When it comes to motorcycle riding, safety gear is not just an option—it’s a necessity. From helmets and gloves to jackets and boots, each piece plays a vital role in keeping riders safe. One area that often gets overlooked is knee protection. Whether you’re cruising the highway or tackling off-road trails, your knees are among the most vulnerable parts of your body in a fall. So, are knee pads good for motorcycle riding? The answer is a resounding yes, but it’s essential to choose the right ones.
Why Knee Protection Matters
Without proper knee protection, the consequences of a fall can be severe. When you’re riding, your knees are exposed to direct impacts and abrasions in the event of an accident. Even at low speeds, sliding on rough surfaces can lead to painful scrapes, bruises, and deeper injuries. At higher speeds, the risk of fractures or permanent damage increases significantly. Knee protection is designed minimizing the damage to your knees, as it creates a protective barrier between your body and the road or trail surface, reducing the likelihood of severe injuries. But not all knee protection is created equal, and it’s important to understand the differences to make an informed choice. Lets discover below the difference and what to look out for.
The Fit Problem: Why Women Riders Struggle With Knee Protection
One of the most common complaints from on-road motorcyclists, particularly women, is that knee pads don’t always sit in the right spot. Motorcycle pants are often designed with a generic fit that may not account for different body shapes. For women, this often results in knee armor that shifts out of place during a ride, leaving the knees exposed.
At Fempro Armour, we understand these challenges. Our knee protection is specifically designed with adjustable features to ensure a secure fit for riders of all shapes and sizes. This eliminates the guesswork and ensures the armor stays in place when it matters most.
So What is the Difference between Knee Guards or Knee Braces?
One common question motorcyclists have is whether to use knee guards or knee braces. Here’s an overview on how they differ:
Knee Guards with Hard outer Shell
Knee guards are designed primarily for impact protection. They consist of a hard outer shell that shields the knee from direct impacts and a padded interior that provides cushioning and comfort.
However most padding in traditional knee guards, only slows down the impact energy, which means a significant portion of the force can still transfer to the knee.
These are ideal for riders who need basic protection from falls and slides on asphalt or dirt trails. They are lightweight, easy to wear, and affordable.
Knee Braces
Knee braces, on the other hand, offer not only impact protection but also joint stabilization. They are designed to prevent hyperextension and other knee injuries by supporting the ligaments and joint structure. This makes them a popular choice for motocross and off-road riders, where uneven terrain and jumps increase the risk of twisting injuries.
Soft Knee Guards
Fempro Armour knee guards are perfect for riders seeking maximum comfort without compromising on protection, particular as a on-road motorcyclist. While these pads do not provide joint stabilization like knee braces, they provide excel protection in shock absorption and the dispersion of impact energy. This makes them an excellent choice for on-road riders, adventure riders and those who prioritize comfort and mobility without sacrificing safety. Shop HERE
The CE Rating: What It Means and Why It’s Not Everything
When shopping for knee protection, you’ll often come across products with CE ratings. The CE (Conformité Européene) impact certification indicates that the armour meets European safety standards for impact protection. The ratings are typically categorized as Level 1 or Level 2:
CE Level 1: The maximum transmitted force must be below 18 kN. This level of protection is good for daily riding and casual use.
CE Level 2: The maximum transmitted force must be below 9 kN, which is double the level of impact protection of CE Level 1. This level of protection is ideal for track racing and other high-risk or extreme sports scenarios. CE Level 2 armour can be softer and more flexible, but it’s also bulkier and less comfortable than CE Level 1.
While the CE rating is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Many riders assume that as long as their gear is CE-rated, they’re fully protected. However, additional protective features are equally critical, such as shock absorbing and the dispersion of impact energy which most protectors don’t do.
Beyond CE Ratings: What Makes Fempro Armour Knee Pads Stand Out to other Knee Protection?
Fempro Armour’s knee protection goes beyond the standard CE ratings. While our knee armor is CE-rated, we’ve added features to address common issues faced by riders:
- Shock Absorption
Our knee pads are designed to absorb and disperse impact energy, reducing the force transferred to your body. This minimizes the risk of injury even in high-impact situations. - Energy Redirection
Unlike traditional knee armor, our products are engineered to push impact energy away from the body. This innovative feature further reduces the strain on your joints and soft tissues. - Ergonomic Design
Fempro Armour knee pads are lightweight and shaped to fit the natural contours of your body, providing maximum comfort without sacrificing protection. - Durable Materials
Built with high-quality materials, our knee armor is resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance. - Inclusivity
We prioritize fit and comfort for all riders, with designs tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women motorcyclists.
Tips for Choosing the Right Knee Protection
To ensure you’re getting the best protection for your knees, consider these tips:
- Prioritize Fit
Make sure the knee pads, guards or braces sit securely over your knees and don’t shift during movement. If possible, try them on with your riding pants and boots before purchasing. - Look for Additional Features
Beyond CE ratings, look for shock-absorbing materials, energy redirection capabilities, ability to wear under pants and adjustable straps for a secure fit. - Match Protection to Your Riding Style
If you ride on-road at moderate speeds, knee pads may suffice. For off-road or high-intensity riding, consider investing in knee guards or braces for added joint support. - Don’t Skimp on Quality
Your safety gear is an investment in your well-being. Choose reputable brands like Fempro Armour that prioritize both safety and comfort.
The right knee protection can mean the difference between walking away from an accident with minor scrapes and dealing with long-term injuries. Whether you choose knee pad, guards or braces, make sure they’re designed to meet your specific needs as a rider.
At Fempro Armour, we’re committed to providing innovative, high-quality protective gear that empowers riders to focus on the road ahead. With features like CE-rated protection, shock absorption, and ergonomic design, our knee armour is designed to keep you safe and comfortable, no matter where your journey takes you.
Gear up, ride safe, and protect your knees—because every ride is worth enjoying to the fullest.
Ready to upgrade your knee protection? Explore our range of CE-rated, shock-absorbing knee armour today, by clicking HERE