What Is EN 13594 for Motorcycle Gloves?
If you are comparing motorcycle gloves and see EN 13594:2015 on a product label, it means the gloves have been evaluated against a European standard for protective gloves designed for motorcycle riders.
EN 13594:2015, titled “Protective gloves for motorcycle riders — Requirements and test methods,” covers requirements and testing for areas including sizing, ergonomics, mechanical properties, impact protection, marking, and user information. It applies to protective gloves intended for on-road motorcycle use.
The standard defines two performance levels: Level 1 and Level 2. Knuckle-impact protection is optional for Level 1 unless the glove is specifically designed to provide it, while it is mandatory for Level 2 gloves.
For riders and motorcycle brands, understanding EN 13594 helps make sense of what a certification marking actually means—and what it does not mean.
What Does EN 13594:2015 Mean?
EN 13594:2015 is a European standard establishing requirements and test methods for protective motorcycle gloves.
It evaluates characteristics such as:
- Glove sizing
- Ergonomics
- Cuff length
- Restraint systems
- Tear resistance
- Seam strength
- Cut resistance
- Impact-abrasion resistance
- Knuckle impact protection
- Marking and user information
The standard replaced the earlier EN 13594:2002 version. BSI notes that the 2015 edition removed the previous restriction to professional motorcycle riders and introduced a second performance level.
It is important to understand that EN 13594 is a standard for protective motorcycle gloves, not a general rating of every aspect of a glove’s performance.
For example, it does not simply tell you whether a glove is more comfortable, more breathable, or more suitable for winter riding.
What Are Level 1 and Level 2 Motorcycle Gloves?
EN 13594:2015 establishes two performance levels.
| Feature | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall protection level | Standard performance level | Higher performance requirements |
| Cuff requirement | Minimum 15 mm above wrist line | Minimum 50 mm above wrist line |
| Wrist restraint | Minimum 25 N | Minimum 50 N |
| Impact-abrasion resistance | Lower test requirement | Higher test requirement |
| Knuckle impact testing | Optional unless designed for impact attenuation | Mandatory |
| Ergonomic considerations | Designed around lower performance constraints | Higher protection requirements may affect ergonomics |
The standard’s requirements show that Level 2 involves more demanding performance requirements, while Level 1 can allow a greater emphasis on ergonomics and lower bulk.
This does not mean that every Level 2 glove is automatically the right choice for every rider. Glove selection still depends on riding style, fit, weather, cuff design, construction, and the rider’s requirements.
What Does “KP” Mean on Motorcycle Gloves?
You may see markings such as:
EN 13594:2015 — 1 KP
or:
EN 13594:2015 — 2 KP
The KP designation refers to tested knuckle protection.
Under EN 13594:2015, knuckle impact protection is optional for Level 1 gloves, but it becomes mandatory for Level 2 gloves and for gloves designed and constructed to attenuate impact energy in the knuckle area.
Eurofins describes the common markings as:
- 1 — Level 1 without tested knuckle protection
- 1 KP — Level 1 with tested knuckle protection
- 2 KP — Level 2 with tested knuckle protection
Therefore, seeing KP provides more information than simply seeing an impact protector physically installed in the glove.
A hard knuckle protector on a glove does not by itself establish that the glove has passed the EN 13594 knuckle-impact test. The certification and marking need to be considered together.
What Does EN 13594 Test?
EN 13594 is broader than a simple knuckle-impact test.
1. Ergonomics
Motorcycle gloves need to allow the rider to perform the movements necessary to operate a motorcycle.
The standard includes an ergonomic assessment intended to ensure that the glove does not create significant problems or hazards during the defined movements.
This matters because motorcycle gloves need to balance protection with hand movement and control.
2. Cuff Length
Cuff length is part of the EN 13594 requirements.
The standard specifies minimum cuff lengths measured from the rider’s wrist line:
- Level 1: at least 15 mm
- Level 2: at least 50 mm
The longer cuff requirement for Level 2 is one reason longer or gauntlet-style motorcycle gloves are commonly associated with higher-level certification.
3. Wrist Restraint
A protective motorcycle glove needs to remain appropriately positioned during use.
EN 13594 includes restraint requirements:
- Level 1: minimum restraint force of 25 N
- Level 2: minimum restraint force of 50 N
This is one reason adjustable wrist closures and secure cuff systems are important design considerations.
4. Tear Resistance
The protective materials are evaluated for resistance to tearing.
This helps assess whether the glove’s protective construction has sufficient mechanical strength under the specified test conditions. Requirements vary according to the glove area and performance level.
5. Seam Strength
The standard also evaluates the strength of relevant seams.
For example, the published requirements include different minimum seam-strength values for Level 1 and Level 2 gloves.
