Lane ProMotor
The Complete Guide to Motorcycle Safety Certifications
What every rider should know before buying gear
Buying motorcycle gear can be overwhelming. You'll see labels like ECE 22.06, CE Level 2, AAA, DOT, EN 13634, and SNELL, but very few brands explain what these certifications actually mean.
Many riders assume a more expensive helmet or jacket is automatically safer. Others believe that if a product says "protective" or "anti-fall," it must have been tested.
Neither assumption is always true.
This guide explains what each certification means, how products are tested, what these standards do—and don't—guarantee, and what thousands of experienced riders have learned after real-world crashes.
Our goal isn't to sell you a product. It's to help you make informed decisions about the gear you trust with your life.
Why Motorcycle Certifications Exist
Motorcycle gear isn't designed to prevent accidents.
It's designed to reduce injuries when accidents happen.
Certification standards exist because manufacturers need to prove their products perform under controlled laboratory testing before they're marketed as protective equipment.
Without recognised testing, there's no reliable way to know whether a helmet, glove, jacket, boot, or armour will actually protect you during a crash.
Think of certifications as independent benchmarks—not guarantees of survival, but evidence that a product has met specific safety requirements.
Motorcycle Helmet Certifications
Here's how the main helmet labels compare at a glance. Each one is explained in more detail below.
| Label | What it is | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 22.06 | Current European standard | Tests rotational impacts, multiple speeds and locations |
| ECE 22.05 | Previous European standard | Replaced for new approvals during 2024 |
| DOT | Required for US road use | Manufacturer self-certification |
| SNELL | Voluntary, independently tested | Generally more demanding than DOT |
| SHARP | UK rating programme, not a certification | Scores certified helmets from 1 to 5 stars |
| FIM | Professional racing homologation | Required in MotoGP; rare on consumer helmets |
| AS/NZS 1698 | Australian & New Zealand standard | Check your state or territory rules |
ECE 22.06 — The Modern Global Standard
ECE 22.06 is currently regarded as one of the world's most comprehensive helmet standards.
Unlike previous standards, it evaluates helmets using multiple impact scenarios that better reflect real-world crashes.
Testing includes:
- Multiple impact locations
- Rotational impact assessment
- Different impact speeds
- Visor penetration resistance
- Chin bar testing for modular helmets
- Accessory compatibility
ECE 22.06 replaced ECE 22.05 for new helmet approvals during 2024.
For many riders, ECE 22.06 has become the benchmark when comparing helmets.
ECE 22.05
ECE 22.05 protected millions of riders for more than twenty years.
Although still legal in many markets for existing stock, new European helmet approvals now use ECE 22.06.
If buying new today, most riders choose 22.06 whenever possible.
DOT FMVSS 218
DOT certification is required for road use in the United States.
However, it's important to understand one key difference.
DOT operates on manufacturer self-certification.
Manufacturers certify that their helmets meet the standard, with enforcement occurring through audits and compliance testing rather than mandatory independent approval before sale.
This doesn't automatically make DOT helmets unsafe, but many riders prefer helmets carrying additional certifications.
SNELL M2020D and M2020R
SNELL certification is voluntary and independently tested.
Its standards are generally more demanding than DOT.
Many premium road and racing helmets carry both DOT and SNELL certification.
SHARP
SHARP isn't a certification.
Instead, it's a UK government helmet rating programme that purchases already-certified helmets and independently scores them from one to five stars.
This gives riders another useful point of comparison between helmets that already meet legal standards.
FIM Homologation
FIM certification is intended for professional motorcycle racing.
MotoGP and other elite championships require helmets meeting FIM homologation.
Very few consumer helmets carry this certification because of its extremely demanding testing.
AS/NZS 1698
For Australian riders, AS/NZS 1698 remains an important standard.
Australian road rules recognise approved helmet standards, including AS/NZS 1698 and, in many jurisdictions, ECE-certified helmets under current regulations.
Motorcycle Clothing Certifications
EN 17092
EN 17092 certifies the entire motorcycle garment—not just its armour.
