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Motorcycle airbag vests and systems: your ultimate guide to the safety revolution
Imagine being able to carry a personal, mobile crumple zone with you. An invisible protective shield that recognizes you are in danger in a fraction of a second and unfolds to protect your upper body before the actual collision occurs. What sounds like science fiction is now reality and the biggest revolution in motorcycle safety since the invention of the helmet: the airbag vest. This technology, which has come to us all on the road straight from the premier class of motorsport, MotoGP, has the potential to drastically reduce the consequences of a fall.
But how does such a system work? What is the difference between the technologies used by Alpinestars Tech-Air® and the In&motion system used by brands such as Held, Klim, and Revit? Should you wear the vest over or under your jacket? And the most important question: is the investment in your safety really worth it? In this ultimate guide, we answer all your questions. We take you into the fascinating world of airbag systems, explain the technology, compare the concepts, and help you make the most important decision for your motorcycling life after purchasing a helmet.
The revolution in passive safety: how an airbag vest works
An airbag system is much more than just an inflatable cushion. It is a highly complex electronic system that responds to life-threatening situations within milliseconds.
1. Recognition: the brain of the system
At the heart of every modern electronic airbag vest is a unit with advanced sensors, including gyroscopes and accelerometers. These sensors measure your position and movement on the motorcycle up to 1,000 times per second. An advanced algorithm, trained with data from hundreds of thousands of real crashes and near misses, continuously analyzes this data. It can reliably distinguish an uncontrollable situation—such as a highside, lowside, or collision with an obstacle—from normal, hard riding maneuvers (such as hard braking or cornering).
2. Activation: faster than the blink of an eye
As soon as the algorithm recognizes an accident situation that can no longer be mitigated, it sends an electronic signal to the gas generator (inflator). A small pyrotechnic charge ignites and releases the high-pressure gas (usually argon) from a cartridge. This process fills the entire airbag of the vest in just 25 to 60 milliseconds. This is faster than the blink of an eye and ensures that the airbag is fully inflated before your body hits the ground or an obstacle. nbsp;
3. The protection area: 360° protection for your torso
When deployed, the airbag forms a sturdy, protective shell around your entire upper body. It covers the most critical areas and stabilizes them:
Chest & ribs
Back & spine
Collarbone
Shoulders Studies show that an airbag system can reduce the impact energy acting on the body by up to 95% compared to conventional hard protectors.
The different systems and brands: find the right concept
The market is dominated by two major technology platforms used by various clothing manufacturers.
The Alpinestars Tech-Air® system: the pioneer in racing
Alpinestars is one of the pioneers in airbag technology and develops its systems entirely in-house. They offer different vests for different purposes:
For under the jacket: Alpinestars Tech-Air® 5 System
It is an autonomous vest that can be worn under any suitable motorcycle jacket (with sufficient space). It is the universal solution for road riders.
About the jacket: Alpinestars Tech-Air® 3 V2 System
It is a lighter vest designed as an outer layer. It is ideal for commuters and motorcyclists looking for a solution that can be quickly put on and taken off.
The In&motion system: the open platform for many brands
In&motion is a French technology company that has developed a universal airbag platform that has been licensed by many leading clothing manufacturers and integrated into their products.
The principle: you buy a vest from a brand of your choice (e.g. Held, Klim, Revit) and activate the ‘In&box’ – the brain of the system – separately from In&motion. Here you can choose between a purchase or a flexible leasing model.
Product example: Held eVest Airbag Vest
The tried-and-tested airbag vest from traditional German manufacturer Held, which is worn under the jacket.
Product example: Klim AI-1 Airbag Vest
Specially developed for the high demands of adventure riders, it offers a robust construction and high breathability.
Product example: Revit Avertum Tech-Air airbag vest
Revit also uses the In&motion system and offers the Avertum, a lightweight and well-ventilated vest for a wide range of applications.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about motorcycle airbag vests
1. Is an airbag vest really worth it?
From a purely safety point of view: yes, absolutely. It offers a level of protection that no passive protection can even come close to matching. It is currently the best technology available to reduce serious injuries to the upper body.
2. Do you wear an airbag vest over or under your jacket?
That depends on the model. Systems such as the Alpinestars Tech-Air® 5 or the In&motion vests are designed as “under vests” and are worn under the motorcycle jacket. Models such as the Tech-Air® 3 are designed as “over vests” and are worn over the jacket.
3. Can I reuse an airbag vest after activation?
Yes. With most modern systems, the user can replace the activated gas cartridge with a new one. The vest is then immediately ready for use again, provided it has not suffered any external damage in the fall.
4. How much does it cost to replace the cartridge after activation?
Depending on the system, a new replacement cartridge usually costs between $90 and $150. A small price to pay for a new life insurance policy.
5. How long does the battery of an electronic airbag vest last?
One battery charge is usually sufficient for 20 to 30 hours of driving time. The vest can be easily recharged via a USB cable.
6. Can the airbag be activated accidentally, for example if the vest falls off me?
No. The algorithms are extremely advanced and recognize the difference between a real accident and everyday situations. Activation without a serious fall is virtually impossible.
7. Does an airbag vest replace a back protector?
Most airbag vests have an integrated, CE-certified back protector. They replace and far exceed the protective effect of a conventional back protector. However, your shoulder and elbow protectors in your jacket are still necessary.
8. Does my jacket have to be specially designed for an airbag vest?
For an “under-vest,” your jacket must have enough space for the airbag to inflate (usually about 4-6 cm extra circumference). Jackets with large stretch inserts are ideal. No special jacket is required for an “over-vest.”
9. Are there also airbag systems for the racetrack?
Yes, absolutely. The technology originally comes from there. Many systems offer special “race” algorithms that are optimized for the special movements on the racetrack (e.g., hanging off).
10. What is the difference between the purchase and lease models from In&motion?
With leasing, you pay a monthly or annual fee for the activation of the In&box. Advantages include regular algorithm updates and a simple exchange service. With purchase, you pay for the In&box once.
Conclusion: the smartest investment in your motorcycling life
An airbag vest is more than just a piece of equipment – it is an active bodyguard that watches over you at all times. It is the biggest advance in passive motorcycle safety in decades and a technology that has been proven to save lives and prevent serious injuries. Investing in an airbag system is perhaps the smartest and most reassuring decision you can make for yourself and your passion.
Give your safety the ultimate upgrade.
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