This is particularly relevant to glove construction because a protective material is only useful if the overall assembly and seams maintain their integrity under the specified test conditions.
6. Cut Resistance
EN 13594 includes cut-resistance requirements based on the relevant EN 388 testing method.
The requirements differ between Level 1 and Level 2 and between areas of the glove.
Cut resistance should not be confused with overall crash protection. It represents one particular performance characteristic evaluated by the standard.
7. Impact-Abrasion Resistance
The palm area is evaluated for impact-abrasion resistance.
Published summaries of EN 13594:2015 specify:
- Level 1: minimum single abrasion time of 3 seconds and mean abrasion time of 4 seconds
- Level 2: minimum single abrasion time of 6 seconds and mean abrasion time of 8 seconds
These figures are laboratory performance requirements and should not be interpreted as a prediction of exactly how long a particular glove will protect a rider during a real-world crash.
How Is Knuckle Protection Tested?
Knuckle protection receives specific attention under EN 13594.
The standard defines a knuckle-protection zone covering the four knuckles on the back of the hand.
The impact test uses an impact energy of 5 J.
For Level 1 gloves, the knuckle-impact requirement is optional unless the glove is designed and constructed to attenuate impact energy in that area.
For Level 2 gloves, the knuckle-impact requirement is mandatory.
This distinction is important when reading motorcycle glove labels.
Does EN 13594 Mean a Glove Is “Crash Proof”?
No.
A glove complying with a protective standard has undergone specified laboratory evaluations, but no motorcycle glove can guarantee that a rider will avoid injury in every crash.
EN 13594 evaluates defined characteristics under controlled test conditions. Real-world accidents involve variables such as:
- Impact location
- Road surface
- Crash speed
- Rider position
- Duration of contact
- Multiple impacts
- Glove fit
- Glove condition
- How the glove interacts with other riding equipment
The EU’s PPE framework requires applicable protective equipment to meet essential health and safety requirements and establishes conformity-assessment obligations for manufacturers placing PPE on the EU market.
Therefore, EN 13594 certification should be understood as evidence of conformity with specified requirements—not as a guarantee of injury prevention.
Why Does Glove Fit Matter?
Certification is only one part of choosing motorcycle gloves.
A properly fitting glove can affect:
- Hand control
- Dexterity
- Grip
- Comfort
- Pressure points
- Closure security
- Position of protective components
A glove that is too loose may move relative to the hand, while a glove that is excessively tight may restrict movement or create uncomfortable pressure points.
For motorcycle riding, the glove should allow the rider to operate the controls naturally while keeping its protective construction appropriately positioned.
EN 13594 vs. Features You See on a Motorcycle Glove
A glove can contain many design features that are useful to riders, but not every feature is itself an EN 13594 certification.
For example:
| Glove Feature | What It Does | EN 13594 Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Knuckle protector | Adds protective material over the knuckles | May be subject to knuckle-impact requirements |
| Reinforced palm | Adds material/construction in a high-contact area | Relevant to mechanical performance depending on construction |
| Long cuff | Extends coverage beyond the wrist | Cuff length is specifically addressed |
| Wrist closure | Helps secure the glove | Restraint requirements apply |
| Leather construction | Provides a material layer for the glove | Specific mechanical properties may be tested |
| Textile reinforcement | Can provide additional construction in selected areas | Performance depends on the complete tested construction |
| Waterproof membrane | Helps resist water penetration | Not itself an EN 13594 certification |
| Thermal insulation | Helps with cold-weather comfort | Not itself an EN 13594 protection level |
The important distinction is between a physical feature and a tested performance requirement.
What Should Riders Look for on the Label?
If you are buying protective motorcycle gloves, look for clear product information identifying:
- The motorcycle-rider PPE marking
- EN 13594:2015
- The applicable performance level
- KP, where tested knuckle protection is declared
- Manufacturer/product identification
- User information and instructions
For PPE placed on the EU market, Regulation (EU) 2016/425 establishes requirements around conformity assessment, technical documentation, EU declarations of conformity and CE marking. EUR-Lex
If a seller makes a specific certification claim, it is reasonable to ask for supporting conformity documentation rather than relying only on marketing language.
What Should Motorcycle Brands Ask a Glove Manufacturer?
For motorcycle brands developing their own gloves, EN 13594 should be considered during product development, not added as a marketing claim after production.
Before placing an order, ask the manufacturer:
Certification and Testing
- Which specific glove model has been tested?
- Which EN 13594 edition applies?
- What performance level was achieved?
- Is knuckle protection tested?
- Which laboratory performed the testing?
- Can the relevant test or certification documentation be provided?
