What Is EN 13594 Motorcycle Glove Standard? How to Choose

EN 13594 is the European standard that defines safety and performance requirements for protective motorcycle gloves sold for on-road use. It specifies two protection levels: Level 1 for gloves offering basic protection with minimal ergonomic penalty, and Level 2 for gloves providing higher protection, with mandatory impact protection and stricter tests for cuff retention, cut resistance, and abrasion.

This standard is the technical rulebook that backs up the CE mark you see on a glove’s label, and it answers the what is en 13594 motorcycle glove standard question. Without it, a manufacturer can’t legally claim their glove is protective equipment in the European Union.

What follows is a breakdown of what each level actually requires, what those lab tests mean for your hands in a slide, and how to use this information to pick a glove that matches your riding.

Key Takeaways

• The EN 13594:2015 standard applies only to on-road motorcycle gloves and is the basis for the CE certification you see on labels.
• Level 2 gloves are not just “better”, they have mandatory impact protection, a 50mm minimum cuff, and must resist a 50N pull to stay on, while Level 1 has optional armor, a 5mm cuff, and a 25N retention test.
• The standard’s abrasion test uses a P120 grit belt on a Cambridge machine, simulating the coarse abrasion of asphalt, a pass means the palm material should last more than a few seconds in a slide.
• Certification requires innocuousness testing for harmful substances like chromium VI and azo dyes, meaning certified gloves are tested to be safe for your skin, not just tough.

What EN 13594 Actually Tests

Forget marketing claims about “race-developed” or “premium leather.” The EN 13594 standard, which is the answer to what is en 13594 motorcycle glove standard, subjects gloves to a battery of lab tests that simulate crash forces. The goal is to create a glove that stays on your hand, protects from abrasion and cuts, and doesn’t introduce new hazards from toxic materials.

The tests are grouped into a few critical areas. First is innocuousness, a check for harmful substances. The standard requires testing for pH levels, azo colorants, pentachlorophenol (PCP), chromium VI in leathers, nickel release from metal parts, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in plastics and rubber. A glove can be tough as nails, but if the dyes or tanning agents irritate your skin or contain carcinogens, it fails. This is a baseline health check most riders never think about.

Next is ergonomics and sizing. An assessor must be able to perform all defined hand movements without significant problem or hazard. The glove must also comply with a recognized sizing system, like the one in EN 420. A protective glove is useless if you can’t operate your clutch lever or turn signal switch.

The mechanical tests are where the real safety differences emerge.

Test Category	Level 1 Requirement	Level 2 Requirement
Cuff Length	At least 5mm from the wrist line.	At least 50mm from the wrist line.
Restraint Test	Glove must resist a 25N force trying to pull it off a test cone.	Glove must resist a 50N force trying to pull it off a test cone.
Cut Resistance	Testing required on palm materials only.	Testing required on all materials (except the fourchette between fingers).
Impact Protection	Optional. If present, marked with “KP”.	Mandatory for all gloves.
Seam Strength	Seams must meet a mean strength value from three test pieces.	Same requirement, but often tested on more robust seam types.

This 50mm cuff rule for Level 2 is a big deal. It’s not about style. In a crash, a short cuff can roll or push up your jacket sleeve, exposing your wrist to direct abrasion. That 50mm is a physical barrier designed to stay put.

The Core Difference: Level 1 vs. Level 2 Gloves

The choice between Level 1 and Level 2 isn’t about “good vs. Best.” It’s a trade-off between protection and dexterity, dictated by the standard itself, a core concept when you compare a what is en 13594 motorcycle glove standard. Level 1 gloves are designed for protection with low ergonomic penalty. Level 2 gloves provide increased protection, but the standard acknowledges this may come with “weight and restriction penalties.”

Let’s translate that. A Level 1 glove is your typical street glove. It might have a perforated leather palm, minimal padding, and a snug, short cuff. It passes the basic abrasion, seam, and retention tests. Impact protection on the knuckles is optional.