Testing evaluates:
- Abrasion resistance
- Tear strength
- Seam strength
- Impact performance
Garments receive one of five classifications:
| Rating | Best For |
|---|---|
| AAA | Track riding, maximum protection |
| AA | Touring, sport and everyday road riding Most popular balance |
| A | Urban riding |
| B | Abrasion protection only (no armour included) |
| C | Armour garments worn beneath outer clothing |
AAA offers the highest protection but often sacrifices comfort and ventilation.
AA is generally considered the balance most road riders prefer.
Impact Armour Standards
Protective armour uses separate certifications.
EN 1621-1
Protects:
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Knees
- Hips
Available in Level 1 and Level 2. Level 2 absorbs more impact energy.
EN 1621-2
Back protectors.
Available in Level 1 and Level 2.
Many experienced riders consider a Level 2 back protector one of the most worthwhile upgrades.
EN 1621-3
Chest protectors.
EN 1621-4
Motorcycle airbag systems.
Used in many modern electronic airbag vests and racing suits.
Motorcycle Glove Certification
EN 13594:2015
This standard evaluates:
- Abrasion resistance
- Tear resistance
- Seam strength
- Knuckle protection
- Impact protection
Motorcycle Boot Certification
EN 13634:2017
Boots are tested in four major areas, and each one receives a Level 1 or Level 2 rating. Here's how to read the code on the label:
A boot rated 2-2-2-2 achieved the highest rating across all four categories.
Understanding CE Markings
One of the biggest misconceptions in motorcycle gear is the CE logo.
Many riders assume a CE mark automatically means a product is certified for motorcycle protection.
It doesn't.
A CE mark simply indicates compliance with relevant European legislation.
For genuine motorcycle protection, look for the complete standard, such as:
- EN 17092
- EN 1621-1
- EN 13634
- EN 13594
Without those numbers, the CE logo alone tells you very little about crash protection.
"Tested", "Certified" and "Approved" Are Not the Same Thing
Manufacturers often use these terms interchangeably, but they have different meanings.
What Experienced Riders Have Learned
After thousands of crash reports and rider discussions, several consistent lessons appear regardless of riding style or motorcycle type.
1 Fit Matters More Than Price
A $150 ECE 22.06 helmet that fits correctly is generally a better choice than a $900 helmet that moves around on your head.
Certification assumes the helmet fits as intended.
2 More Expensive Doesn't Automatically Mean Safer
Higher-priced gear often includes:
- Better ventilation
- Premium materials
- Lower weight
- Improved comfort
- Reduced wind noise
- Enhanced build quality
These features improve the riding experience, but they don't necessarily mean the product provides significantly greater impact protection if both products meet the same recognised safety standard.
3 Boots Are Frequently Underrated
Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in motorcycle crashes.
Many riders only appreciate proper motorcycle boots after experiencing a crash.
EN 13634-certified boots are specifically designed to resist crushing, cutting, abrasion and twisting forces that ordinary work boots or sneakers are not tested for.
4 The Gear Is Meant to Be Damaged
One of the most common statements from crash survivors is:
My gear was destroyed, but I walked away.
That's exactly how protective gear is designed to work.
Its purpose is to absorb energy and sacrifice itself before your body does.
5 Buy Gear You'll Actually Wear
The safest gear in your wardrobe is the gear you're wearing.
Heavy, uncomfortable equipment left at home offers no protection.
Finding the right balance between protection, comfort and climate is essential.
Common Buying Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Buying based only on appearance.
- Assuming expensive means safer.
- Looking only for a CE logo without checking the actual standard.
- Purchasing products that simply say "protective" without listing recognised certifications.
- Ignoring proper fit.
- Wearing ordinary boots or jeans instead of motorcycle-specific gear.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle certifications aren't marketing labels—they're tools that help riders understand how protective equipment has been evaluated.
No certification can eliminate the risks of riding, and no piece of gear can guarantee survival in every crash. However, recognised standards provide confidence that a product has been tested against defined performance requirements rather than relying solely on manufacturer claims.
The best gear is not always the most expensive. It is the gear that:
- Fits you correctly.
- Matches your riding style.
- Meets recognised safety standards.
- Is comfortable enough that you'll wear it every ride.
Understanding what those certifications mean allows you to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than advertising.
