EN 13594 Protective Gloves for Motorcycle Riders - Requirements and Test Methods

The European standard “EN 13594 Protective gloves for motorcycle riders - Requirements and test methods” describes the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended for road use on motorcycles. This standard specifies requirements for sizing, ergonomics, safety, mechanical properties, impact protection, labeling, and user information. It also describes appropriate test methods.

For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in EN 388 and EN 420, as well as the following definitions, apply:

• Knuckle protection zone: This refers to the area of ​​the glove intended to provide additional special protection to the knuckles. This area undergoes special testing for impact resistance. The knuckles are the four protrusions of the joints on the back of the hand.
• Protective layer: Any material, consisting of one or more pieces or layers, that is held together by stitching or other means to form the continuous and mechanically strong structure of the glove (i.e., it does not have to be an outer layer). This is the section from the fingertip to the top of the cuff.
• Fourchettes (four fingers): The part of the glove that connects the front and back at the gaps between the four fingers, excluding the thumb.
• Wristline: This is the line that coincides with the first crease closest to the base of the palm.

Gloves must meet all the requirements of this standard as well as all the safety requirements specified in the EN 420 standard. The glove must not have any hard, sharp edges or pointed ends on its inner or outer surface. Metallic, ceramic, plastic or similar hard materials in the form of nails, staples, rivets, plates or similar structures forming part of the glove's protective layer must not pose a danger to the hand.

From an ergonomic point of view, when tested according to the method described in Appendix A, the evaluator should be able to perform all the defined movements without encountering any significant problems or hazards.

Motorcycle gloves must conform to the sizing system defined in the EN 420 standard or other suitable sizing system described in the user information. When worn by an evaluator with the appropriate hand size, the cuff length, measured at the wrist, must conform to the table provided in the standard.

An adjustable restraint system must be integrated into the wrist or cuff. When tested according to this standard, the restraint system must meet the requirements in the relevant table.

When tested for tear resistance according to this standard, the protective layer must meet the requirements in the relevant table.

When all layers are tested together according to the EN 388 standard, the minimum shear strength index must meet the requirements in the relevant table. This requirement does not apply to fourchettes.

When tested according to this standard, the average impact wear time and any single wear time must meet the requirements in the relevant table.

Joint impact protection

The impact absorption requirements in the table entitled “Minimum Requirements for Impact Reduction” are optional for Level 1 gloves, but mandatory for Level 2 gloves and all gloves designed and manufactured to absorb impact energy in the joint area. The correct positioning of the four joint protections must be evaluated according to this standard. Furthermore, no part of the glove should crack or tear into sharp edges, and the soft split leather between the test piece and the anvil should not tear or puncture.

Safety is paramount in the motorcycle world, and protective gear plays a critical role in reducing risks in accidents. Among the various pieces of equipment, gloves are often overlooked, but they are vital for protecting riders' hands—the most skillful part of the body and the one most frequently injured in accidents.

The EN 13594 standard, designed for protective gloves specifically intended for use on the road by motorcycle riders, has been harmonized under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment (PPE) and contains strict requirements to ensure that the gloves provide reliable protection against abrasion, impact and other hazards.

The EN 13594 standard also serves as a benchmark for manufacturers and provides assurance for drivers seeking CE-marked gloves that meet legal safety criteria in many countries. For gloves to bear the CE mark under this standard, they must undergo independent testing by accredited bodies to guarantee their performance under simulated crash conditions.

The EN 13594 standard provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating glove performance, drawing upon EN 420 (general PPE glove requirements) and EN 388 (mechanical risks) standards. The key elements of this standard are as follows:

• Size selection and ergonomics: Gloves must conform to the EN 420 size system or equivalent to ensure a snug fit without restricting movement. Sizes range from 6 (extra small) to 12 (extra large) depending on hand circumference and length. Ergonomic testing requires the evaluator to perform all hand movements, such as gripping handlebars, engaging brakes, and signaling, without causing discomfort or danger. This ensures the gloves do not impede control and lead to a catastrophic accident at high speeds.
• Harmlessness (material safety): Materials must be non-toxic and skin-friendly. Tests include pH levels for the skin (4,0-9,0 to prevent irritation), chromium VI content (below 3 mg/kg to prevent allergies), and color fastness to water, sweat, and abrasion. Hard elements such as metal nails or buckles are limited to non-protective areas to prevent injury.
• Mechanical properties:
• Wear resistance: Tested using an impact abrasive machine that simulates sliding on asphalt at 110 km/h. Samples are conditioned dry, wet, or oily, and their performance is rated according to the time it takes for holes to form.
• Tear resistance: Measured according to EN 388 standard, it requires a minimum of 20N for the palm and 10N for the back.
• Cutting resistance: Evaluated according to EN 388 standard by a reciprocating blade test requiring a minimum level 1 resistance (index 1,2).
• Seam strength: The EN 13594 standard test ensures the glove's integrity remains intact during a fall by pulling the seams until they break. This is a very demanding process, as weak seams can cause the glove to tear.
• Impact protection: Optional for Level 1 gloves, mandatory for Level 2 gloves. Joint protectors must absorb at least 7,5 Joules of energy without a transmission force exceeding 4 kN and have been tested using the weight drop method. This feature is crucial for high-risk driving, such as urban transportation, where low-velocity impacts are common.
• Restraint test: The dynamic tensile test simulates the sudden pulling of the glove during a collision. The gloves must retain at least 80 percent of their structure and prevent peeling off, exposing the hands. Three samples are used per material type in all tests, and failure in any area disqualifies the glove.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN 13594 Protective gloves for motorcycle riders - Requirements and test methods" standard.