Personal protective equipment for motorcycle riders includes all of the following except?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for motorcycle riders is designed to enhance safety by minimizing the risk of injury during a ride. Each piece of equipment plays a specific role. Eye protection is crucial as it helps prevent debris, wind, and insects from impairing vision. Gloves are important for protecting the hands during a fall and can provide better grip on the handlebars. Helmets are one of the most critical pieces of PPE and are often required by law, as they significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident.

Ear protection, while it can be beneficial in reducing sound levels and protecting hearing over long rides, is generally not considered essential protective gear in the same category as the other items listed. This distinction makes ear protection the one that does not fit within the fundamental items of personal protective equipment for motorcycle riders, thus making it the exception in this context.