Author: Neil Bates

We all know that when it comes to motorcycle riding here in the UK, safety is everything. While the thrill of the open road is undeniable, it’s essential to ensure you and other road users are safe at all times.

It’s also useful to understand the legal requirements and recommendations surrounding protective gear while riding a motorcycle, whether on the roads, on the tracks or off-road on the trails. Many people wonder whether protective motorcycle clothing is mandatory in the UK or whether it’s something only the most risk-averse motorcyclists should consider. In this article, we’re going to delve into the specifics and answer the question, ‘do you have to wear protective clothing on a motorcycle, scooter or moped?’

Mandatory Motorcycle Protection

In the UK, the only piece of protective gear that is legally required for motorcycle riders and their passengers is a motorcycle helmet. According to GOV.UK, all helmets worn on UK roads must meet at least one of the following standards:

• British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark
• UNECE Regulation 22.05 or the newer ECE 22.06
• A standard accepted by a member of the European Economic Area which offers a level of safety and protection equivalent to BS 6658:1985 and carries a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark

These British Standards are the legal minimum for helmets, but we always recommend going a bit further with your protection, especially when it comes to your head. There is also the SHARP Helmet Ratings test which puts helmets through a more vigorous test and provides a score based on how protective the helmet is.

Goggles and visors must also meet British Safety Standards or have an equivalent safety standard from Europe. Failure to wear a compliant helmet can result in a fine of up to £500 and will also impact insurance claims in the event of an accident.

Recommended Protective Gear

While helmets are the only legally mandated protective gear, other equipment is highly recommended for rider safety. This is especially true when sport racing and green laning, but many regular road motorcyclists may feel more safe and protected while riding thanks to some additional armour. UK Government advice is that specialised motorcycle gear is highly recommended – it could save your life.

This may not mean full protective gear, but specialist motorcycle clothing that protects the wearer with in-built protection in all the right areas. Some recommended motorcycle kit includes:

• Motorcycle Jackets and Trousers: Jackets and trousers for motorcyclists are generallymade from abrasion-resistant materials like leather or textiles with CE-approved armour. Often, these offer padding and support in the areas of the body which are most likely to be affected in a collision.
• Motorcycle Gloves: Motorcycle gloves are an absolute must. They protect your hands from injury but improve your grip and control of the bike.
• Motorcycle Boots: We also recommend choosing specialised motorcycle boots, featuring abrasion resistant materials, ankle protection, waterproofing and other benefits. As a minimum, you must wear sturdy footwear that covers the ankles to provide protection in case of a fall.

Although not legally required, wearing this gear can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. For added protection, consider the kind of motorcycle body armour worn by off-roaders.

CE Certification and PPE Regulations

It’s important to note that while wearing protective gear (other than helmets) isn’t mandatory, any motorcycle clothing sold in the UK must meet certain safety standards. As per EU regulations, all the gear must be CE-certified, ensuring it has undergone rigorous testing for impact and abrasion resistance. This certification applies to the sale of the gear, not its use.

Legal Implications of Not Wearing Protective Gear

While you won’t face legal penalties under UK law for not wearing protective gear (aside from helmets), there could be legal implications in the event of an accident. For instance, courts have considered the absence of protective clothing or suitable clothing when determining liability and compensation. In some cases, not wearing appropriate gear has led to reduced compensation due to contributory negligence. Basically, we recommend you wear proper motorcycle gear to protect yourself, those around you and your bank balance too!

In Summary: Mandatory Motorcycle Protection

So, to answer that initial question in simple terms… motorcycle protective gear is not mandatory in the UK, other than a motorcycle helmet. While it’s only compliant helmets that are legally required in the UK, we strongly advise that all riders wear additional protective clothing to safeguard against injuries. Investing in quality gear not only enhances your safety but could also have legal and financial benefits in the unfortunate event of an accident.

For more information on rider safety and the kind of protective motorcycle clothing we would recommend, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Choosing the right motorcycle gear for the hot weather is hugely important for riders everywhere and summer riding boots are a big part of this. The same boots that you wear for the winter are unlikely to be the best choice for when the sun’s so we have put together a little guide to take you through the best options for summer motorcycle boots, including some options you can buy from our extensive motorcycle boots collection. Hopefully through reading this post, you will be able to make an informed decision about which are the perfect pair of warm weather biker boots for you.

What To Look Out For With Summer Motorcycle Boots

The first thing we need to discuss is what attributes you should be looking out for when browsing for your new pair of motorcycle boots this summer. As with all motorcycle gear, protection and safety are of paramount importance and should always be your primary concern. All proper motorcycle footwear offers superior protection to regular casual shoes and trainers, helping the rider stay safe in the event of a collision. Foam-backed impact protection at the ankle especially is very important, while popular material like leather offer added protection against abrasion and impacts. Also important are the toe and heel counters, which should also be reinforced with durable materials to protect those specific parts of your feet. But the best way to know your boots are going to fully protect your feet, ankles and lower legs should the worst happen is to go for CE Approved boots, which meet strict testing guidelines.

Now you need to consider temperature. Even in the UK the summer tends to bring lots of sunshine and warmer climes, so the last thing you want is long, thick boots on your feet during a long ride. The key here is to select boots with a breathable material, designed to keep your feet cool. You may even find some boots with mesh panelling which allows extra airflow to your feet and lower legs, further preventing heat build-up. Also useful would be boots lined with sweat-wicking materials, helping draw any sweat away from your skin to keep you comfortable even in the blazing heat.

Also important is style and fit. With the surge in popularity for riding jeans in recent years, shorter boots have become more popular, especially in the summer. Specific ankle boots are much sought-after here in the UK, which look as good in everyday life as they do while riding. There are many different colours available these days too, but black and brown are still the most common. That said, with many different stylish designs, pleasing colours and comfortable fits now on offer, there’s undoubtedly a suitable pair of summer boots that look as good as they feel.

Now, there is a final consideration that riders here in the UK especially need to think about when it comes to buying boots for the summer. Unfortunately, the British Summer does often also bring rain, as frustrating as it is. Because of this, many of the best summer motorcycle boots uk including a waterproof membrane, to make sure your feet stay dry if the heavens open. The Gore-Tex membrane is the most popular choice with experienced riders, known to not allow water to penetrate through the material while allowing good breathability too – ideal for the summer. We have a great selection of high-quality Gore-Tex motorcycle boots and other waterproof motorcycle boots, designed to be reliable, protective and comfortable.

The Top Five Summer Motorcycle Boots at BDLA Motorbikes

Now you know the kind of features you need to be looking out for when selecting your new boots for the summer, we’ve put together a top five list of what we think are the best summer motorbike boots on the market right now and available in our online shop. With so many motorcycle boots in our store, it was very difficult to narrow down to just five, so by all means browse the full range before making your choice. All our boots come from top brands and are equipped with everything a rider needs to be safe, secure and comfortable through the warmer months.

But without further ado, here’s our top five best summer motorcycle boots available now…

• RST Hi-Top Waterproof Motorcycle Boots
• Sidi Rex Air Boots
• Alpinestars Air Plus V2 Gore-Tex Boots
• Sidi ARX Air Motorcycle Boots
• Oxford Spartan Air Boots

In Summary: Top Summer Riding Boots

By reading this article, you should feel confident in knowing exactly what you need to prioritise when it comes to buying motorcycle boots for the summer. Remember to look out for protection and safety above everything, but also consider breathability, moisture-wicking fabrics, fit and waterproofing, plus your style preferences too.

For any more information on summer motorcycle boots or to ask any question about the art of motorcycling, please do get in touch with us today.