Protectors: The "crumple zone" for bikers
Protectors are rather like a car's "crumple zones" in that they are designed to absorb the energy of an impact.
No professional racer would take to the race track without protectors. And it's even more important for newcomers to biking. So when you take your practical riding test, you will be expected to have at least a basic set of protectors:
- The jacket must have protectors on the shoulders and elbows, and the trousers must have protectors on at least the knees. Protectors for the hips are also highly recommended and can be retrofitted to many trousers.
- A back protector is also mandatory for the practical test. This is either stored in a pocket in the jacket lining or worn separately under the jacket.
- The insertable protectors are particularly inexpensive and easy to use, but are significantly shorter than the spine they are designed to protect.
- Separate back protectors are significantly longer and offer protection from the neck to the tailbone. In addition,
- they are less likely to slip in the event of a fall.
No matter what you decide, the most important thing is that you have a back protector – not just for the test ride.
The alternative to integrated protectors: a separate protector shirt worn under the jacket.
Important: Protectors must be tested and approved in accordance with the EN 1621-1 standard (for joint protectors) or EN 1621-2 (for back protectors).
The regulations leave it largely up to us bikers how we choose to protect ourselves against cold, wet and the possible consequences of an accident. The main exception is Paragraph 21a of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), which states that we must "wear a suitable protective helmet while riding on public roads".
It is a slightly different situation when you take your practical motorcycle test. Appendix 7 of the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV) states: "Candidates taking class A, A1, A2 and AM tests must wear suitable protective motorcycle clothing, comprising a properly fitting motorcycle helmet, motorcycle gloves, a close-fitting motorcycle jacket, a back protector (if not integrated into the motorcycle jacket), motorcycle trousers, and motorcycle boots with adequate ankle protection."
In the following pages we show you what exactly constitutes a suitable protective helmet and what motorcycle gear approved for taking your practical test actually looks like.
State of the art: airbag vests
Airbag vests for motorcyclists now offer a significant safety advantage and are among the most innovative protection systems on two wheels.
Modern models – whether mechanically or electronically triggered – deploy within milliseconds and protect important areas of the body such as the chest, back, shoulders and, in some cases, even the kidneys or hips.