Youth of today: Best children's motorcycle jackets
Just like your grown-up clothing, children’s motorcycle jackets should feature abrasion-resistant outer materials and protective armour in the key locations, including shoulders and elbows. You may struggle to find back-protector inserts small enough for children’s jackets so you might instead need to look at a separate back protector – potentially not as comfortable but much better protection than no back protector. We’ve included one of these in our round-up.
We’ve said it before; when your kids want to get involved in motorcycling, it can be heart-warming and terrifying in equal measure. If they want to ride themselves, then inevitably it will be on dirt bikes and there is plenty of protective gear around, as well as specific children’s motorcycle jackets, to cope with potential tumbles on mud and grass should they occur – which they will, eventually.
However, it’s a different matter if they want to ride pillion with you. Then, you need the proper equipment, such as a for children to make sure that they are as well protected as possible in the event of an accident.
When you’re looking, textile jackets should be waterproof and include a thermal liner – there’s no reason why, just because children’s motorcycle jackets are smaller than yours, that they shouldn’t be to a proper specification.
Inevitably, children’s motorcycle jackets won’t fit as long as yours do but avoid the temptation to buy big and hope they grow into them. Many have built-in adjustment to allow the arms to be extended, for example, but always buy the right size and as and when they get out-grow them, you’ll just have to buy again and sell or pass on the outgrown one. As a parent, you’ll be used to that, so here’s our guide to some of the best children’s motorcycle jackets out there.
| CE Rating | AA |
| Size range | XS to XL (kids) |
| Type | Textile |
- Removable quilted thermal liner
- Waterproof, windproof and breathable
- Removable CE approved shoulder and elbow armour
- Optional back protector pocket
- Front, rear and arm vents with waterproof zips
- Front and rear reflective piping for increased visibility
- Two external and two internal pockets
| Type | Childrens |
| Material | Textile |
| Sizes | 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 years |
- Removable thermal liner
- Waterproof and breathable lining
- CE approved shoulder and elbow protection
- Pocket for the addition of a back protector
- Velcro adjustment straps
| Type | Children's |
| Construction | Leather |
| Sizes | S 32' L 40' |
- CE armour at elbows and shoulders
- Double stitched seams
- Comfort quilted liner
- Two external pockets
- YKK zips
It is wind and waterproof and is also breathable to allow younger riders to remain cool while the thermal liner makes sure they don’t get cold on chilly rides. There are zipped sleeve extension panels as well as plenty of adjustment and also three sets of vents to help stay cool on warmer rides.
| Type | Children's |
| Construction | Textile |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
- Waterproof inner membrane
- Inner padding to shoulders, elbows and back
- Zip fastening with storm flap and rubber capped studs
| Type | Armoured hoodie |
| Sizes | XS to XL (kids) |
| CE Rating | AA |
- Full 250gsm Aramid Fibre lining with mesh overlay
- Removable hood with zipper fastening and drawstring
- CE approved shoulder, elbow and back armour
- Two eternal pockets
- Two internal pockets
Additional protection
If you are struggling to find a back protector to fit the jacket you have chosen for your child, then you can always try one of these armour options that are worn underneath.
About the author: After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Jim Blackstock began working on magazines in the early 1990s. He remains passionate about product testing to ensure readers know what products offer good value and why. He relishes torrential rain to see if riding kit keeps water out and an hour or two to tinker on a project bike in his workshop.
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