eMTB rides tend to be longer, faster, and harder on gear. More speed + more bike weight means your hands take a bigger beating from vibration, braking forces, and the occasional crash. The right glove improves control, reduces hand fatigue, and adds real-world protection (especially on aggressive trail descents).
Jump to:
- How We Picked + Data Sourcing
- Comparison Table (Best eMTB Gloves 2026)
- Shop Links (Affiliate Placeholders)
- Individual Glove Reviews
- Recommendations (Best Overall / Value / Protection / Cold-Wet)
- FAQ (eMTB Gloves)
- Notes & Data Limitations
How We Picked the Best Gloves for eMTB Riding (2026)
Selection criteria: We focused on gloves that are proven for mountain biking (trail/enduro) and make sense for eMTB riding: secure fit, durable palms, reliable grip, and protection options ranging from minimalist to knuckle-guard models. We also included a dedicated cold/wet option because many eMTB riders ride year-round.
Best for Hot Weather / Sweaty Hands:
Start with Troy Lee Designs Air for airflow, or Giro DND for a proven minimalist trail glove. Hot days punish fit and grip—breathability and a predictable palm matter more than “extra padding.”
Best for Protection / Knuckle Coverage:
If your eMTB descents are fast and rowdy, or you ride tight brush and rocky terrain, look at Fox Defend D3O or 100% Cognito Smart Shock for added knuckle protection.
Comparison Table: Best Gloves for eMTB Riding (2026)
Table notes: Prices fluctuate with sales and colorways. “Protection” is described by features (e.g., knuckle inserts) because gloves typically do not carry the same CE impact ratings as knee pads.
| Glove | Price (USD) | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Score (10) | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Ranger | $29.95–$39.95 | Touchscreen compatible fingertips | Excellent value; reliable bar feel; easy “daily driver” | Less protection for crashes/brush; minimal padding | 9.1 | Check price |
| Giro DND | $29.95 | Touchscreen tech; three-piece palm construction | Great dexterity; proven durability; strong value | Not much insulation; limited protection features | 9.0 | Check price |
| 100% Ridecamp | $29.95 | Conductive fingertips for touchscreen | Affordable; simple; good grip for the money | Not a “protection” glove; minimal features | 8.6 | Check price |
| Troy Lee Designs Air | $43.00 | Light feel, airflow focus | Excellent for hot climates; very “connected” bar feel | Less warmth/protection; durability depends on terrain | 8.8 | Check price |
| Leatt MTB 3.0 Lite | $29.99–$54.99 | Touchscreen compatible; built-in lens/sweat wiper | Great grip feel; strong feature set for eMTB | Price varies widely; minimal insulation | 8.7 | Check price |
| Fox Defend D3O | Abrasion-resistant back-of-hand; touchscreen-compatible palm | Best-in-guide for knuckle protection; durable feel | Typically pricier than “basic” gloves; warmer than minimal options | 9.2 | Check price | |
| 100% Cognito Smart Shock | $44.95 (MSRP) | Protection-forward trail/enduro glove | Added confidence for aggressive descending; solid value for protection | Bulkier than minimalist gloves; can feel warm in midsummer | 8.9 | Check price |
| Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof | $69.99 | Waterproof breathable membrane; PrimaLoft Gold insulation; waterproof rating 20,000mm | Best for winter eMTB; warm + waterproof; confidence in wet descents | Not for warm weather; thicker feel reduces dexterity | 9.0 | Check price |
Shop the Best eMTB Gloves
- Best Overall: Fox Ranger — Check price
- Best Minimalist: Giro DND — Check price
- Best for Hot Weather: TLD Air — Check price
- Best Protection: Fox Defend D3O — Check price
- Best Cold/Wet: Endura MT500 Freezing Point — Check price
Individual Glove Reviews
Fox Ranger
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: The best “buy once, ride everywhere” glove for eMTB riders—simple, comfortable, and touchscreen-friendly at a great price.
- Pros:
- Strong value for everyday riding
- Touchscreen compatibility for phones/trail apps
- Good bar feel for technical descents
- Cons:
- Minimal protection for crashes/brush
- Not warm enough for winter riding
- Intended Use: Trail riding, general eMTB laps, mixed terrain, most temperatures (not true winter).
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Detailed Review: For most eMTB riders, the smartest glove is the one that disappears on your hands: it fits well, grips reliably, and doesn’t make you think about it. That’s the Fox Ranger. It’s widely considered a best-seller because it nails the basics—comfort, simple construction, and dependable control—without charging “premium enduro” money. On an eMTB, that matters because you tend to ride longer and brake harder. You want a glove that doesn’t bunch at the palm or develop pressure points mid-ride. The Ranger’s touchscreen functionality is also a real perk if you use maps, take quick photos, or adjust ride settings without pulling gloves off. If you’re not regularly smashing through brush or eating rocky crashes, this is the best overall starting point for 2026.
Giro DND
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: A classic minimalist MTB glove that delivers excellent dexterity and durability—ideal for aggressive trail riding where bar feel matters.
