Product recalls related to motorcycle safety often concern specific motorcycle models or parts. This time, it's Amazon that's at the heart of a controversy over protective gear sold on its platform. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an official recallfor items deemed non-compliant, exposing users to serious risks in the event of an accident. A warning about the importance of approved equipment.
Motorcycle jackets, pants... major risks for users
The specialized BikeSocial website has sounded the alarm. The incriminated products include a women's motorcycle jacket and pants, marketed under the names "Veste de moto pour femmes ROCHELLE, imperméable et blindée" and "Pant pantalon de moto pour femmes Jet, Leggings, doublure en Kevlar Aramid CE, blindé Luna". These items have failed to meet the requirements of the UK Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2016 and 2018 and present a high risk of injury to their users.
The reasons are outlined by OPSS, according to which this equipment is made from materials that are not tear-resistant, compromising its ability to effectively protect sensitive areas such as the back, shoulders, elbows and knees. This lack of conformity has prompted the Ameriacine firm to withdraw these products from sale, and to undertake to fully reimburse the customers concerned.
Motorcycle equipment: a recurring problem on online platforms?
From helmets to padded shoes, quality equipment is essential for an optimal riding experience. Such is the case here, with the new Honda CB 1000 Hornet SP 2025.
This recall raises a broader question: do online sales platforms sufficiently control the products they make available? The British media claims that other motorcycle equipment, such as airbags and gloves, are often sold without complying with the necessary safety standards. Despite their popularity and ranking as "best sellers", these items have reportedly not undergone any rigorous testing, putting consumers at risk.
Amazon's reaction
The 4th largest company in the GAFAM ("giants of the web"), for its part, assures us that it is taking the problem seriously. In a statement, the company says: "We require all products to comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as our internal policies." It explains that it monitors products on its platform via automated tools, and assures that immediate action is taken when a problem is detected. However, critics persist, decrying the slow investigation processes, which allow non-compliant items to remain available for purchase for months.
WhileAmazon has withdrawn the affected products as of December 2023, other dubious equipment, such as gloves from the "Cofit" range, remain on sale, fuelling concern. Bennetts BikeSocial is committed to continuing its information work to alert consumers and encourage stricter practices.
Buy from reliable retailers
This reminder highlights a systemic problem: in a sector where safety is vital, controls must be rigorous and responsibilities better shared between platforms, manufacturers and purchasers of motorcycle equipment. Motorcyclists must remain particularly vigilant and rely on reliable sources, especially when we look at the barometer from the Observatoire National Interministériel de la Sécurité Routière (ONISR). In November 2024, road deaths fell by 6% to 270, 18 fewer than in 2023. This improvement mainly concerns pedestrians (-19 deaths) and motorists (-9), while motorcyclists (+14) and cyclists (+7) are more affected.
Have you ever had a bad experience on online platforms like Amazon? Share your feedback, because safety is also a question of community and prevention.
Motoblouz celebrates 20 years with a competition!
Motoblouz, France's motorcycle and motorcycling equipment giant, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a competition running from December 10 to December 9, 2025, with 20 Honda motorcycles - starting with theAfrica Twin - up for grabs. Each month, the purchase of a collector's T-shirt at €26.99 enters you into a draw to win a motorcycle and up to €700 worth of equipment!
We look forward to seeing them at major motorcycle events in 2025, including the Lyon 2-wheel show in February!
