Safety standards exist to ensure the best possible outcome in the worst situations.
CE Ratings and Waterproof Gear
A common misconception is that CE approval guarantees waterproofing. CE testing focuses on protection, not weather resistance. For waterproof performance, look for:
- Membrane technologies such as GORE-TEX
- Technical ratings like 10k/10k
- Manufacturer-specific waterproof guarantees
Many touring motorcycle suits incorporate these membranes, offering both crash protection and weather resilience.
Common Questions About CE Gear
Is CE the same as UKCA?
Post-Brexit, UKCA marking was introduced, but CE-certified motorcycle gear remains recognised and valid in the UK.
Does CE approval expire?
Certification does not expire, but standards evolve. Riders should ensure garments comply with the latest EN 17092 revision.
Can armour be upgraded?
Yes. Many riders enhance protection by upgrading to Level 2 armour inserts, particularly in motorcycle suits where upgraded armour significantly increases overall safety.
Ride With Confidence
Choosing CE-approved gear isn’t just a preference. It’s a commitment to safer riding. REWOLVE designs and curates motorcycle suits and protective equipment built to meet recognised safety benchmarks, giving riders a dependable foundation whether commuting, touring, or pushing limits on long-distance routes.
Ride safe. Ride prepared. Ride REWOLVE.
