CE Certification

Date Posted:27 July 2023 

CE Certification – What it is and what it means

CE certification, also known as the CE mark, is a conformity mark that indicates compliance with European Union (EU) health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). CE Certification is mandatory for certain product categories before they can be legally marketed and sold in the EEA. It demonstrates a product meets the essential requirements of applicable EU directives and regulations, ensuring its safety and performance.

Personal Protective Equipment

The certification of motorcycle protective clothing is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which classifies it as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This means the clothing undergoes rigorous testing and certification procedures in accordance with relevant EN standards.

Jackets, pants, and race suits are equipped with reinforced padding and armor in critical areas such as the elbows, shoulders, knees, and back. These protective elements are designed to absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of fractures, abrasions, and other injuries in the event of a crash or fall.

Motorcycle clothing also often incorporates high-visibility features, complying with standards such as EN 1150 and EN 20471. These requirements ensure they have reflective properties, making riders more visible to other road users, especially in low-light conditions or adverse weather. Enhanced visibility greatly reduces the chances of accidents caused by decreased visibility or lack of awareness from other motorists.

The materials used are carefully selected to provide both protection and comfort. Abrasion-resistant fabrics like leather or high-strength textiles are commonly utilised to withstand frictional forces during a slide or impact. These materials offer a durable outer shell that helps prevent skin abrasions and injuries in the event of a crash.

EN 17092 for motorcycle protective clothing, EN 1621 for protectors, EN 13594 for gloves, ECE 22.05 for helmets, and EN 13634 for protective footwear.

Five Protection Classes for Motorcycle Clothing

The standard for motorcycle protective clothing encompasses five distinct protection classes, each denoting a different level of safety and defense provided by the gear. These classes serve as a valuable reference for riders in selecting the appropriate level of protection based on their specific needs and riding style.

Class AAA – EN 17092-2:2020
Represents the highest level of protection within the standard for motorcycle protective clothing. This class is designed for riders who prioritise maximum safety and protection, particularly for high-performance or professional riding scenarios. Class AAA gear offers the most advanced features, including cutting-edge armor systems, reinforced materials, and innovative technologies. It provides unparalleled impact protection and exceptional abrasion resistance, ensuring the utmost safety for riders in the most demanding riding conditions.

Class AA - EN 17092-3:2020
Class AA signifies an intermediate level of protection for motorcycle riders. These protective garments incorporate armor in critical areas, such as elbows, shoulders, and knees, to mitigate the severity of potential injuries during crashes or accidents. Class AA gear also provides a higher level of abrasion resistance, reducing the risk of road rash and other injuries.

Class A - EN 17092-4:2020
Motorcycle protective clothing classified as Class A offers a basic level of protection suitable for everyday riding. It provides a solid foundation of safety measures for riders engaged in low-risk riding activities or for those who prefer a lighter and more flexible gear option. Class A garments typically offer impact protection in specific areas, such as elbows and shoulders, while also providing adequate abrasion resistance.

Class B - EN 17092-5:2020
It represents a lower level of protection within the standard for motorcycle protective clothing and offer a minimal level of abrasion resistance. They are designed for riders engaged in low-speed activities, where the risk of severe accidents is relatively low.

Class C - EN 17092-6:2020
Gear classified as Class C do not provide sufficient overall protection against abrasion or impact protection. They should always be worn in conjunction with protective clothing classified as Class AAA, AA, A, or B.
Check our full range of Held motorcycle clothing with the CE mark and find the best options for your riding style and needs.

Protectors for Back and Joint

Joint Protectors – EN-1621-1:2012
In order to have protectors’ shock absorption properties evaluated, a standardised procedure is setup aiming to simulate the impact experienced when a protected body part comes into contact with a curb. The protector is hit three times and two classes are tested.

Level 1 Protection - For articulated protectors, the maximum residual force allowed is 35kN. For single impact is 35kN (range A) and 50kN (range B,C).
Level 2 Protection - For articulated protectors, the maximum residual force allowed is 20kN. For single impact is 20kN (range A) and 30kN (range B,C).

Back Protectors – EN-1621-2:2014
Similar testing procedure is set up, however the protector is hit five times. Two classes are tested.
Level 1 Protection - For articulated protectors, the maximum residual force allowed is 18kN. For single impact is 24kN.
Level 2 Protection - For articulated protectors, the maximum residual force allowed is 9kN. For single impact is 12kN.
MIG offers a wide range of back and joint protectors for motorcyclists with the CE mark.

Gloves
By wearing certified and well-fitting motorcycle gloves, riders significantly enhance their safety and reduce the risk of hand and finger injuries. Gloves should always be seen as an essential part of the rider's personal protective equipment, providing both physical protection and enhanced control during rides.
All of the motorbike gloves produced by Held, which bear the CE mark, are categorized as "Personal Protective Equipment" in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425. These gloves have undergone certification at an accredited testing institute, adhering to the EN 13594:2015 standard.

Boots
Motorbike boots are not just a fashion statement but a crucial piece of personal protective equipment for motorcyclists. They offer essential protection to the feet, ankles, and lower legs, minimizing the risk of injuries caused by impacts, abrasion, and weather conditions.

Certified under norm EN 13634:2017 "protective boots for motorcyclists" have not only their abrasion and cut resistance tested, but also the transverse stiffness and the height of the shoe upper, ensuring that the boots can protect against injuries.
Browse through our Held motorcycle boots collection and find certified options.

 

 

Leave a comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up