Motorcycle or scooter gloves are an important part of a protective kit. Wearing gloves is easy to add to the routine. Use our tips to find the best motorbike gloves possible for on road and
off-road use.
01 - The best motorbike gloves
Designed for motorbikes or scooters
The best motorbike gloves fasten securely and extend to about 5cm above the wrist joint. They’re made from strong leather or layers of textiles. Like jackets and pants, the fastening should be on the inside, away from the outside wrist, which is an impact point.
02 - Aim for abrasion resistance
Abrasion resistant materials
Like jackets, pants and boots, we now have choices between leather or textile gloves. Aim for abrasion resistance proven to last 2.5 seconds in a crash. Leather needs to be at least 0.9mm thick. The code EN 13594 shows the gloves have earned CE approval.
03 - Reinforcement
Impact protection
The backs of hands and knuckles are most likely to hit the ground. These need a hard surface of impact protection in the glove. Wrists are vulnerable to impacts and need reinforcement. The little finger can hit the ground first and twist under our body weight. Webbing between the ring finger and the little finger will give it some room to move.
04 - Multiple rows of stitching
Strongly stitched
Effective gloves have multiple rows of stitching to ensure they don’t bust on impact or fray when sliding across an abrasive road. Feel the inside of the glove to check at least one row of stitching is covered to protect it from impact. Avoid sharp edges or buckles that can penetrate the skin on impact.
Motorcycle gloves that meet the EU standard will be marked CE 13594. There are relatively few CE marked motorcycle gloves around so you need to know how to judge the quality of gloves.
Buying Guide
Gloves need to be designed for on road or off-road riding otherwise they won’t provide abrasion protection or padding in the right places. Comfortable gloves will keep your hands warm and flexible when riding in cold, windy or wet conditions. The code EN 13594 appears on gloves that have earned CE approval.
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01 A snug fit
Grip the handlebars, check for a pinch of free fabric at each fingertip and make sure the material doesn’t bunch under your hand.
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02 Full movement
Try operating each one of your bike’s controls comfortably. Check to see it’s easy to adjust your visor. Check the gloves fasten securely.
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03 Impact protection
The back of hands and knuckles need a hard surface impact protector designed to spread the load during an impact. Wrists need reinforcement.
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04 Waterproof
No one wants hands so cold that you cannot operate the controls. Beware dyes in some gloves that run when wet. Look for ISO 11642.
Troy Bayliss on riding, family and road safety.
