Motorcycle gear and accessories
A good diagnosis starts with a well-maintained bike… and a well-protected rider. For each piece of gear, this guide sums up what French law requires, which standards to look for on the label and what to check before buying. No brand is pushed: the goal is for you to recognise a good product wherever you buy it.
What is mandatory in France
Two items are mandatory for rider and passenger: an approved helmet (with its 4 reflective stickers) and CE EN 13594 approved gloves. The rest (jacket, trousers, boots, back protector, airbag) is not required by law, but it is what makes the difference in a slide.
HelmetMandatory
It is the most protective item — and the one you should never buy second-hand: a helmet that has taken a hit can be damaged inside with nothing visible.
Check before you buy
- ECE 22.06 approval label (or 22.05 on a helmet you already own).
- 4 reflective stickers (front, back, each side): in France, missing them costs €135 and 3 licence points.
- Fit: the helmet must not turn when you shake your head, without painful pressure points.
- Full-face or modular for road riding; an open-face leaves the chin exposed.
- Replace it after a fall or impact, even with no visible damage.
GlovesMandatory
In a fall, the first reflex is to put your hands out: they hit the ground first. That is why approved gloves have been mandatory in France since 2016.
Check before you buy
- CE EN 13594 marking with a motorcycle pictogram.
- Level 1 = basic protection; level 2 = more abrasion-resistant, with mandatory armour.
- A light, vented pair for summer and a warm, waterproof pair for winter.
- The cuff must cover the wrist and overlap the jacket sleeve with no gap.
Jacket and trousers
Not mandatory, but jeans or a hoodie shred in a split second on tarmac. Certified motorcycle clothing resists abrasion and keeps the armour in place.
Check before you buy
- EN 17092 standard: class AAA (track, long trips) > AA (road) > A (urban) > B and C (specific uses).
- Elbow and shoulder armour (knees for trousers) certified EN 1621-1, ideally level 2.
- A pocket for a back protector.
- A jacket-to-trousers connecting zip if you ride a lot.
Boots and shoes
Ankles and feet are often hurt, even in a low-speed fall or while manoeuvring. Motorcycle footwear stiffens the ankle and protects the ankle bone.
Check before you buy
- EN 13634 standard, with ratings of 1 to 2 for abrasion, cut and rigidity.
- Extra markings: IPA (ankle protection), IPS (shin), WR (waterproof).
- Non-slip sole and a reinforced gear-shift area.
Back protector and airbag vest
A back protector shields the spine; an airbag vest also protects the chest and neck by inflating during the fall. These are the protections that have improved most in recent years.
Check before you buy
- Back protector: EN 1621-2, level 2 transmits about half the force of level 1.
- Airbag: EN 1621-4; check whether it is tethered (linked to the bike) or electronic (standalone).
- Cartridge airbags: check the cost and ease of re-arming after deployment.
Lock
No lock is unbreakable, but it costs the thief time, and they often move on to the next bike. Also check what your insurer requires.
Check before you buy
- SRA (or NF FFMC) approval: not required by law, but often a condition of theft cover in France — read your policy.
- Run the lock through the frame or a fork leg, not only a wheel (wheels come off).
- Lock the bike to a fixed point whenever possible.
- A disc lock on top of a chain, with a reminder cable so you don't ride off with it.
Maintenance and tools
Many faults in our catalogue are prevented by simple maintenance: a clean, lubed chain, a battery kept charged over winter, regular checks.
Check before you buy
- Chain care kit: cleaner + lube, after rain and regularly.
- A battery maintainer suited to motorcycle batteries if the bike sits for weeks.
- A paddock stand to lift the rear wheel (chain lube, bearing checks).
- A torque wrench to respect the tightening torques in your manual.
Phone mount
Handy for navigation, but beware of vibration: Apple states that strong motorcycle-engine vibration can damage the optical image stabilisation and autofocus of iPhone cameras.
Check before you buy
- Choose a mount with a vibration dampener.
- Apple advises against mounting an iPhone on high-power motorcycles, even with a dampener.
- Solid fixing on the handlebar or top yoke; the phone must not block your view or the controls.
Frequently asked questions
Which motorcycle gear is mandatory in France?
An approved helmet fitted with 4 reflective stickers, and CE EN 13594 approved gloves (mandatory since 2016), for both rider and passenger. Jacket, trousers and boots are not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Is an ECE 22.05 helmet still allowed?
Yes. New 22.05 helmets have not been sold since 2024, but you can keep riding with a 22.05 helmet in good condition. New helmets sold today are ECE 22.06 approved.
Which standard should I check for a motorcycle jacket or trousers?
EN 17092, which rates garments from AAA (most protective) to C. Also check that the elbow, shoulder and knee armour is certified EN 1621-1, ideally level 2.
This guide is for information only. Always check the product's approval label, the rules in force where you ride and your insurance conditions before buying.