Everything You Need to Know About EN1621

1. Detailed Meaning of EN 1621

EN 1621 is a series of European harmonized standards titled “Motorcyclists’ protective clothing against mechanical impact”. It is a crucial set of regulations that defines the requirements, test methods, and performance levels for impact protectors worn by motorcycle riders . The primary purpose is to ensure these protective elements effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy in the event of a crash, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

The standard is subdivided into specific parts, each focusing on protecting a different area of the body :

• EN 1621-1: Covers limb joint impact protectors (e.g., for shoulders, elbows, knees, hips).
• EN 1621-2: Specifically addresses back protectors.
• EN 1621-3: Pertains to chest protectors.

The “EN” prefix denotes a European Norm, and the number “1621” identifies it as a motorcycle-specific protection standard

1. The suffix (e.g., -1, -2) indicates the specific body area covered, and the year (e.g., 2014) denotes the version or year of implementation

2. Compliance with these standards is a key pathway for manufacturers to demonstrate that their products meet the essential health and safety requirements of the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425

2. Applicable Products to EN 1621

The EN 1621 standards apply to discrete impact protectors that can be inserted into purpose-built pockets in motorcycle clothing or, in some cases, worn separately. The applicable product type is defined by the specific part of the standard.

For EN 1621-1 (Limb Joint Protectors): The standard applies to protectors for the following areas, identified by specific letters:

• S – Shoulders
• E – Elbows
• H – Hips
• K – Knees
• K+L – Knees + upper and mid-shin
• L – Front of leg below the knee protector
• KP – Knuckle protection These are further classified by coverage: Type A (reduced coverage) or Type B (normal coverage)

For EN 1621-2 (Back Protectors): This standard applies specifically to protectors designed for the back. Types include

• B or FB – Full back protector (central back and shoulder blades)
• CB – Central back only
• L or LB – Lumbar (lower back) only

For EN 1621-3 (Chest Protectors): This standard applies to protectors designed to provide limited protection against mechanical impact to the chest area

3. Testing Methods of EN 1621

The core testing method across the EN 1621 series involves impact attenuation tests. A protector is mounted on a standardized anvil and struck with a guided impactor under controlled conditions. The key measured parameter is the force transmitted through the protector to the anvil.

The performance is divided into two levels based on the maximum transmitted force:

• Level 1: The mean transmitted force from a series of impacts must be less than 18 kN, and no single impact shall exceed 24 kN.
• Level 2 (Higher Protection): The mean transmitted force must be less than 9 kN, and no single impact shall exceed 12 kN.

For back protectors (EN 1621-2), tests often use a sharpened curbstone-like impactor to simulate impacting a pointed edge like a curb . Additional optional tests may include:

• Extreme Temperature Testing: Protectors may be tested for performance at low (-10°C) and high (+40°C) temperatures.
• Resistance to Cutting, Abrasion, and Burst Strength: These are also evaluated and assigned performance levels (Level 1 or 2).

4. Important Notes on EN 1621

• CE Certification & PPE Category: Products certified to EN 1621 are considered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) under EU law. They fall under Category III (complex design intended to protect against mortal danger or serious health hazards). This requires involvement of a Notified Body for product type-examination and quality system surveillance.
• Level 1 vs. Level 2: Level 2 represents a significantly higher level of impact protection than Level 1, as it mandates lower transmitted force values. Some high-speed track organizations may require Level 2 protection.
• Fit is Critical: Certification is meaningless if the protector does not fit correctly. A protector that is too small or moves within a loose pocket will not stay in position during an accident, rendering it ineffective.
• Relationship with Garment Standards: Protectors can be certified independently to EN 1621. When they are integrated into a garment (like a jacket or pants), the entire garment can be certified under the EN 17092 series, which references the relevant EN 1621 part for the protector’s performance.
• Not a Standalone Safety Solution: A back protector is described as “indispensable as a helmet,” but it is part of a full suite of protective gear.

5. All Other Content Related to EN 1621

• Labeling Requirements: Certified protectors must have a label containing specific information:
  1. The relevant standard (e.g., EN 1621-2:2014).
  2. The protection Level (1 or 2).
  3. The protector Type (e.g., B, CB, L for back protectors).
  4. Size.
  5. Manufacturer details.
  6. Pictograms indicating passed tests (e.g., for low/high temperature).
  7. Care/maintenance instructions.
• Connection to EN 340: EN 340:2003 is a general standard for protective clothing. An EN 1621 certification inherently satisfies all relevant requirements of EN 340, making a separate EN 340 mark redundant for these products.
• Part of a Larger Framework: EN 1621 exists alongside other key motorcycle PPE standards, such as EN 13595 for professional rider suits, EN 13634 for boots, and EN 12594 for gloves.