CE Armour Levels Explained (Level 1 vs Level 2)

What does the CE level on motorcycle armour measure?

The level measures how much force passes through the protector when it is struck. In the EN 1621 tests a weighted striker drops onto the protector at a fixed energy, and a sensor underneath records the force that gets through. Lower transmitted force means better protection, so Level 2 is the higher-protection level.

Armour is rated as a component. A jacket or suit with Level 2 inserts is not itself "Level 2 certified" — the garment has its own standard (EN 17092), covered in our EN 17092 guide.

Level 1 vs Level 2: the numbers

Maximum transmitted force by standard and level

Standard	Protects	Level 1 (average / any single hit)	Level 2 (average / any single hit)
EN 1621-1:2012	Shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, lower leg	≤ 35 kN / ≤ 50 kN	≤ 20 kN / ≤ 30 kN
EN 1621-2:2014	Back (spine)	≤ 18 kN / ≤ 24 kN	≤ 9 kN / ≤ 12 kN

Limb protectors are tested at 50 J of impact energy. Protectors are also tested after conditioning (for example at high and low temperatures) and are marked with the zones they cover and their size type.

How to read the label on an insert

• EN 1621-1 or EN 1621-2 — the standard it was tested to.
• 1 or 2 — the performance level.
• Zone code — S (shoulder), E (elbow), K (knee), H (hip), L (lower leg), with A or B for size type on limb protectors.
• T+ / T− where shown — passed after hot or cold conditioning.

Which level should your product line use?

Typical specification by product

Product	Common choice	Why
Leather race suit	Level 2 shoulder, elbow, knee; Level 1 or 2 hip; Level 2 back	Track riders expect maximum protection; Level 2 is the premium selling point
Sport leather jacket	Level 1 or 2 shoulder and elbow; back pocket	Balance of comfort and price
Textile touring jacket	Level 1 or 2 shoulder and elbow; back pocket	Long-distance comfort; buyers often upgrade the back protector
Youth / entry suits	Level 1	Lighter, more flexible, lower cost

Level 2 inserts are usually thicker or use more advanced foams, so they cost more and can feel stiffer. Many brands mix levels: Level 2 at the knees and shoulders, Level 1 elsewhere.

How Moto Armor fits armour

We build pockets sized for the insert you specify, so the protector sits over the joint when the rider is in position. You choose the level per zone on the sample brief. We source CE-rated inserts and supply the insert documentation with the order; garment-level certification needs separate testing of the finished product.

Can you advertise a garment as "CE certified" because of the armour?

No. In the EU and UK, motorcycle garments are personal protective equipment, and a "CE certified jacket" claim needs a garment test to EN 17092 by a notified body. You can accurately say "with CE EN 1621-1 Level 2 armour". Read the full EN 17092 classes guide before writing marketing copy.