Electric skateboard gloves: why full-finger gloves matter and how to choose your size
The short answer: when you come off an electric skateboard, your hands reach for the ground before anything else. Full-finger riding gloves protect your palms from tar and paving and your knuckles from knocks, they help you grip the remote, and they cost a fraction of a hospital visit. After a certified helmet, they are the first piece of gear we recommend. Our full-finger riding gloves come in M, L, XL and XXL, all at R450.
Why do gloves matter so much on an electric skateboard?
Falls on a board are mostly low and fast: you step off badly, a wheel catches a crack or sand, and you put your hands out. Tar and paving bricks are rough, and even a slow slide takes skin off an unprotected palm. A glove with a tough palm takes that scrape instead of you.
Gloves also help in a way people do not expect. Your thumb controls the throttle and brake, so a remote that slips in a sweaty hand on a hot Highveld afternoon is a real problem. A textured palm keeps it steady.
Full-finger or fingerless?
Fingerless gloves leave your fingertips free, but your fingers are exactly what hits the ground when you put a hand down. For electric skateboarding we recommend full-finger gloves: they cover the whole hand and still leave you enough feel to work the remote.
What should a good riding glove have?
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hard knuckle guard | Takes knocks on the back of the hand, from the ground or from your own board |
| Reinforced palm and fingers | The part that slides on tar in a fall |
| Textured grip | Keeps the remote steady and your thumb in control |
| Adjustable wrist strap | Stops the glove twisting or coming off when you land on it |
| Flexible fingers | You still need to feel the throttle wheel |
Our gloves have all five: a hard-shell knuckle guard, reinforced finger panels, a textured palm and a hook-and-loop wrist closure.
One honest note: riding gloves add protection and grip, but they are not certified impact protection. If you are learning, add wrist guards as well, and always wear a helmet. Our beginner's guide covers the full gear list.
How do you choose your size?
A riding glove should be snug without pinching. Too loose and it twists when you land on it; too tight and you lose feel on the remote.
- Measure around your palm at its widest point, just below the knuckles, with your hand flat and fingers together. Use your dominant hand.
- Measure the length from the crease of your wrist to the tip of your middle finger.
- Send us both numbers on WhatsApp and we will match you to M, L, XL or XXL.
If you cannot measure, think about the gloves you already own: most adults land on L or XL, and riders with large hands should go for XXL. Between two sizes, take the bigger one and tighten the wrist strap.
How do you look after riding gloves?
- Let them air-dry after a sweaty ride, out of direct sun.
- Hand-wash gently in cool water if they get muddy, and never tumble-dry them.
- Check the palm and stitching after any fall. If the palm is worn through or the knuckle guard is cracked, replace them.
Win a free pair this Black November
From 1 to 30 November 2026, buy any board and you stand a chance to win a free pair. Choose your glove size and enter your email in the cart; your entry is saved on your order. See every board deal in our Black November guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need gloves on an electric skateboard?
We recommend them on every ride. Your hands are what hit the ground first in most falls, and gloves are cheap protection.
What sizes do Journ-E gloves come in?
M, L, XL and XXL. Every size is R450.
Can I use motorcycle or cycling gloves?
Full-finger gloves with a protected palm and knuckles will do the job. Avoid thin fingerless cycling mitts for skateboarding.
Are the gloves enough protection on their own?
No. Always wear a certified helmet, and add wrist guards and knee and elbow pads while you learn.
