Most riders spend hours choosing the right bike but give their protective gear about five minutes of thought. That’s a problem, because not all armour is created equal, and the CE rating on your jacket or trousers tells you a lot more than you might think. CE Level 1 armour meets the minimum standard for impact protection, while CE Level 2 offers significantly higher protection and is the rating serious riders should be looking for in high-risk zones like shoulders, elbows, and knees. There’s also a separate back protector standard worth knowing: a CE Level 2 back protector is one of the single most important upgrades you can make to your riding kit, yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked.

Understanding your gear is part of understanding how to ride safely, and that mindset starts from day one of training. At Betta Biker, we build that kind of thinking into everything we do, from CBT courses in Warrington right through to full DAS licence training across the North West. 🏍️ When did you last actually check the CE rating labels on your riding jacket? And if you’re just getting started, what questions do you have about the gear you’ll need for your first ride?