Understanding EN 13594 in Motorcycle Gear
When it comes to motorcycle safety gear, gloves are often overlooked in favour of helmets and jackets. However, they play a vital role in rider protection. Your hands are naturally the first point of contact in a fall, making high-quality, impact-resistant gloves essential for preventing serious injuries. At Moto Central, we offer a wide range of motorcycle gloves that meet the strict safety requirements of EN 13594, the European standard for protective motorcycle gloves.
Whether you're a commuter, tourer, or track rider, understanding EN 13594 certification will help you make an informed choice when purchasing gloves. This standard ensures that gloves meet rigorous impact, abrasion, and tear resistance requirements, offering the highest level of protection for your hands.
Which Motorcycle Brands Use EN 13594?
Several leading motorcycle gear manufacturers have adopted EN 13594 certification to ensure their gloves meet the highest safety standards. At Moto Central, we stock EN 13594-approved gloves from some of the world’s most trusted brands:
- Alpinestars – Offers a range of racing and touring gloves, including Level 2-certified models with knuckle armour and palm sliders.
- Dainese – Known for premium racing gloves, using composite protection technology to meet and exceed EN 13594 requirements.
- RST – A British brand specialising in affordable yet high-quality gloves, including both Level 1 and Level 2 options.
- Revit – Offers stylish and protective gloves for adventure, touring, and urban riding, with a focus on abrasion-resistant materials.
- Held – Renowned for their German engineering, producing high-end leather gloves with superior impact protection.
- Rukka – Focuses on high-end touring gloves, featuring Gore-Tex waterproofing combined with EN 13594-certified safety.
Why Do Motorcycle Brands Use EN 13594?
Motorcycle gear brands prioritise EN 13594 certification because it provides an industry-recognised benchmark for safety. Here’s why top manufacturers ensure their gloves meet these standards:
- Legal Compliance – In some European countries, riders must wear CE-certified protective gloves, making EN 13594 compliance essential.
- Consumer Trust – Riders are becoming increasingly aware of safety standards, making certification a strong selling point.
- Rider Protection – Gloves that pass EN 13594 tests offer genuine safety benefits, reducing the risk of hand fractures, abrasions, and skin damage.
- Durability – Certified gloves are built to last, using premium materials like leather, SuperFabric, and Kevlar.
Key Benefits of EN 13594-Certified Gloves
Choosing EN 13594-certified gloves provides several advantages for riders:
- Proven Impact Resistance – Protects knuckles and palms from direct impacts.
- Superior Abrasion Protection – Helps prevent severe injuries if you slide along the road.
- High-Quality Construction – Ensures gloves are made with strong, durable materials.
- Secure Fit – Gloves must remain on the hands in a crash, reducing the risk of skin exposure.
Potential Drawbacks of EN 13594 Gloves
While EN 13594-certified gloves offer excellent protection, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Stiffness – Level 2 gloves, in particular, can feel rigid due to enhanced impact protection.
- Reduced Dexterity – Some highly protective gloves may limit finger movement.
- Higher Cost – Premium materials and advanced protection features can make certified gloves more expensive.
Alternatives to EN 13594 in Motorcycle Gear
While EN 13594 is the go-to standard for motorcycle gloves, other certifications exist for different types of motorcycle gear. These standards offer comparable protection for other areas of the body:
- EN 17092 – The European standard for motorcycle jackets and trousers, covering abrasion resistance, seam strength, and tear resistance.
- EN 13634 – The safety standard for motorcycle boots, ensuring impact protection, crush resistance, and sole durability.
- EN 1621-1 & EN 1621-2 – Used for motorcycle body armour, including back protectors, shoulder guards, and knee pads.
- ECE 22.06 – The latest helmet safety standard, ensuring helmets meet rigorous impact, penetration, and rotational force resistance tests.
These standards work alongside EN 13594 to create a **comprehensive safety system** for motorcyclists, ensuring all parts of the body are protected from injury.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle gloves are more than just an accessory—they are a crucial piece of safety equipment. Investing in EN 13594-certified gloves ensures you get real protection, whether you're commuting, touring, or hitting the track. At Moto Central, we stock an extensive range of gloves from the industry's leading brands, all designed to keep your hands safe in any riding conditions.
Explore EN 13594-certified gloves at Moto Central and enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £25 with a 365-day return policy for complete satisfaction.
