Ride safety is the most significant regardless of the road. Irrespective of how durable the fabric is, you still need gear that meets CE safety standards. These standards are set for a reason. If a gear complies with them, it can withstand crashes, slides, and sudden impacts without or with minimal injuries.
However, CE standards have different levels. So, you may ask: what is the highest CE-level protection available?
Knowing these standards will help you ensure measurable safety with style.
What are CE Protection Levels
The term "CE" comes from the French phrase "conformité européenne," meaning "European conformity." The mark we see on motorcycle gear today was created in 1993. Essentially, the CE mark shows that a product meets the health and safety standards set by the European Union.
It applies to a wide range of items, from consumer electronics to heavy machinery, and yes, even motorcycle gear, which is classified as "personal protective equipment" in the EU.
So, if a company wants to sell anything in the European Economic Area, having the CE mark is a must.
How CE Levels Work
The CE system has the primary protection levels, such as:
-
CE Level 1
-
CE Level 2 (the highest)
Armor is tested using techniques such as controlled drops, pressure applications, and repeated impacts. If armor bears more and transfers less to the body, it earns a higher level. To measure the force, the test uses the unit of kN, which stands for kilonewtons. This is to measure the force impact.
What Is the Highest CE Protection Level?
Right now, the best protection you can get in motorcycle gear is known as CE Level 2. If you come across armor with this label, it's passed the toughest impact tests set by CE standards.
Items like CE-2 Level Motorcycle Pads & Full Body Armor hit these high standards and provide some of the best safety for riders.
Testing Criteria for CE Level 2
Full Body Armor CE-2 Level transmits under 9 kN of force when tested for impacts. Just to give you an idea, a typical CE Level 1 protector might let through almost double that amount. So, the lower the kN number, the better protected your bones and soft tissues will be in a crash.
Protection Features of CE Level 2
CE Level 2 provides:
-
Better impact absorption
-
Use of thicker or more advanced materials
-
Enhanced protection in common crash zones
-
Increased comfort thanks to the flexible polymers found in the latest Level 2 armor
This kind of protection is important, especially for those who ride at high speeds or for long stretches, as they’re at a greater risk of accidents.
Comparison of CE Levels: CE Level 1 vs. CE Level 2
Many riders ask whether Level 1 is really "good enough." Well, that really depends on how you ride and how much risk you're comfortable with.
CE Level
-
Can handle up to 18 kN of force
-
Provides basic protection
-
Often found in lightweight or budget-friendly motorcycle jackets
CE Level 2
-
Only transmits under 9 kN
-
Offers almost double the protection against impacts
-
This level is what you usually see in high-end motorcycle jackets and advanced safety gear.
When Is Level 2 Necessary?
Level 2 is a great pick for:
-
People who ride on highways
-
Daily commuters dealing with heavy traffic
-
Tourists and long-distance riders
-
Anyone looking for top-notch CE-level PPE to improve their chances in a crash
When you look at the stats, it’s pretty clear that Level 2 offers the best CE level protection out there right now.
What Gear Should Have CE Level 2 Protection?
There are a few different kinds of motorcycle gear that usually offer Level 2 protection, like:
-
Jackets, particularly leather or textile touring ones
-
Pants and riding jeans
-
Gloves that have reinforced knuckle armor
-
Back protectors
-
Pads for your knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows
If you are looking for the Best Motorcycle Jacket for a Beginner, you can stick to level 1. However, a solid motorcycle leather jacket combined with CE Level 2 armor sets you up with a great base for safe riding every day.
Why CE Level 2 Is Vital for Certain Gear
The spine, shoulders, hips, and knees often hit the ground during crashes. That's why these areas need the highest level of CE protection; even small fractures can seriously affect your life. Level 2 armor can help lower that risk.
The Role of CE Level 2 in Real-World Protection
In actual accidents, Level 2 armor really makes a difference in reducing injury severity. For instance, riders with Level 2 back protectors tend to experience fewer spinal fractures and bruises than those who opt for Level 1 protection.
Choosing gear that offers this higher level of safety isn't just about meeting regulations; it's essential for surviving real-world crashes.
Many riders who focus on Level 2 armor like to pair it with high-quality outerwear, such as a top-notch Leather motorcycle jacket, along with additional accessories like advanced pads or full-body armor systems.
Conclusion
Choosing the right level of protection can make all the difference when you’re out on the road. Since CE Level 2 is the highest CE level protection available, it ensures stronger impact absorption and greater safety for riders of all styles.
Pairing this armor with durable outerwear and motorcycle accessories every biker needs gives you a complete safety setup.
At Daniel Smart MFG, riders can find premium CE-rated armor, jackets, gloves, and pads designed for real-world protection and long-lasting performance. Investing in the best gear today means riding with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind tomorrow.
FAQs
What is the highest CE level protection available?
The top level of CE protection is CE Level 2, offering the best impact absorption according to CE safety standards.
How is CE level protection determined for safety gear?
CE protection levels are figured out by doing impact tests that check how much force, measured in kilonewtons (kN), gets through the armor. The less force that gets through, the better the protection.
Which products offer the highest level of CE safety certification?
Gear that has CE Level 2 certification, like Level 2 back protectors, shoulder, elbow, and knee pads, as well as Motorcycle Pads & Full Body Armor CE-2 Level, provides the highest level of CE safety protection.