A Level 2 glove is built for a higher probability of impact. Think sport riding, touring, or any situation where you want the highest certified protection. The differences are concrete:

• Impact protection is mandatory. The glove must attenuate impact energy across all four knuckles.
• The cuff must be at least 50mm long. This integrates with your jacket to protect the wrist.
• It must resist a 50N pull to stay on. That’s twice the retention force required for Level 1.
• Cut resistance is tested on all materials, not just the palm.

The restraint test is one of the most practical differentiators. A 25N force is required for the Level 1 restraint test. A 50N force is required for the Level 2 restraint test. In a crash, your hands can flail. This test ensures the glove’s closure, whether it’s a zipper, strap, or elastic, is strong enough to keep the glove from being yanked off by asphalt drag or impact.

How the Standard Connects to the CE Mark

The EN 13594 standard doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s a harmonized standard under the European Union’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation. This is the legal framework.

Here’s the chain: For a manufacturer to legally affix the CE mark to a motorcycle glove and sell it in the EU as protective equipment, the glove must be independently tested and certified to meet EN 13594. A notified body, like SATRA, assesses the manufacturer’s technical file and test reports. If everything passes, the glove gets its CE mark based on its performance level (1 or 2).

Before you start shopping: The CE mark on a motorcycle glove is only valid if it’s backed by testing to EN 13594. A CE mark on a fashion glove or work glove means something completely different. The specific standard number is what tells you what was tested.

This process is why you can’t just trust a brand name. The certification is the verification. It’s also why the 2015 revision of the standard matters. The 2015 revision supersedes EN 13594:2002 and applies to both professional and non-professional riders. This leveled the playing field for consumer gear.

What the Test Results Mean in a Crash

Lab numbers can feel abstract. What does “50N retention” or “P120 grit abrasion” mean for your skin on pavement?

The impact abrasion test is a key indicator. The test uses a Cambridge abrasion machine fitted with a P120 grit paper belt. P120 grit is coarse, similar to rough sandpaper or, more relevantly, fresh asphalt. The glove palm is impacted onto this moving belt under pressure. The test subjects the palm material to abrasion to assess its resistance.

A pass doesn’t mean indestructible. It means the material provides a measurable, significant buffer against abrasion. In a low-side slide, the material integrity provided by a passing abrasion test is what stands between a minor scuff and a deep, debilitating road rash. This is the kind of test that separates a protective motorcycle glove from a durable-looking fashion item.

The seam strength test is another silent hero. It requires testing three pieces of each seam type and taking a mean value. Why? In a slide, seams are high-stress points. A burst seam turns a protective shell into two useless pieces of material instantly. This test ensures the stitching, bonding, or welding used can handle the shear forces of a slide.

These tests are why understanding a gear safety label is essential. The label tells you which battles the glove is certified to fight.

How to Choose Between Level 1 and Level 2

This is the question most guides list but don’t answer. The standard gives you the specs; you need to match them to your riding.

Choose Level 1 gloves if: Your priority is comfort, ventilation, and maximum dexterity for commuting, casual riding, or in urban environments where impact speeds are lower. Look for the KP mark if you want optional knuckle protection. Many summer mesh gloves or lightweight touring gloves are Level 1.

Choose Level 2 gloves if: You ride at higher speeds (sport, sport-touring, aggressive street), value maximum abrasion and impact protection, or want the security of a long, secure cuff that integrates with your jacket. The added bulk is a trade-off for the higher certification.

Common mistake: Buying a Level 1 glove for sport riding because it’s more comfortable. The protection gap is real. On the track or a spirited mountain run, the probability of a high-energy impact justifies the Level 2 specification.

Your choice should also consider the garment’s other certifications. Your glove works as part of a system with your jacket.

How to Spot a Certified Glove (And What’s Not Covered)

Identifying a glove certified to EN 13594 is straightforward. Look for a permanent label inside the glove or on the cuff. It should have:

1. The CE mark.
2. The four-digit code of the notified body that certified it (e.g., 0123).
3. The pictogram of a motorcycle rider.
4. The number “EN 13594:2015”.
5. The performance level: “Level 1” or “Level 2”.
6. If applicable, the “KP” marking for knuckle protection on Level 1 gloves.

