Expensing your riding gear through the business: helmet, jacket, gloves and boots
A motorcycle is only half the setup. The other half is what you wear on it. Riding for business safely means a proper helmet, a real jacket, gloves and boots, and for entrepreneurs that protective gear is usually deductible. It is one of those small advantages that quietly makes the whole package more sensible.
A note up front: this article is general information, not tax advice. The treatment of gear depends on your situation. Always confirm with your own accountant or tax adviser.
Protective gear is part of riding for work
If you use the motorcycle for business, the equipment you need to ride it safely is part of that business use. A helmet is not a fashion choice, it is required protection. The same goes for an abrasion-resistant jacket, gloves that protect your hands, and boots that protect your ankles. Because this gear exists to let you ride safely for work, it generally qualifies as a deductible business asset or cost.
Where the line sits
The key distinction is protective and specific versus ordinary clothing. A motorcycle jacket with armour is protective gear. A regular t-shirt is not, even if you happen to wear it on the bike. Keep the gear genuinely protective, keep the spending reasonable, and the deduction stays clean. The same logic that governs other business costs applies here.
VAT on top, where it applies
If you are VAT-registered, gear that carries VAT brings a second benefit: you can reclaim that VAT for the business portion, just like parts and accessories. We explain the mechanics in reclaiming VAT on your custom motorcycle and accessories. Buy a quality helmet or jacket with VAT on the invoice, and part of that comes back.
It is also the finishing touch
There is a reason good riders care about gear beyond the tax. The right helmet, jacket and gloves complete the look of a hand-built machine and make every ride better. A Bell helmet, a Holy Freedom jacket, the right gloves: they are protection, deduction and style at once. We cover the accessory side in the accessories that complete your build.
The bigger picture
Deductible gear is a small line that fits a larger pattern of advantages. For the full overview, read the complete guide to riding a custom motorcycle through your business, and start your build on the business riding page.
Reminder: general information, not tax advice. The treatment of gear depends on your situation. Always confirm with your own accountant or tax adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Is my motorcycle helmet deductible through the business?+
A helmet you need to ride for business safely is generally deductible for entrepreneurs as an asset or cost, to the extent that you ride for business. Keep the invoice in your business name. This is general information, not tax advice.
Does this apply to jacket, gloves and boots too?+
Protective gear that belongs to safe riding, such as a motorcycle jacket, gloves and boots, generally falls in the same category. It must be business-like and reasonable. Ordinary clothing you also wear privately is treated differently.
Can I reclaim the VAT on riding gear?+
As a VAT-registered business you can reclaim the VAT on gear that carries VAT, to the extent of business use. On second-hand items without VAT there is nothing to reclaim. We explain the VAT side in a separate post.
What do I need to keep for my records?+
Keep the invoices, preferably in your business name, and keep it business-like and proportional. Clean records make the deduction defensible and effortless. Confirm the exact treatment with your accountant.