Verification of protective motorcycle gloves against standard EN 13954:2015 for EU and UK markets
Motorcycle gloves are designed to protect the wearer against external environmental factors while ensuring minimal interference with their ability to effectively operate the motorcycle. Even more importantly, the gloves are engineered mechanically safeguard the motorcyclist’s hands and wrists in case of accidents.
To be sold in both the European , motorcycle gloves must be CE marked to show compliance with the EU PPE Regulation 2016/425. The CE compliance process includes testing to EN 13594 standard and Notified Body certification.
The European standard EN 13594 specifically addresses requirements for motorcycle gloves, setting out minimum performance levels for gloves intended for protecting motorcyclists against mechanical risks, such as abrasion, cutting, tearing, and impact. While the previous edition of the standard (EN 13954:2002) covered only “professional motorcyclists’ gloves”, the 2015 edition covers gloves for “all two-wheel motorists”.
There are two performance levels specified in the standard:
- Level 1 for gloves designed to give protection while having low ergonomic penalties associated with their use.
- Level 2 for gloves providing increased protection with respect to level 1. For level 2 gloves, knuckle protection testing is mandatory.
EN 13594 includes testing procedures to assess various performance aspects, from ergonomics, sizing and cuff length and tear resistance to seam strength in both fourchettes and main assembly and impact abrasion resistance. Cut resistance is verified using the blade cut resistance method outlined in “EN 388 - Protective gloves against mechanical risks”. For Level 2 gloves, knuckle impact protection is also verified.
Both standards also specify labelling requirements, including consumer-oriented information on performance characteristics such as abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and impact protection ratings.
With over a decade of experience in testing motorcycle gloves, our specialist team based in the UK has established a reputation for thorough evaluation and conformity verification according to EU standards. Our technical experts bring extensive experience in the field, ensuring the highest standards of testing and evaluation of gloves, as well as motorcycle protective clothing and motorcycle boots.
In addition, Intertek is an EU Notified Body under the Regulation 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment and a UK Approved Body for Regulation 2016/425 amended for GB.