- Pros:
- Excellent bar feel and dexterity
- Touchscreen technology for quick phone access
- Great price for a proven glove
- Cons:
- Little insulation for cold weather
- Not a protection/knuckle glove
- Intended Use: Trail, enduro-style rides, warm weather, riders who value maximum control.
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Detailed Review: The Giro DND is a go-to for riders who want the most direct connection to the bars. If you’re riding an eMTB aggressively, bar feel is a safety feature: it helps you modulate brake pressure and keep traction when speeds rise. The DND’s design puts dexterity first, and Giro’s palm construction approach is aimed at reducing bunching and maintaining a natural hand position—exactly what you want for long descents. It’s also a great hot-weather pick because it doesn’t trap heat the way thicker protection gloves can. If you rarely ride in freezing temps and you don’t need knuckle armor, the DND is one of the simplest, smartest glove buys in 2026.
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100% Ridecamp
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: A budget-friendly trail glove with touchscreen fingertips—great as a backup pair or “first MTB glove” for new eMTB riders.
- Pros:
- Affordable MSRP
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Simple and easy to fit
- Cons:
- Not a protection glove
- Less “premium feel” than higher-priced options
- Intended Use: General trail riding, casual eMTB rides, spare glove in your pack/car.
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Detailed Review: The Ridecamp is a smart choice if you want a dependable glove without spending big. For eMTB riding, it covers the essentials: comfortable fit, reliable grip, and touchscreen fingertips so you can handle quick tasks without stripping gloves off. It’s not built as a high-protection enduro glove, but for many trail riders, that’s okay—especially if your terrain is mostly dirt singletrack rather than sharp, rocky chaos. As a second glove (or a first glove), it’s a practical option that gets you 80% of the experience for a fraction of the price.
Troy Lee Designs Air
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: A top pick for hot climates and high-output rides—light feel, strong control, and airflow-forward comfort.
- Pros:
- Excellent hot-weather comfort
- Great dexterity and bar feel
- Premium brand with proven MTB fit
- Cons:
- Less warmth and less protection than armored gloves
- Not the best for brush-heavy trails
- Intended Use: Summer trail rides, long climbs, riders who run hot.
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Detailed Review: When your hands are sweating and you’re braking hard, you need a glove that doesn’t get clammy or slippery. That’s where the TLD Air shines: it’s built around the idea that airflow and dexterity create better control. On an eMTB, that’s a big deal—higher sustained speeds can turn small mistakes into big moments, and grip security matters. This is the glove you choose when you’d rather have maximum feel than extra padding, and when the forecast says “hot.” If you want one glove dedicated to summer conditions, the Air is a strong candidate in 2026.
Leatt MTB 3.0 Lite
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: Feature-rich trail glove with touchscreen compatibility and a built-in sweat/lens wiper—great for eMTB riders who ride long and stop often.
- Pros:
- Touchscreen compatible
- Built-in lens/sweat wiper
- Strong control feel for the price (especially on sale)
- Cons:
- Price varies significantly by retailer/season
- Minimal insulation for cold conditions
- Intended Use: Trail riding, enduro-style eMTB days, riders who want features without bulk.
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Detailed Review: The Leatt 3.0 Lite is an easy recommendation for eMTB riders who want a glove that “does the little things” well. Touchscreen compatibility is practical for trail-side adjustments and quick navigation checks, and a built-in wiper is surprisingly useful if you ride with goggles or glasses. That’s common on eMTBs—higher speeds kick up more dust and debris, and riders often alternate between climbing and descending with more stop/start. This glove sits in the sweet spot between minimalist and overbuilt, giving you great control without turning your hands into sweat boxes. If you ride a lot, this is a solid mid-price option for 2026.
Fox Defend D3O
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: The best protection-forward glove in this guide—D3O Ghost knuckle coverage plus abrasion resistance for aggressive eMTB trail riding.
- Pros:
- D3O Ghost knuckle insert for added protection
- Abrasion-resistant materials
- Touchscreen compatible palm
- Cons:
- Usually costs more than basic gloves
- Less airy than minimalist summer gloves
- Intended Use: Aggressive trail/enduro eMTB riding, brushy trails, rocky terrain, riders who crash occasionally.
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Detailed Review: If your eMTB rides are fast and consequence-heavy, “extra protection” on the hands is worth real consideration. Hands tend to hit first in a fall, and tight trails can punish your knuckles with brush and trail debris even when you don’t crash. The Defend D3O adds a D3O Ghost knuckle insert and abrasion-resistant materials while still keeping the glove trail-rideable (not a moto gauntlet). It also keeps touchscreen compatibility, which is a nice practical feature for modern rides. This is the glove you choose when you’d rather trade a bit of airflow for more confidence on descents and rough terrain.
100% Cognito Smart Shock
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: A protection-oriented trail/enduro glove with D3O-style knuckle protection—excellent for aggressive eMTB descents at a reasonable MSRP.
