Motorbike vests are one the common gears that no one can ignore if they want maximum safety, and that’s why the question arises, do motorcycle airbag vests work?
When you get into an accident while riding a motorcycle, airbag vests can come in handy. They offer protection to your abdomen, chest, ribs, and stomach area, which can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries. To ensure maximum effectiveness, it’s essential to choose the right airbag that fits your needs.
Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it.
While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about the motorcycle airbag vest working.
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Table of Contents
Do Motorcycle Airbag Vests Work?
The motorcycle airbag vest is one of the gears apart from the motorbike helmet, which riders want to protect their spine and abdomen. And that’s why the question arises, do motorcycle airbag vests work?
Motorcycle airbag vests work at the time of the accident. They can protect your abdomen, chest, ribs, and stomach area. With motorcycle airbags, you can be assured that they can significantly reduce the chance of serious injuries. However, make sure to choose the ideal airbag which can fit your needs.
Worries not in the next section, I’ll discuss how airbags work and how you can choose the ideal airbag which fits your needs.
Also, read my previous post where I discussed how motorbike vest works and how can you boost your safety, CLICK HERE to read more.
What Makes an Airbag Perfect?
Before buying the airbag, there are some factors or conditions that you should see. Here’re some conditions which make the airbag perfect.
| What Makes an Airbag Perfect: |
| Airbags should come with an instant reaction mechanism. |
| The airbag shouldn’t contain any material that catches fire easily. |
| Airbags must differentiate between shocks and real-life accidents. |
Instant Reaction:
Whether it involves sophisticated sensors or conventional systems, the rapid deployment of an airbag is of utmost importance. Professional riders consider airbags that fail to inflate instantly as ineffective, as they can potentially lead to severe injuries.
We strongly recommend verifying the airbag’s inflation time, with the ideal inflation time being less than one second.
False Alarm:
It is a well-known fact that motorbike riders often encounter shocks while riding on the streets. An ideal airbag should not deploy due to these shocks alone; it should be able to distinguish between shock forces and forces associated with accidents.
We advise checking the force threshold before purchasing an airbag. The lower the force threshold, the less likely it is to inflate in response to mere shocks.
Shouldn’t Cause Fire:
The ideal airbag should be crafted from materials that do not ignite easily. Furthermore, the airbag should not contain any substances that are prone to catching fire.
It is crucial to ensure that the airbag meets these fire safety requirements.
How do Airbags work?
Motorcycle airbags play a vital role in enhancing rider safety. Now, let’s delve into the functioning of these airbags and understand how they work.
Working Principle:
Similar to car airbags, motorcycle airbags deploy through an explosive mechanism upon impact. However, unlike car airbags that rely on chemical reactions, most motorcycle airbags are equipped with intelligent sensors or hooks that initiate the deployment.
Space-Efficient Design:
Integrating intelligent sensors or hooks in motorcycle airbags allows for a more compact design. This space-saving feature helps minimize the risk of severe injuries during accidents.
Gas Canister System:
Motorcycle airbags are equipped with a gas canister containing compressed gas. Upon impact, the gas canister swiftly opens, releasing the compressed gas.
Instantaneous Deployment:
It is important to note that the gas canister opens instantly, ensuring a rapid response. After deployment, the pressure gradually decreases, preventing any potential suffocation concerns.
By understanding how motorcycle airbags function, riders can appreciate the significant role they play in mitigating injuries and enhancing overall safety on the road.
Should You Consider Buying an Airbag?
While airbags serve as an effective safety measure, their suitability depends on the type of rider and their riding style. If you primarily engage in street riding, follow safe practices, and already wear other safety equipment, an airbag may not be deemed necessary for your specific circumstances.
However, it is important to consider that the cost of a good-quality airbag typically falls within the range of $500-$1500, which is still significantly less than the potential expenses associated with treating severe injuries. Therefore, I recommend considering the investment in an airbag as a valuable precautionary measure.
Urban riders or those who ride aggressively, constantly pushing for higher speeds, can greatly benefit from the added protection an airbag provides. The upper body coverage offered by airbags is particularly crucial in minimizing injuries during accidents.
This can be observed in MotoGP races, where all riders prioritize the use of airbags to safeguard themselves. As everyday riders, we too can embrace the advantages of airbags to create a safer riding environment.
Remember, to further enhance the effectiveness of an airbag, it is essential to complement it with other safety tools such as helmets and back protectors. The combination of these safety measures can significantly amplify the level of protection provided by the airbag, ensuring a safer riding experience overall.
What are the Different Types of Airbags?
