Rider equipment for track use: helmet, leather suit, back protector, gloves
On the track, an electric scooter rider equips themselves exactly like a motorcycle rider: full-face helmet, one-piece leather suit, leather gloves, back protector, chest protector, and boots. This isn't an overabundance of caution. At speeds exceeding 100 km/h, a fall results in a long slide on the asphalt, and the rider, standing higher than on a motorcycle, falls from a greater height. Here's what the regulations for the French E'trott Racing championship (regulation 2026) require, item by item, and how to choose the right equipment.
The essentials
- A single-piece, full-face helmet, certified to ECE 22.05 or 22.06 standards, and less than five years old; the ECE 22.05 standard will no longer be accepted after 2027.
- One-piece leather suit and leather gloves.
- Back protector conforming to the EN 1621-2 standard and chest protector conforming to the EN 1621-3 standard, both of which are mandatory.
- High-top shoes or boots that protect the ankle and malleolus; airbag recommended.
- Everything must be complete and in good working order; it is checked before being used on the track.
The helmet
The regulation requires a full-face helmet, meaning a helmet with a chin bar that is a single piece with the shell. Modular helmets, where the chin bar can be raised, and open-face helmets are not accepted. It must be approved according to the European standard ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 and be no more than five years old.
The ECE 22.06 standard is the most recent. It includes impact tests at multiple speeds and at more points on the shell, as well as a rotational test, which measures what the brain experiences when the head rotates suddenly upon impact. Regulation 2026 specifies that the ECE 22.05 standard will no longer be accepted in 2027. Therefore, if you are purchasing a helmet today, choose one that meets the 22.06 standard.
A helmet that has experienced an impact must be replaced, even if there are no visible signs of damage. The internal foam that absorbs energy becomes compressed and will no longer provide adequate protection. Choose a helmet that fits snugly: it should not rotate on your head when you shake it.
The leather suit
The regulation requires a one-piece leather suit. A two-piece suit connected by a zipper, common for road use, is not sufficient. Leather is much more resistant to abrasion than textiles, and a one-piece suit cannot ride up and expose the back or kidneys.
A racing suit typically includes protection for the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. On an electric scooter, the riding position is different from that of a motorcycle: you are standing, with your legs less bent. Try on the suit in your riding position, with your arms extended towards the handlebars, to ensure that it doesn't pull or restrict movement in any area. Furthermore, the regulations for the podium require that the racing suit be worn closed.
The back protector and chest guard
These are two distinct types of protection, and both are mandatory:
- The back protector, compliant with the EN 1621-2 standard, protects the spine. The standard specifies two levels: level 2 transmits less energy to the back than level 1, and therefore provides greater protection
- The chest protector, compliant with the EN 1621-3 standard, protects the chest. When standing on a scooter, the torso is exposed in the event of a collision with the handlebars or another vehicle.
Some back protectors are integrated into the suit, while others are worn underneath with straps. Please check the label on each protector to ensure that the standard and level are clearly indicated, as this is what the controller will check.
Gloves and boots
Gloves must be made of leather. Choose long-cuffed racing gloves that cover the sleeve of the suit, with reinforcements on the palm and knuckles. On an electric scooter, your hands do a lot of work: gloves that are too thick hinder throttle and brake control, while gloves that are too thin offer insufficient protection. The fitting should be done on the scooter, with your fingers on the levers.
For the feet, the regulations require high-top shoes or boots that protect the ankle and malleolus. Track boots are the safest option. Their soles must provide good grip on the deck: on a scooter, the feet are what transmit the pressure during turns.
Airbag
The regulations recommend the use of airbags but do not mandate it. Track airbag vests deploy in the event of a fall and protect the torso, back, and neck. They are worn under or inside the riding suit, depending on the model. It's an investment, but it's the type of protection that has seen the most advancements in recent years.
Summary of the 2026 Regulations
| Element | Requirement | Point of attention |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Integrated, single-piece design, compliant with ECE 22.05 or 22.06 standards, less than 5 years old | 22.05: Rejected in 2027 |
| Combination | Leather, single piece | Try it in riding position |
| Gloves | Leather | Longer cuff recommended |
| Back protector | EN 1621-2, mandatory | Level 2: More protective |
| Chest strap | EN 1621-3, mandatory | Often overlooked |
| Boots | Ankle, lower leg, and malleolus protection | Sole that grips the deck |
| Airbag | Recommended | Compatible with the combination |
Workshop tip
The equipment protects the rider; the machine must also protect others. Before each session, make sure your emergency cutoff switch is working and that your brakes are firm. To isolate the battery in the paddock and during transport, we install our racing emergency cutoff switch on our machines. And never ride on the track in street mode, even for "just one lap."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my motorcycle riding gear sufficient?
For an E'trott Racing competition, participation is only allowed if the following regulations are met: a homologated full-face helmet less than five years old, a one-piece leather suit, leather gloves, approved back and chest protectors, and high-top boots. Separate jackets and pants are not permitted.
Is the same equipment needed for a day of riding?
Each organizer sets its own requirements, but they are often similar to those of a competition. Please inquire beforehand; if in doubt, come prepared as if you were racing. See our guide on track day events.
How can I determine the age of my helmet?
The date of manufacture is indicated on the homologation label, which is sewn into the neck strap or glued inside the casing. This date is what determines the five-year warranty period.
And what should you wear when you're on the road?
The rules for public roads are different from those for racing circuits. They are detailed in our guide on helmets and mandatory equipment.
Where should I start if I want to go racing?
With a license, a compliant machine, and a few practice runs. Our guide Getting Started in Electric Scooter Racing outlines the steps, and the E'trott Racing page showcases our machines and our track record.