CE Certified Motorcycle Gear Explained
CE Level 1, Level 2, and what those ratings actually protect. No jargon, just the parts that matter.
You will see the letters CE on quality motorcycle safety gear, but very few shops explain what they mean. Here is the short version, written for riders rather than lab technicians. Every piece of Gravlok protective motorcycle gear is designed around these standards so you know your kit is doing its job.
What CE actually certifies
CE certified motorcycle gear has been tested against a European safety standard for impact and abrasion. For armor, the key test measures how much force passes through the pad when it takes a hit. Less force reaching your body is better.
Level 1 and Level 2
Armor is usually rated Level 1 or Level 2. Level 1 allows more force through but tends to be thinner and more flexible. Level 2 lets far less force through and offers stronger protection, which is why touring and adventure riders often prefer it. Both are a big step up from a jacket with no certified motorcycle armor at all.
Where the armor sits
Good protective motorcycle clothing places armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back for jackets, and at the knees and hips for motorcycle pants. Our Gravlok Premium Mesh Riding Jacket carries CE approved armor across all three upper body zones, and our riding footwear like the Apex Shield Pro adds reinforced ankle protection where you need it most.
Certification is only half the story
Even the best rated armor fails you if it moves out of position. That is why fit matters so much, and why custom motorcycle gear built to your measurements gives you a real safety advantage. To see how all of your gear works together, read our motorcycle safety gear checklist.
Ready to gear up with confidence? Explore CE certified motorcycle jackets, riding gloves, and motorcycle boots across the Gravlok range.