Generally, in the market, you’ll find two types of airbags, tethered and algorithm-based airbags. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
And it’s up to you which one you should choose, but the best thing is that both types of airbags are effective and would protect your upper body.
| Types of Airbags: | Advantages: | Disadvantages: |
| Tethered airbag. | Classic and cheaper than algorithm-based airbags. | Tethered airbags are not for forgetful people. |
| Algorithm-based airbag. | It comes with smart sensors which keep updating them. | It requires regular charging, even some airbags can’t be charged at home. |
Tethered Airbag:
Tethered airbags, also known as classic airbags, feature a straightforward and effective design. To activate the tethered airbag, you attach the trigger and secure it with a cord. In the event of an accident, this cord serves as a mechanism to deploy the airbag. Tethered airbags are known for their affordability and lack of battery requirements. The simplicity of their design also allows for a cost-effective recharge process.
However, it’s important to note that tethered airbags are not suitable for forgetful individuals. Failing to detach oneself from the cord can result in the unnecessary deployment of a canister of compressed gas. Additionally, in situations where riders do not separate from the motorcycle during an accident, tethered airbags may not provide the intended protection.
Algorithm-Based Airbag:
Algorithm-based airbags represent a remarkable advancement of the 21st century. These airbags incorporate a range of sensors such as GPS and accelerometers. They utilize complex algorithms to analyze data and respond within a fraction of a second. One notable advantage of algorithm-based airbags is their ability to continuously learn and adapt based on the rider’s movements.
While algorithm-based airbags offer impressive technology, they tend to be relatively more expensive. However, they do not require any physical connection to the motorcycle, making them convenient for riders who appreciate the technological aspect. It is important to mention that most algorithm-based airbags cannot be charged at home, which can be considered a significant drawback.
Furthermore, algorithm-based airbags rely on batteries that require regular charging, similar to a smartphone. It is essential to establish a reminder to ensure the airbag is consistently charged. Failure to maintain the battery’s charge can result in the airbag not functioning as intended.
Myths About Motorcycle Airbags?
Myth 1: You Need to Wear a Different Outfit:
One prevalent myth surrounding motorcycle airbags is the belief that you must wear a separate outfit to accommodate the airbag. However, modern motorbike airbags are designed with innovative fabrics that can adapt to the outfit you are already wearing.
To determine if your current outfit is compatible with a motorcycle airbag, you can perform a simple test. Stretch your motorcycle jacket and observe the distance between your chest and the jacket. If there is a 4 cm gap, you do not need to purchase a new outfit to wear the motorcycle airbag.
Additionally, modern motorcycle jackets are equipped with pressure-releasing valves. These valves ensure that even if you are wearing a snug-fitting outfit, the gas pressure is released at the time of impact, preventing any potential injuries. Therefore, there is no need to worry about outfit compatibility when using a motorcycle airbag.
Myth 2: Airbags Will Open After Small Shocks:
It is a common misconception that motorcycle airbags will deploy in response to minor, harmless shocks experienced while riding.
However, it is important to note that contemporary motorcycle airbags are equipped with intelligent sensors that possess extensive data. These sensors enable the airbag to differentiate between real-time accidents and small shocks.
The sophisticated technology integrated into motorcycle airbags allows them to analyze various factors and determine the severity of an impact before deploying.
As a result, minor shocks or vibrations experienced during regular riding will not trigger the airbag’s deployment. The airbag system is designed to activate only in the event of a genuine accident, providing optimal protection when it is truly necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Should you consider buying an airbag vest?
If you primarily engage in street riding, follow safe practices, and already wear other safety equipment, an airbag may not be deemed necessary for your specific circumstances.
Should urban riders try a motorbike airbag vest for safety?
Urban riders or those who ride aggressively, constantly pushing for higher speeds, can greatly benefit from the added protection an airbag provides. The upper body coverage offered by airbags is particularly crucial in minimizing injuries during accidents.
What are tethered airbags?
Tethered airbags, also known as classic airbags, feature a straightforward and effective design. To activate the tethered airbag, you attach the trigger and secure it with a cord. In the event of an accident, this cord serves as a mechanism to deploy the airbag. Tethered airbags are known for their affordability and lack of battery requirements. The simplicity of their design also allows for a cost-effective recharge process.
What are algorithm-based airbags?
Algorithm-based airbags represent a remarkable advancement of the 21st century. These airbags incorporate a range of sensors such as GPS and accelerometers. They utilize complex algorithms to analyze data and respond within a fraction of a second. One notable advantage of algorithm-based airbags is their ability to continuously learn and adapt based on the rider’s movements.
Why you should always choose airbags which don’t catch fire?
The ideal airbag should be crafted from materials that do not ignite easily. Furthermore, the airbag should not contain any substances that are prone to catching fire.
Final Verdict:
Do motorcycle airbag vests work? Motorcycle airbag vests work at the time of the accident. They can protect your abdomen, chest, ribs, and stomach area. With motorcycle airbags, you can be assured that they can significantly reduce the chance of serious injuries. However, make sure to choose the ideal airbag which can fit your needs.
I’ve also mentioned the air you can use according to your needs and comfort, along with the budget to protect yourself from serious injuries.
John, this side! My passion for motorbikes started when I was 12. I experienced many accidents and even lost some friends too. And it inspired me to create this website so that no parents in this world would lose their child while enjoying riding.
