If you're shopping for motorcycle riding jeans or cargo pants, you've probably seen the terms CE Level AA and CE Level AAA on product labels. But what do these ratings actually mean — and which one do you need?
What Is CE Certification?
CE stands for Conformité Européenne, a safety standard issued by the European Union. For motorcycle protective clothing, the relevant standard is EN 17092, which was introduced in 2020 to give riders a clear, consistent way to compare the protective performance of riding gear.
Before EN 17092, ratings varied widely between brands. Now, every CE-certified garment must pass rigorous lab tests for abrasion resistance, seam strength, and impact protection.
The Three CE Levels for Riding Pants & Jeans
Under EN 17092, riding trousers are tested at three levels:
- CE Level A – Entry-level protection. Suitable for low-speed urban riding.
- CE Level AA – Mid-range protection. Designed for general road riding and highway use.
- CE Level AAA – Highest protection. Built for sport riding, track days, and high-speed scenarios.
What's the Difference Between CE AA and CE AAA?
Both CE AA and CE AAA garments must pass the same categories of tests — abrasion, seam burst, and impact — but the thresholds are significantly higher for AAA.
Abrasion Resistance
This test simulates sliding on asphalt. The garment is pressed against a rotating abrasive surface, and the time until it wears through is measured.
- CE AA: Must withstand abrasion for at least 4 seconds across tested zones.
- CE AAA: Must withstand abrasion for at least 8 seconds — double the CE AA requirement.
Seam Burst Strength
Seams are often the first point of failure in a crash. CE AAA garments require seams strong enough to handle significantly higher burst forces than CE AA.
Impact Protection
Both levels require CE-rated armor at the hips and knees (sold separately or included). The armor itself must meet either CE Level 1 or CE Level 2 standards — Level 2 armor transmits less impact force and is recommended for AAA-rated garments.
Which Level Is Right for You?
| Riding Style | Recommended Level |
|---|---|
| Daily commuting, city riding | CE AA |
| Highway and mixed riding | CE AA or CE AAA |
| Sport/performance riding, track days | CE AAA |
| Long-distance touring | CE AAA |
If you ride mostly in the city at lower speeds, CE AA offers solid, proven protection. If you're regularly on the highway or enjoy spirited riding, the extra margin of CE AAA is well worth it.
NEO Jeans: CE AA and CE AAA Options
At NEO Jeans USA, all our riding jeans and cargo pants are CE-certified under EN 17092. Whether you need CE AA protection for everyday commuting or CE AAA for high-performance riding, we have options built to keep you safer without sacrificing style.
👉 Shop our CE AA & CE AAA certified riding pants →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CE AA jeans feel different from CE AAA jeans?
CE AAA garments typically use denser Kevlar/Aramid lining or thicker protective panels, which can feel slightly heavier or stiffer. However, modern AAA-rated jeans are designed to balance protection with comfort for everyday wear.
Is CE armor included with Neo Jeans?
Most NEO riding jeans include CE-rated knee and hip armor. Check each product listing for details on armor level (CE Level 1 or CE Level 2).
Can I upgrade the armor in my jeans?
Yes — if your jeans have armor pockets, you can often replace included armor with CE Level 2 upgrades for enhanced impact protection.
Ride safe. Gear up right.
