Motorcycle Gloves with CE Level 2 Protection: What You're Actually Getting

CE certification on motorcycle gloves gets thrown around a lot in marketing copy, but the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 under EN 13594 is something most riders never fully understand. That gap matters when you're deciding how much protection to pay for — and how much bulk you're willing to wear every day.

What EN 13594 Actually Tests

EN 13594 is the European standard for motorcycle protective gloves. It covers two primary performance areas: abrasion resistance and impact protection.

The abrasion standard is the same for both Level 1 and Level 2. Both levels require the glove material to withstand a specified contact time against a rotating abrasive surface without full perforation. Where the levels differ is in impact protection — specifically, the transmitted force allowed through the knuckle protectors.

Under EN 13594:

- Level 1 allows a maximum transmitted force of 9 kN (averaged across test strikes)

- Level 2 requires the transmitted force to stay below 6 kN

That's a meaningful difference. A Level 2 knuckle protector absorbs more energy before it reaches your hand. For reference, 9 kN at your knuckles in a crash is a lot of force — Level 2 cuts that ceiling by a third.

What the standard does not fully address: the coverage area of protectors, the quality of construction on the palm, or how well the glove stays on your hand in a slide. Those variables fall outside the test parameters and vary significantly between manufacturers.

Which Brands Are Actually Delivering Level 2

Not many gloves on the market carry genuine EN 13594 Level 2 certification. The ones that do tend to be built around purpose-designed hard or dual-density foam knuckle systems.

Held produces several Level 2-rated options, including models in their touring and sport lines. Their construction quality is consistently high — the Level 2 rating here reflects actual protector design, not just a marketing bump.

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Knox is one of the more technically rigorous brands when it comes to impact protection. Their Scafell and Handroid models use their Micro-Lock knuckle armor, which is engineered specifically for impact absorption and is independently tested. Knox's Level 2 certifications are reliable.

Alpinestars SP-8 V3 carries Level 2 certification and sits at a more accessible price point for a sport glove. The protectors are integrated without making the glove excessively stiff, though the palm padding is lighter than what you'd find on a dedicated track glove.

Other brands claim high protection without specifying the standard or level. If a glove listing says "CE certified" without specifying EN 13594 and the level, that's not the same thing. Check the certification label inside the glove itself when possible.

The Comfort Tradeoff

Level 2 protectors are denser and typically thicker than Level 1 equivalents. That creates a few practical considerations:

Bulk. Hard-shell Level 2 knuckle protectors add some thickness over the back of the hand. It's usually not dramatic, but it's noticeable on longer rides where you're adjusting your grip repeatedly.

Flex. Stiffer protectors can limit how naturally the glove forms a fist. Some designs compensate with segmented armor or positioning that keeps the protector on the flat of the knuckle rather than across the joint. Knox and Held have both solved this better than most.

Heat. More material means more insulation. Level 2 gloves typically run warmer, which matters more for summer riding than winter. If you're looking at warm-weather options, see our [best summer motorcycle gloves](https://motogearrater.com/best-summer-motorcycle-gloves) guide — most summer-focused designs prioritize airflow over maximum impact protection.

Who Actually Needs Level 2

Track riders are the clearest case. At track speeds, the energy involved in a fall is significantly higher, and the time available for course correction is shorter. Most track-day organizers require CE-rated gloves; many experienced track riders specifically seek Level 2 for the knuckle coverage.

Sport and aggressive street riders benefit from Level 2 if they're pushing pace. Intersections at city speeds are survivable with Level 1; a high-side at 70 mph is a different conversation.

Touring riders doing long highway miles: Level 1 is generally adequate here. The crash profiles for touring riding tend to involve lower-speed slides more than high-energy impacts. That said, if you're doing mixed riding and want one pair that covers both uses, Level 2 doesn't hurt.

For a full breakdown of how to evaluate gloves across all riding contexts, see our [complete guide to motorcycle glove safety](https://motogearrater.com/complete-guide-motorcycle-glove-safety).

The Gap Between Claimed and Tested Protection

EN 13594 certification requires testing by an accredited lab. But a few things are worth knowing:

Manufacturers test specific SKUs. A glove that passes testing in one colorway or construction should be the same as other variants, but production tolerances vary. The certification label should be present on every unit; if it's not, that glove wasn't certified.

The standard tests new gloves. After a few seasons of use, protector foam can compress and lose effectiveness. The testing process doesn't account for aged materials. This is one reason why glove replacement on a reasonable schedule matters more than people think.

Some brands market "CE-inspired" or "meets CE standards" without actual certification. That language is meaningless. Either the glove has been tested and certified under EN 13594, or it hasn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CE Level 2 worth the extra cost over Level 1?

For street riding at moderate speeds, Level 1 is adequate protection. If you're riding fast or plan to do any track days, Level 2 knuckle protection is worth the premium. The price difference between comparable Level 1 and Level 2 gloves from the same brand is usually $30–60.

Do all CE Level 2 gloves cover the same areas?

No. EN 13594 requires knuckle protection but allows brands latitude on coverage area and the presence of palm sliders, wrist reinforcement, and finger protectors. Level 2 refers only to the impact absorption performance of the included protectors — not to how much of your hand is covered.

Can I add protectors to a Level 1 glove to get Level 2 performance?

Not meaningfully. Aftermarket inserts exist, but they won't be certified and won't integrate with the glove's construction the way purpose-built protectors do. If Level 2 protection matters to you, buy a Level 2-certified glove.

How do I verify a glove is actually EN 13594 Level 2 certified?

The glove should have a label inside (not just hang tags) showing the CE mark, the standard number EN 13594, and the level. Some brands also list certification documents on their websites. "CE certified" alone without the standard designation tells you very little.

How often should CE-certified gloves be replaced?

Most manufacturers suggest replacing protective gear every 3–5 years under normal use, or immediately after any significant impact. Protector foam degrades over time even without a crash. If the protectors feel noticeably softer or more compressible than when new, it's time to replace the gloves.

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