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The motorcycle airbag is an accessory in biker gear that has become very popular in recent years. Generally, it is a very effective safety vest to avoid serious injuries and maybe would be mandatory in a few years. What types of motorcycle airbags exist? What is their price?

The motorcycle airbag is an accessory in biker gear that has become very popular in recent years. Generally, it is a very effective safety vest to avoid serious injuries and maybe would be mandatory in a few years.

In this buying guide we are going to explain what types of motorcycle airbags exist, their price and what maintenance a device of this type needs.

What is a motorcycle airbag

The first thing is to explain what exactly a motorcycle airbag is. As we have seen in other cases, a motorcycle airbag, as a rule, is a vest that incorporates an airbag along with compressed air cylinders that are activated seconds before a fall.

This type of vest with a motorcycle airbag can be worn both underneath and on top, depending on the rider’s jacket, and protects the user’s torso.

In addition, it can also protect other areas such as shoulders, abdomen, cervical region, and lower back.

Buying a motorcycle airbag. What types are there?

That said, there are different types of motorcycle airbags. Mainly, airbags can be classified into two broad categories: electronic or mechanical.

Mechanical motorcycle airbag

This system was the first to reach the general public, since its technology is somewhat more basic than the electronic airbag. It is a vest with an airbag that is attached to the chassis or subframe of the motorcycle. In the event of a fall, the cable is tightened and the mechanism’s compressed air bottles are actuated.

Generally, it is the most accessible system and is very popular among its users.

Electronic motorcycle airbag

They are independent motorcycle airbags, which depend on a system consisting of gyroscopes and accelerometers installed at the rear of the airbag. This system is the most sophisticated and has been developed in the highest competition by the two main pioneer brands in the airbag section: Dainese and Alpinestars.

This maximum precision system anticipates any fall that the user may have thanks to the gyroscopes and accelerometers, activating before any impact.

And finally, the electronic airbag is a type of airbag that, depending on the model and brand, can also be carried both inside and outside the motorcycle jacket.

Best motorcycle airbags, which one to buy?

Dainese Smart Jacket, the first to arrive

The Dainese Smart Jacket motorcycle airbag was the first electronic airbag to hit the market. It is a universal motorcycle vest with airbag, which we can use with any biker jacket.

We can wear it both over and under the jacket, although it is recommended that if using it with a leather jacket, the user leaves around 4 centimetres extra width in the circumference of the chest in case the airbag is activated.

There are different options of this motorcycle airbag, both for men and women, a long-sleeved version and a reflective colour version for cases of low visibility.

Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 and Tech-Air Street electronic motorcycle airbag vest

The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag motorcycle vest is another one of the best options, since, like the previous case, it has been developed in MotoGP.

It is also a universal independent electronic airbag that, in this case, is designed to be worn under the motorcycle jacket. The fabric is microperforated, covers the back, shoulders, ribs, and chest area, and all the technology is located on the back.

Likewise, there is also the sportier version of this airbag to install it in your suit / leather jacket for the circuit. In this case, the Tech-Air Race airbag has the algorithm adapted to high speeds and the Tech-Air Street to street use. Both are intended for use with Alpinestars jackets with pre-installation for the airbag.

• Alpinestars vs Dainese: motorcycle airbag 

Furygan Vest Fury electronic motorcycle airbag vest 

Apart from the two big Italian manufacturers, there is another electronic airbag option, the Furygan Vest Fury vest.

It is a universal and independent motorcycle airbag vest that has the In&Motion In&Box system and that we also see in other brands such as Ixon. In this case, the price may vary as there is a monthly or annual rental option with an unlimited guarantee. 

Bering C-Protect Air mechanical airbag vest

The Bering C-Protect Air is one of the most economical and cheap airbags. Its installation on the motorcycle is very simple and can be easily carried out regardless of the type of motorcycle you have: scooter, trail, or naked.

It can be anchored via a strap to any fixed place on the motorcycle, such as under the seat (in the case of a scooter), or to the chassis or subframe of the motorcycle.

Its recharge is the most economical: € 25 and there’s a version for women bikers.

Motorcycle airbag doubts

One of the most frequent questions that is usually asked when we talk about a motorcycle airbag is what happens in case of inflation. Can we set off again once it has been inflated? How much does it cost to replace the inflation cylinders?

If the airbag has been activated, can we set off again?

Yes, since after second use the airbag deflates and we can continue circulating. Of course, there will no longer be compressed air in the airbag cylinders and we will need to change them as soon as possible.

What happens if my motorcycle airbag activates? How much do the compressed air bottles cost?

If, unfortunately, our motorcycle airbag has been activated, we can change the compressed air bottles. The cost ranges from € 99 approximately to € 300 depending on the model in the case of electronic airbags.

While the mechanical ones have a lower cost since, as a rule, only the compressed air bottles are changed, and usually have a cost starting at € 25.

Likewise, it is recommended that, in case of drag, we send the motorcycle airbag to the official technical service to be checked.

An electronic airbag activates if I’m walking?

No. First of all, because it is very likely that, when we get off the bike, we unfasten the airbag zip and closure. If not, even if we fall to the ground, both the gyroscope and the accelerometer will not come into operation thanks to the system’s algorithm.

Mandatory motorcycle airbag, in 2022? The DGT in Spain has this to say

Finally, it should be clarified that the DGT (Spain) has promoted the use of the motorcycle airbag as a recommendation, but not as mandatory.

In the draft of the reform of the traffic regulations presented to the Superior Council of Road Safety in Spain presented on March 1, 2021, the use of the motorcycle airbag was included as mandatory.

This fact had some media echo, but finally, we will have to wait a while for the motorcycle airbag to be mandatory.