There are two critical limitations to know. First, EN 13594 only covers on-road use. Gloves designed for motocross or off-road riding are not covered by this standard. They face different hazards like roost from tires and impacts with rocks and dirt, and they prioritize flexibility and grip in muddy conditions over the same abrasion protocols.

Second, this is a standard for protective gloves. Many “motorcycle” gloves are sold as fashion items or for weather protection only. They may have a CE mark, but it’s for a different purpose (like simple weather resistance under the PPE regulation’s Category I). If the label doesn’t explicitly cite EN 13594:2015, it hasn’t been tested as protective equipment for motorcycle accidents.

Specific test requirements for motorcycle gloves

The standard includes several mechanical tests. Seam strength is evaluated by testing three pieces of each seam and averaging the results. For abrasion resistance, the palm area is tested on a Cambridge abrasion machine using a specific grit paper. Impact protection, which is mandatory for Level 2 gloves, involves striking each of the four knuckles once. Cut resistance testing differs by level; Level 1 only tests palm materials, while Level 2 tests nearly all materials. The glove must also pass a restraint test, where a set force is required to pull it off a test cone, with Level 2 demanding a higher force than Level 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the “KP” marking mean on a Level 1 glove?

The “KP” mark stands for Knuckle Protection. On a Level 1 glove, impact protection is optional. If a manufacturer includes certified knuckle armor and has it tested, the glove earns the KP designation alongside the Level 1 rating. No KP mark means no certified impact protection, even if the glove has plastic or foam on the knuckles.

How does EN 13594 differ from EN 388 for work gloves?

EN 388 is a general standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks (abrasion, cut, tear, puncture) for industrial work. EN 13594 is specifically for motorcycle gloves. It borrows some test methods from EN 388, like cut resistance, but adds motorcycle-specific tests for impact abrasion, impact protection, restraint (glove staying on), and a much longer mandatory cuff length. A work glove certified to EN 388 is not designed or certified for motorcycle crashes.

Are all CE-marked motorcycle gloves certified to EN 13594?

No. The CE mark is a broad declaration of conformity. A glove can be CE-marked as simple “personal protective equipment” for minor risks (Category I) like gardening or light DIY. For a motorcycle glove to be CE-marked as equipment for professional or non-professional riders against accident-level risks (Category II or III), it must be certified to EN 13594. Always check for “EN 13594:2015” on the label.

Is there an ANSI standard for motorcycle gloves?

No. In the United States, there is no government-mandated safety standard equivalent to EN 13594 for motorcycle gloves. The DOT regulates helmets, but gloves are unregulated. Some manufacturers self-certify or use European standards for the global market, but there is no ANSI standard specifically for motorcycle glove protection.

Does washing my gloves void the EN 13594 certification?

The standard anticipates real-world use. The impact abrasion resistance test, for example, is to be carried out after washing or cleaning cycles if applicable. A properly constructed glove that is cared for as instructed (e.g., not using harsh solvents, not tumble-drying on high heat) should maintain its protective properties. However, severe abuse or improper repair can compromise the certified construction.

The Bottom Line

EN 13594 isn’t a grade. It’s a checklist. A Level 2 certification tells you a glove has been checked for longer cuff retention, stronger pull-off resistance, mandatory armor, and more thorough cut testing. That’s a specific, verified set of features you’re buying.

For most street riders, the decision point is the 50mm cuff and the 50N retention test. If you want a glove that is engineered to stay integrated with your jacket and stay on your hand during a slide, you’re looking for Level 2. If you prioritize airflow and a barely-there feel for city riding, a Level 1 with the KP mark is a valid, certified choice.

Trust the label, not the logo. Look for “EN 13594:2015” and the performance level on the tag of your next pair of protective gloves. That’s the only piece of marketing on the glove that’s backed by lab tests simulating what happens when the pavement comes up to meet you.