CE Certification in Motorcycle Apparel: What Do AA, AAA and Protector Levels Mean?

When choosing a motorcycle jacket, trousers, or protectors, you often see markings such as CE, EN 17092, A, AA, AAA, Level 1 or Level 2.

For a beginner, these markings can seem confusing, but they provide important information about the standard to which the product has been tested and the protection class it has achieved.

The most important thing to understand is that the A, AA, or AAA class of a garment and the Level 1 or Level 2 of individual protectors are not the same thing.

Let's explain it simply.

What does CE marking mean?

CE marking indicates that the manufacturer declares the product's conformity with the applicable European Union requirements.

Protective clothing for motorcyclists and individual protectors can be considered personal protective equipment, and therefore are subject to relevant requirements and testing standards.

However, the inscription CE alone is not enough to understand the protective properties of a specific product.

Therefore, it is worth looking at the standard and class indicated next to it.

EN 17092 – motorcycle protective clothing standard

One of the most important standards for modern motorcycle clothing is EN 17092.

It applies to protective clothing for motorcyclists and defines different protection classes for them.

On the label of a jacket, trousers, or other garment, you can see:

• AAA;
• AA;
• A;
• B;
• C.

These classes are not just a quality score for the product. They describe different protective purposes and testing requirements.

AAA class

AAA is the highest class of EN 17092 clothing.

Garments of this class are subject to the highest standard requirements for protective properties, but due to the materials and construction used, such clothing can be heavier, stiffer, or less ventilated.

AAA class is often relevant for clothing where greater protection is prioritized.

However, the AAA marking alone does not mean that a specific garment will be the best for every motorcyclist.

For daily city riding or in hot conditions, other criteria such as comfort, proper size, ventilation, and practicality may also be important.

AA class

AA class provides a high level of protection while allowing manufacturers to focus more on comfort and versatility.

This is a very common class in quality motorcycle gear designed for touring and everyday use.

AA can be a good choice for a motorcyclist who wants to combine:

• protection;
• comfort;
• freedom of movement;
• practicality;
• use on longer journeys.

A class

A class clothing is also protective clothing for motorcyclists, but it has lower protection requirements than AA and AAA classes.

Its advantage is often greater lightness and comfort.

A class can be found in urban and lighter motorcycle gear, where daily practicality is important.

However, when purchasing, it is worth evaluating whether this level of protection meets your riding style.

B class

B class garments are focused on abrasion protection, but this class does not require the garment to have the same impact protection configuration as A, AA, or AAA class products.

Therefore, a B class product may be intended for use with separate certified impact protectors.

This is an important distinction – B is not simply "another lower class than A".

C class

C class applies to specialized products whose primary purpose is impact protection in specific areas of the body.

Such products are not designed to independently provide the same abrasion protection as full A, AA, or AAA class motorcycle gear.

In practice, these can be various separate protection systems worn with other suitable motorcycle clothing.

A, AA, and AAA are not the same as Level 1 and Level 2

This is one of the most common causes of confusion.

A / AA / AAA usually refers to the classification of the entire motorcycle garment according to EN 17092.

Level 1 / Level 2 usually indicates the performance level of specific impact protectors according to the standards applicable to them.

For example, a jacket can be:

EN 17092 AA

and at the same time have:

Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors.

These are two different indicators.

EN 1621-1 – shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip protectors

Standard EN 1621-1 applies to motorcyclist limb joint protectors.

It is relevant for protectors such as:

• shoulders;
• elbows;
• knees;
• hips.

They can be marked Level 1 or Level 2.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?

During protector testing, the amount of impact force transmitted through the protector is measured.

Simplified:

Level 1 must meet the basic standard requirements for impact absorption.

Level 2 has stricter limits for transmitted impact force, so such protection must transmit less force under testing conditions.

Thus, when comparing protectors certified to the same standard, Level 2 provides a higher level of impact absorption identified in tests than Level 1.

However, the protector must also fit properly.

A higher-level protector that shifts from the elbow or knee while riding is not a good choice just because of the number on the label.

EN 1621-2 – back protectors

The EN 1621-2 standard applies to motorcyclist back protectors.

And here you can find:

• Level 1;
• Level 2.

A back protector can be:

• integrated into the jacket;
• inserted into a designated pocket;
• worn as a separate protective element.

It is important to check if a specific jacket is sold with a back protector.

Some models only have a prepared space for a back protector, and the protector itself must be purchased separately.

EN 1621-3 – chest protectors

The EN 1621-3 standard is used for chest protectors.

They are more common in sports, adventure, enduro, or motocross contexts, but can also be used in other motorcycle gear systems.

As with other protectors, not only certification is important, but also:

• proper size;
• position;
• compatibility with clothing;
• freedom of movement.

What about motorcycle boots?

Motorcycle protective boots have their own standard – EN 13634.

On the label of certified motorcycle boots, you can find additional numbers and markings indicating the results of specific tests.

Therefore, when evaluating motorcycle boots, there is no need to look for AA or AAA markings – this is not the same classification system as for motorcycle jackets and trousers.

What about motorcycle gloves?

The EN 13594 standard applies to motorcycle gloves.

Depending on the certification, the protection level and additional markings may be indicated.

This once again shows why not all motorcycle gear can be evaluated according to one universal "CE level."

Different standards apply to different product groups.

Does more expensive gear always have a higher CE class?

No.

The price is determined by many factors:

• materials used;
• brand;
• membrane;
• ventilation;
• construction;
• ergonomics;
• additional features;
• manufacturing technology;
• design.

A more expensive touring jacket can be AA class and cost more than a simpler AAA class product due to a completely different construction and functionality.

Therefore, price and CE class are not the same indicator.

Should you always choose AAA?

No.

If the goal was simply to choose the largest number of letters, clothing selection would be very simple.

In reality, you need to balance:

• protection level;
• riding style;
• speed;
• weather conditions;
• comfort;
• ventilation;
• clothing fit.

For a sporty rider, higher-class gear may be a priority.

For someone riding daily in the city, it may be important to find the right balance between protection and clothing that they will actually wear every time.

Proper fit is still critically important

Certification class will not help if the clothing is obviously too large and the protectors move freely.

When trying on a jacket or trousers, check that:

• elbow protectors are at the elbows;
• shoulder protectors properly cover the shoulders;
• knee protectors stay in place;
• the clothing does not restrict control;
• the protectors do not shift when sitting in a riding position.

It is worth trying on motorcycle gear not just standing in front of a mirror.

How to read a motorcycle gear label?

When choosing a product, first look for information about:

1. CE marking

2. Applicable standard

For example, EN 17092.

3. Garment class

AAA, AA, A, B or C.

4. Standard and level of integrated protectors

For example, EN 1621-1 Level 2.

5. Back protector

Whether it is included or if there is only a pocket for it.

This will give you much more information than just looking at the product price or marketing description.

Which CE class to choose?

There is no single answer.

Choose based on how you actually use your motorcycle.

If the priority is a higher level of protection and sportier riding, it is worth looking at higher-class gear.

If you travel a lot, a balance of protection, comfort, weather conditions, and ventilation is important.

In the city, protection should also not be ignored just because you are riding short distances.

The most important thing is to understand what the markings mean and choose a product consciously.

Certified motorcycle gear at TMOTO

At TMOTO, you will find motorcycle jackets, trousers, jeans, suits, boots, gloves, and individual protectors.

If you are unsure what the AA, AAA, Level 1 or Level 2 marking of a specific product means, visit the TMOTO store in Kaunas or contact us – we will help you evaluate the specifications of a specific product and choose according to your riding needs.