Construction
- What materials are being used?
- Which areas are reinforced?
- How is the palm constructed?
- What type of wrist closure is used?
- How does the cuff design correspond to the intended protection level?
Product Development
- Can the manufacturer develop samples?
- Can materials and construction be customized?
- Can branding and colorways be customized?
- Can packaging be customized?
- Will the final production construction remain consistent with the tested configuration?
That final point is particularly important: a certification associated with one glove construction should not automatically be assumed to apply to a substantially different design.
EN 13594 and Custom Motorcycle Glove Manufacturing
For motorcycle brands, retailers, distributors, and clubs developing custom gloves, standards compliance needs to be considered alongside product design.
Customization can involve:
- Materials
- Colors
- Branding
- Construction
- Printing
- Embroidery
- Packaging
- Product specifications
However, any certification or compliance statement should be tied to the actual product and configuration being placed on the market.
Shield Moto states that it provides OEM and private-label motorcycle glove manufacturing, with customization covering areas such as material selection, design, packaging, and branding. Shield Moto+1
For brands developing a new glove collection, this makes standards requirements an important part of the conversation between the buyer, product-development team, manufacturer, and testing organization.
Shield Moto Motorcycle Glove Manufacturing
Shield Moto is a Pakistan-based motorcycle glove manufacturer operating under Solehre Brothers Industries, whose history dates to 2002. The company states that it specializes in OEM and private-label manufacturing for motorcycle gloves.
Its current product ecosystem includes:
- Long Racing Gloves
- Short Racing Gloves
- Winter Gloves
- Vintage Gloves
- Custom Biker Gloves
- Half Finger Gloves
- Motocross Gloves Shield Moto
For example, Shield Moto’s Long Racing Gloves model SH-07-7001 lists a dual wrist/cuff closure system, reinforced construction, knuckle protection and other protective components. The product page also identifies the model as CE compliant. Shield Moto
For a specific EN 13594 certification or protection level, however, the relevant product documentation should be checked rather than assuming that every Shield Moto model has the same certification status.
Explore Shield Moto Custom Biker Gloves
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EN 13594 on motorcycle gloves?
EN 13594:2015 is a European standard covering protective gloves for motorcycle riders. It establishes requirements and test methods covering areas such as ergonomics, sizing, mechanical properties, impact protection, marking and user information. BSI Knowledge
Is EN 13594 the same as CE certification?
Not exactly. EN 13594:2015 is a technical standard, while CE marking relates to the applicable European product legislation and conformity-assessment framework. Motorcycle protective gloves placed on the EU market fall under the PPE framework of Regulation (EU) 2016/425. EUR-Lex+1
What does 1 KP mean on motorcycle gloves?
1 KP indicates a Level 1 motorcycle glove with tested knuckle protection. KP refers to the knuckle-impact protection designation. Eurofins
What does 2 KP mean?
2 KP indicates a Level 2 motorcycle glove with tested knuckle protection. Knuckle-impact protection is mandatory for Level 2 under EN 13594:2015. iTeh Standards+1
Is Level 2 always better for every rider?
Level 2 has more demanding performance requirements, but glove selection should still consider fit, dexterity, riding style, cuff coverage, weather and intended use. Higher performance requirements can also affect ergonomics and glove construction. iTeh Standards
Can short motorcycle gloves meet EN 13594?
Yes, depending on their construction and performance level. Level 1 has a minimum cuff requirement of 15 mm above the wrist line, while Level 2 requires at least 50 mm. iTeh Standards
Can a motorcycle glove have a knuckle protector without being KP certified?
A glove may physically contain a knuckle protector, but the presence of a protector alone does not establish that the glove has passed the relevant EN 13594 knuckle-impact test. The certification marking and supporting documentation should be checked. iTeh Standards+1
What should a brand verify before ordering certified motorcycle gloves?
A brand should verify the applicable EN 13594 edition, performance level, tested product configuration, knuckle-protection status, testing/certification documentation and whether the final production version corresponds to the tested construction.
Final Takeaway
EN 13594:2015 is an important reference standard for protective motorcycle gloves. It covers much more than knuckle protection, including ergonomics, sizing, cuff length, restraint, tear strength, seam strength, cut resistance and impact-abrasion performance.
When comparing motorcycle gloves, look beyond a simple “CE” or “EN 13594” statement. Check the specific protection level, KP designation where applicable, product information and supporting conformity documentation.
For motorcycle brands developing their own gloves, EN 13594 should be considered during product design, material selection, construction development, sampling and testing—not simply as a label added at the end.
If you are developing a custom motorcycle glove collection, Shield Moto’s OEM/private-label manufacturing service can be considered as part of that product-development process. Shield Moto+1