Motorcycle gloves with knuckle protection need to meet several requirements at once. They must stay securely in place while you ride, allow freedom of movement and provide enough breathability or water resistance for the conditions. However, choosing the right pair isn’t always straightforward for motorcyclists, motocross riders, scooter riders and mountain bikers. Product pages often use terms such as “All-Season”, “Carbon Protection” or “touchscreen compatible” without explaining their practical limitations.
If you focus only on the design or a low price, you could end up with gloves that are too short in the fingers, slip at the wrist or quickly soak through in the rain. The criteria below will help you tell useful features apart from marketing claims.
A hard protector over the knuckles can be made from different materials and attached in different ways. For example, carbon fibre and plastic shells differ in weight, shape and flexibility. The label “carbon protector” isn’t what matters most. Check that the protector provides adequate coverage, doesn’t shift awkwardly when you bend your hand and stays attached to the glove.
For road use, buyers should also look for a CE marking and details of the relevant standard. EN 13594 is particularly relevant for motorcycle protective clothing. A product description without a clear statement of conformity shouldn’t automatically be taken as proof of compliant protection.
Breathable motorcycle gloves can encourage airflow and draw moisture away from your hands. This is useful on warmer rides, when riding motocross or when mountain biking. However, a breathable construction doesn’t necessarily protect you from prolonged rain.
For models described as water-resistant, check whether this means protection against light moisture only or sustained rainfall too. For the model featured below, the product information expressly states that it is not suitable for heavy rain or prolonged immersion in water.
Touchscreen motorcycle gloves are handy for using navigation, your smartphone or payment systems. Conductive material is usually found on just one or a few fingers. How well the feature works can also depend on your screen protector, moisture or the fit of the gloves. So don’t expect every touch gesture to be as precise as it would be with bare hands.
Look for specific details about:
Carbon fibre hard shells can provide a firm outer structure while keeping weight down. However, that doesn’t automatically mean every glove with carbon protectors is suitable for every riding situation. You should also consider the stitching, fastening and material abrasion resistance.
Don’t choose size M or L based only on your usual clothing size. Measure around the widest part of your palm, leaving out your thumb. Then compare the measurement with the size chart for the product you’re considering.
The following measurements are given for the motorcycle gloves described:
According to the product information, people with broad or larger hands should choose one size up. The larger size is also recommended if you fall between two sizes. An adjustable hook-and-loop fastening and an elasticated wrist area can help fine-tune the fit, but they can’t make up for choosing the wrong base size.
Lightweight, breathable motorcycle gloves are often a good choice for spring, summer and mild weather in between. A thin polyester fabric may not be warm enough in cold temperatures. So “all-season” should be understood as meaning versatile, rather than as a guarantee of a particular level of insulation.
If you want motorcycle gloves that you can also wear when cycling, consider grip feel and control of the handlebars. For motocross, scooter rides and mountain bike tours, freedom of movement, low weight and a secure fastening are often more important than thick winter lining.
Why this product suits this type of user: According to the product details, this model combines a low weight of 0.15 kg with knuckle protection, touchscreen functionality and an adjustable wrist fastening. It’s a versatile option for beginners looking for gloves for motorcycling, scooter riding or cycling.
The product description specifies the materials, measurements and weight, and explains the limits of its water resistance. This makes it easier to assess its suitability realistically than a vague “all-season” marketing claim would.
Carbon fibre hard shells over the knuckles, conductive fibres on the index finger and breathable polyester fabric.
Why this product suits this type of user: According to the specifications, the size L version offers more room for larger hands and has the same listed design features, including carbon fibre protectors, an elasticated wrist area and conductive fibres on the fingers.
The sizing information and recommendation to choose a larger size if you have broad palms can help prevent a tight fit and restricted finger movement.
Size L with a stated length of 20 cm, carbon fibre knuckle protection and a touchscreen area on the index finger.
Why this product suits this type of user: This product is aimed at people looking for cycling gloves for regular outdoor activities. If you plan to use them as motorcycle gloves, check the protection rating, knuckle protectors and standards listed in the product details before buying.
Identifying these as cycling gloves helps prevent people from choosing a product for fast road riding without first confirming that it offers motorcycle protection.
Size L and designed for cycling and outdoor activities. Check the current product page for details of its specific protective features.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
How long your gloves last depends on how often you ride, the weather and the strain on the materials. Before every ride, check:
According to the product information, the gloves should be cleaned with mild detergent and left to air-dry. Direct sunlight, radiators and high temperatures can damage the material. If the protectors are damaged, don’t continue using the gloves as protective clothing.
It depends on the cut, grip feel and freedom of movement. Lightweight models can be used for cycling, mountain biking and motorcycling. For motorcycle use, you should also check the CE marking and standards, as cycling gloves aren’t automatically designed to provide motorcycle protection.
Measure around the widest part of your palm and compare the result with the product’s size chart. If you have broad hands or your measurement falls between two sizes, the larger size is usually the better choice, as long as the fastening keeps the glove secure around your wrist.
Not necessarily. Water-resistant motorcycle gloves may keep out light rain, but they aren’t automatically waterproof. For long rides in heavy rain, you’ll need a model that is explicitly described as rainproof or waterproof.