Motorcycle Glove Safety: Protection Zones and Standards Explained

A safe motorcycle glove protects your knuckles from impact, your palm from abrasion and stays on your hand in a crash. The European standard EN 13594:2015 tests gloves for exactly those risks at two levels. Level 1 aims for protection with little loss of comfort; level 2 gives more protection that may add weight and stiffness.

For the full buying picture, start with how to choose the right motorcycle gloves.

Key takeaways- In a fall, riders tend to put their hands out first.- Knuckle impact protection is optional at level 1 and required at level 2.- The standard does not assess impact on the fingers or thumb.- Sources disagree on the level 1 cuff length (5 mm vs 15 mm); both agree on 50 mm for level 2.

Why your hands need protection

When you fall, the reflex is to put your hands out to break the fall, so they are often first to hit the ground. One study cited by the Motorcycle Council of NSW found about 30% of motorcyclists' injuries were to the hands and 23% to the wrists; the study dates from 1987.

We look at the everyday reasons too (grip, weather, fatigue) in why motorcyclists wear gloves.

Where a glove protects you

Knuckles

Knuckle protection is the minimum one protector maker tells riders to look for. Read why gloves have hard knuckles for how the guard works, and reinforced knuckles: protection and fit for buying advice.

Palm

Some gloves add palm sliders or impact protection on the palm. The palm is where the standard's abrasion test is run, on a Cambridge abrasion machine with a P120 grit belt.

Cuff and wrist

A rider-safety council suggests gloves cover at least 50 mm (about 2 in) beyond the wrist joint. Compare cuff styles in glove styles and cuffs.

Seams and lining

Hard parts such as studs should sit outside the protective layer, never through it. Wondering about leather and blades? See are leather gloves cut-resistant?

EN 13594 level 1 vs level 2

These figures come from test-lab and industry summaries of EN 13594:2015, such as SATRA's, not the standard text itself.

A lower force figure means less force reaches your hand, which is why level 2 sets the tighter limit. Look for the CE or UKCA mark with EN 13594:2015 and the level on the label. Our EN 13594:2015 guide goes test by test.

A 60-second safety check in the shop

1. Find the label: EN 13594:2015 and a level, if the maker claims one.
2. Press the knuckles: you want a guard or padding over them.
3. Check the cuff: does it reach past your wrist bone, and does a strap hold it closed?
4. Pull at the fingertips with the strap closed. The glove should not slide off.
5. Look inside: no studs or rivets should come through to your skin.

Riding off-road? See ATV riding gloves.

Leather gloves from our store partner

Leather Collection leather motorcycle gloves are hand-stitched cowhide, 0.8-0.9 mm (0.03-0.04 in) thick. Some styles, such as the Moto Racing Titan, have a carbon knuckle guard. The store pages we read state no EN 13594 level, so check each product page before you rely on a rating.

FAQ

Why do bikers wear gloves?

Hands are often the first thing to hit the ground in a fall, and gloves protect them from impact and abrasion. Our guide to why motorcyclists wear gloves, linked above, covers the everyday reasons.