- Pros:
- “Smart Shock” knuckle protection for more coverage
- Good value for a protection glove
- Built for more aggressive trail riding
- Cons:
- Bulkier than minimalist gloves
- Can feel warm on the hottest days
- Intended Use: Aggressive trail/enduro eMTB riding, riders who want extra confidence and hand protection.
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Detailed Review: The Cognito Smart Shock is a strong middle ground for riders who want more than a basic glove without jumping to ultra-expensive “armor.” Protection gloves make sense for eMTB because speeds can be higher, and a small crash can become a bigger impact event. This glove targets that reality with added knuckle protection while keeping the overall design trail-friendly. If you ride steep lines, rocky terrain, or trails with frequent brush strikes, you’ll likely appreciate the extra coverage. The cost-to-protection ratio is compelling—especially if you regularly find basic gloves wearing out or leaving your hands exposed.
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof
Affiliate link: Check price / availability
- Summary: The best cold/wet eMTB glove in this guide—waterproof membrane + PrimaLoft insulation for winter trail rides.
- Pros:
- Waterproof, breathable internal membrane
- PrimaLoft Gold insulation for warmth
- High waterproof rating (listed as 20,000mm)
- Cons:
- Too warm for most spring/summer days
- Thicker construction reduces dexterity vs minimalist gloves
- Intended Use: Winter eMTB riding, cold rain, wet trails, shoulder-season descents where hands go numb.
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Detailed Review: Many eMTB riders ride year-round, and winter gloves are where most “MTB glove lists” fall apart. The Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof is purpose-built for cold and wet: a waterproof breathable membrane, warm insulation, and a longer cuff to keep drafts out. That matters on eMTBs because you may climb comfortably—but descents in cold wind quickly freeze your hands and kill control. Warmth and waterproofing become safety features, not comfort features. This glove is the right pick when you’re riding in rain, slush, or near-freezing temps and you want to keep braking feel and grip as consistent as possible.
Recommendations: Best Gloves for eMTB Riding (2026)
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Fox Ranger — Shop
- Best Value Minimalist: Giro DND — Shop
- Best Protection: Fox Defend D3O — Shop
- Best Cold/Wet: Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof — Shop
- Best Hot Weather: TLD Air — Shop
Best Overall
Recommended Glove: Fox Ranger
Short Rationale: Best blend of comfort, bar feel, and everyday value for the widest range of eMTB trail rides.
- Key Features: Touchscreen-compatible fingertips, simple fit, reliable “daily driver” feel
Best Value
Recommended Glove: Giro DND
Short Rationale: A proven classic with excellent dexterity and a low price—perfect for riders who prioritize control on descents.
- Key Features: Touchscreen tech, three-piece palm construction, minimalist bar feel
Best for Protection
Recommended Glove: Fox Defend D3O
Short Rationale: If you want added protection for aggressive eMTB trails, the D3O knuckle insert and abrasion resistance are a meaningful upgrade.
- Key Features: D3O Ghost knuckle insert, abrasion-resistant back-of-hand, touchscreen-compatible palm
Best for Cold & Wet Riding
Recommended Glove: Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof
Short Rationale: Warm + waterproof performance keeps your hands functional on winter descents—where losing hand control is the real risk.
- Key Features: Waterproof membrane, PrimaLoft Gold insulation, 20,000mm waterproof rating (listed)
Consistency check: All recommended gloves appear in the comparison table and have reviews above.
FAQ: Best Gloves for eMTB Riding (2026)
Question: Do eMTB riders need different gloves than regular MTB riders?
Answer: Not always, but eMTBs often mean longer rides and higher speeds. That makes comfort, grip reliability, and (for aggressive riders) knuckle protection more valuable.
Question: Are padded palms good or bad for eMTB?
Answer: Light padding can reduce fatigue for some riders, but too much padding can reduce control. If you ride technical terrain, prioritize bar feel and consider better grips instead of thick glove padding.
Question: What’s the best glove for sweaty hands?
Answer: Choose airflow-forward gloves (like hot-weather models) and avoid thick protection gloves during peak summer. Also consider thinner grips and frequent glove washing to keep palms from getting slick.
Question: Do touchscreen fingertips actually work?
Answer: Usually, yes—on most modern gloves that explicitly list conductive fingertips or conductive palm materials. Performance can vary by phone screen protector and how wet/muddy the glove is.
Question: When should I choose a knuckle-protection glove?
Answer: If you ride fast descents, tight brushy trails, rocky terrain, or crash occasionally, added knuckle protection can be a smart upgrade.
Question: How tight should MTB gloves fit?
Answer: Snug without restricting circulation. Too loose reduces control and creates folds that cause blisters; too tight causes numbness—especially on long eMTB descents where you brake a lot.
Question: What glove is best for winter eMTB riding?
Answer: Choose a waterproof insulated glove designed for wet/cold (not just “windproof”). Winter descents chill hands fast; warmth and waterproofing become safety features.
FAQ validation: These questions align with common eMTB glove searches: fit, padding, sweat, touchscreen, protection, and winter riding.