Motorcycle Gear That’s “CE Approved” But Useless: What to Avoid and Why
We all want to believe we’re buying gear that will protect us when it matters. You see a jacket or a pair of gloves tagged as “CE Approved” and think, “Cool, I’m sorted.” But here’s the truth: not all CE approved motorcycle gear is created equal. Some gear, despite wearing the label proudly, offers little more than false confidence.
The phrase “CE Approved” has become a marketing tool, and while it sounds impressive, it doesn’t always guarantee real protection. This guide will explain why, how to decode the jargon, and which kinds of gear you should avoid at all costs—even if they look official.
Let’s break it all down and save you from wasting money on gear that won’t save your skin. Literally.
What Does “CE Approved Motorcycle Gear” Really Mean?
First, let’s get clear on what CE approved motorcycle gear is supposed to mean. CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity). CE certification is a mandatory safety requirement in the EU for gear sold as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for motorcyclists.
There are different CE standards for different gear types:
- EN 17092: Clothing (jackets, pants, suits)
- EN 1621-1: Impact protectors (shoulders, elbows, knees, hips)
- EN 1621-2: Back protectors
- EN 1621-3: Chest protectors
Each item undergoes rigorous testing for impact, abrasion, burst strength, and more.
The problem? Not all gear that claims CE approval actually meets those standards. And not all levels of CE protection are appropriate for the type of riding you do.
The Difference Between CE Certified and CE Approved
Here’s where most people get fooled:
- CE Certified means it was tested at an independent lab and passed.
- CE Approved is often used loosely and means nothing without a listed standard or level.
You could buy gloves marked “CE Approved” only to find out:
- They were tested for gardening, not riding.
- They met CE standards from 20 years ago.
- They have no impact protection.
Unless it clearly states the CE standard (e.g. EN 13594 for gloves) and protection level, you’re looking at marketing spin.
The Sneaky Marketing Tricks to Watch Out For
1. “CE Style” Tags
Some manufacturers use phrases like “CE Style Padding” or “CE Inspired Design”—which sound official but mean absolutely nothing. If it doesn’t specify the standard and protection level, it’s not CE certified.
2. Missing Labels Inside the Gear
Properly certified gear includes a sewn-in CE label inside, listing:
- The standard (e.g., EN 17092)
- The level (e.g., AA or Level 2)
- The testing body or certifying institute
If your gear doesn’t have this inside tag? Big red flag.
3. Outdated Certifications
Some brands use old standards like EN 13595 (replaced by EN 17092 for clothing) to imply up-to-date safety. Always check the version and the testing year.
4. CE Rated Armour in Non-Protective Jackets
Just because a jacket comes with CE-rated armor doesn’t mean the jacket itself offers crash protection. The jacket material must also be tested for abrasion and seam strength under EN 17092.
Gear That’s Technically “Approved” But Practically Useless
Let’s name names—well, categories at least. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Cheap Textile Jackets with Thin Shells
Often sold as urban or commuter jackets, these may have CE elbow pads but fail every other safety metric. Without abrasion resistance, they’re glorified windbreakers.
2. Budget Riding Gloves with No Palm Protection
They might say “CE Approved” on the tag, but if they lack scaphoid sliders or reinforced palms, they’ll shred in seconds during a slide.
3. Riding Jeans Without a Protective Liner
Unless the entire jean (not just the armor) is CE certified under EN 17092, you’re wearing regular denim. That lasts about 0.3 seconds on tarmac.
4. Fashion Jackets With Token Armor
A leather or waxed cotton jacket may have CE shoulder pads—but if the shell material is untreated or thin, it fails the abrasion test. Looks good. Fails badly.
How to Verify Real CE Approved Motorcycle Gear
Use this quick checklist:
- ✅ Look for CE tags inside the gear (not just on the hang tag)
- ✅ Confirm the specific EN standard (e.g., EN 17092 for jackets)
- ✅ Check the protection level (A, AA, AAA for clothing; Level 1 or 2 for armor)
- ✅ See if the brand lists the testing lab
If the brand won’t disclose this info—or worse, dodges the question—walk away.
How to Choose Real Protective Gear
Now that you know what to avoid, here’s how to buy right:
Jackets and Pants
- Look for EN 17092 certification
- Aim for AA or AAA for best protection
- Make sure armor is removable and CE rated (EN 1621)
Gloves
- Must meet EN 13594 standard
- Look for knuckle armor, palm sliders, and secure wrist straps
Boots
- Certified under EN 13634
- Check for ankle, shin, and heel reinforcement
Armour
- Level 2 is better for back, chest, elbows
- Full CE label should be molded into the pad
At GHC Sportswear, our gear goes beyond style—we test everything to make sure it performs when it counts.
The Legal Side of CE Gear
In the EU and UK, motorcycle PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must meet CE standards to be sold as protective gear.
If you’re involved in an accident:
- Proper CE gear can help with insurance claims
- Police reports may note whether you wore certified gear
- Legal liability may shift based on your protection level
Why risk it over a few pounds saved on cheap gloves?
Final Thoughts: Ride Smart, Not Just Stylish
It’s tempting to grab gear that looks the part, especially when it’s cheaper. But when the road hits back, only truly CE approved motorcycle gear will protect you. You don’t have to be trait—just informed. Learn to read labels, ignore empty marketing, and prioritise real certifications over catchy tags. At GHC Sportswear, we build every jacket, glove, and pant with proper certification, tested materials, and rider-first design. Because you shouldn’t have to choose between style and survival.
Stay smart. Stay protected. Ride with GHC.