If you’ve ever ridden through a frosty morning or battled numb fingers on a long winter ride, you’ve probably considered investing in heated motorcycle gloves. But how do heated motorcycle gloves actually work? And are they better than traditional gloves or heated handlebar grips?
In this guide we’re going to break down the technology behind heated gloves, explore their benefits, and see why they’re becoming a must-have accessory for cold weather rides, here in the UK and around the world.
What Are Heated Motorcycle Gloves?
Heated motorcycle gloves are electrically-powered gloves that are designed to keep your hands warm during cold rides. Unlike standard thermal gloves, heated gloves generate their own heat through embedded heating elements, providing consistent warmth regardless of the outside temperature. This ca be a real life-saver on those cold winter mornings and means they’re often worth the investment.
How Do Heated Motorcycle Gloves Produce Heat?
Now you know what they are, you’re probably wondering how these heated gloves actually produce the heat. Well, the key to heated motorcycle gloves lies in the heating elements built into the fabric. The heating system is typically made from thin carbon fibres or metal wiring woven into areas like the fingers and the back of the hand, carefully targeting the areas where heat is craved the most.
These gloves are generally battery-powered, using lithium-ion batteries as the power source, with the battery pack usually stored in the wrist or cuff. They usually offer different temperature settings and can last for many hours on the same charge. A simple temperature controller or button allows the wearer to adjust the level of heat provided, giving you control based on riding conditions.
Benefits of Heated Motorcycle Gloves
Full Hand Coverage
Heated gloves distribute warmth evenly across your entire hand, including your fingertips, knuckles and the back of your hand.
Better Than Heated Grips
Heated grips warm your palms, but the backs of your hands are left exposed and these bear the brunt of the wind chill. Heated gloves provide 360-degree heat, eliminating cold spots and improving overall comfort.
It’s also worth noting that most riders don’t keep their heated gloves powered on for the entire ride. Thanks to their excellent insulation, heated gloves tend to retain warmth effectively even after the power is turned off. This means you can conserve battery life while still enjoying long-lasting warmth, which is especially useful for extended journeys.
Improved Circulation and Safety
Warm hands aren’t just about comfort. Cold fingers can become stiff and slow to react, making it harder to operate the bike’s controls safely. Heated gloves help maintain circulation and dexterity, reducing fatigue and enhancing control, ideal for long rides.
Customisable Heat Levels
Many heated gloves come with adjustable heat settings, so that you can tweak the warmth depending on how cold it is. This level of control isn’t possible with thick insulated gloves alone, which may be too cold or too hot for the conditions you’re riding in.
Windproof and Waterproof
Most high-quality heated gloves (like those available at BDLA Motorbikes) also come with weather-resistant shells, adding an extra layer of protection from the wind and rain.
Heated Gloves vs Heated Grips: Which Is Better?
While heated grips are better than not using any heating assistance, they only heat your palms. Even with hand-guards, your fingers and the backs of your hands are still exposed to wind chill. Heated gloves are the far superior option in extreme cold temperatures, especially on longer journeys or higher-speed rides. That said, some riders in the UK use both for maximum warmth during the winter months.
Some of those riding in extremely cold conditions (like delivery riders or commuters) opt to combine heated gloves with handlebar muffs. Muffs act as a barrier against wind chill, helping to trap the heat generated by the gloves and extend comfort even further. While bar muffs are undeniably practical, especially for all-weather riders, they’re often seen as an eyesore by leisure riders.
Final Thoughts: Are Heated Motorcycle Gloves Worth It?
Heated motorcycle gloves are absolutely worth it, especially if you live in a climate like Britain. If you ride through autumn, winter or early spring, heated motorcycle gloves are one of the best riding gear investments you can make for both comfort and safety. They’re easy to use, highly effective and help keep your hands warm and nimble when you need them most.And if you’re on the lookout for a pair of high-quality heated gloves from premium brands in the motorcycling world, check out our collection here today!
