Streetwear hoodie vs. motorcycle hoodie: what's the difference?

Search for "motorcycle hoodie" or "motorhoodie" and you'll find two very different products that look almost the same. One is protective gear. The other is streetwear. Onewheelers makes the second kind, and we think you should know exactly what you're buying.

What is an armoured motorcycle hoodie?

An armoured motorcycle hoodie (in Dutch often just called a "motorhoodie") is protective clothing in the shape of a hoodie. It usually has an abrasion-resistant lining, for example aramid, and pockets with impact protectors at the shoulders and elbows, sometimes also at the back. It is tested under the European standard EN 17092, which sorts riding garments into classes:

• AAA: the highest protection against abrasion and impact
• AA: high protection, for most kinds of riding
• A: the minimum protection against abrasion and impact
• B: abrasion protection, but without impact protectors
• C: a carrier that only holds protectors in place

The impact protectors themselves carry their own label (EN 1621).

What is a streetwear hoodie for riders?

A streetwear hoodie is regular clothing. Our hoodies are heavyweight (280 to 350 GSM), warm and built to last, with prints made for the motorcycle scene. But they have no armour, no abrasion-resistant lining and no CE rating. They're made for everything around the ride: the meetup, the garage, the street. The oversized Reflective hoodie also layers easily over your riding gear.

What does the law say?

• Belgium: since 2011, riders and passengers on a motorcycle above 50 cc must wear a helmet, gloves, a jacket with long sleeves, long trousers and boots that protect the ankles (Touring).
• The Netherlands: only an approved helmet is mandatory. Gloves, jacket, trousers and boots are strongly advised (KNMV).

Whatever the law says: ordinary clothing wears through in a fall in a split second. On the bike, wear certified protective gear.

So which one do you need?

• For riding: certified protective gear (class A or higher), plus helmet, gloves and boots.
• For everything around it: a hoodie you actually want to wear. That's what we make.

Our hoodies are in stock in Belgium, ship the same day and arrive in 1–2 working days in Belgium and the Netherlands. Shop the biker hoodies →

Quick answers

Is a streetwear hoodie safe on a motorcycle?

Not as protection. Without armour and an abrasion-resistant layer, it won't protect you in a fall. Wear it together with certified gear.

What does CE "AA" mean on a motorcycle hoodie?

It means the garment passed the EN 17092 class AA tests for abrasion and impact: high protection for most riding. A hoodie without such a label is not protective clothing.

Are Onewheelers hoodies protective?

No. They're heavyweight streetwear for riders, made to be worn off the bike or with your protective gear.