16th December 2024
For a number of years, I have been researching airbag systems for
motorcyclists and there are three types that are available, the one that
fits inside your existing motorcycle jacket provided there is enough
room for the airbag to expand in the event of a crash, one that fits
over your existing motorcycle jacket and one that is supplied as the
fixed inner part of a new airbag jacket. Some airbag systems, especially
the outer ones that fit over your jacket have a tether strap to the
motorcycle that pulls a pin in the airbag and activates it when you are
thrown from the bike. Then there is the electronic airbag system
(without a tether strap) that uses GPS and electronic sensors that
activate the airbag when they detect you being thrown from the bike.
I own three Rev'it motorcycle jackets which are Level 2 armour protected
on the shoulders, elbows and back. However, they do not have enough
spare room between
my jackets and my body for an inner airbag. I don't
want to purchase new motorcycle jackets to accommodate an airbag and I
don't like the idea of adding yet another layer to my jacket by wearing
an outer airbag over it.
I have long yearned for a solution and today, I purchased that solution.
An airbag system that I can wear with any of my jackets. I always wear a
backpack to carry a tyre puncture sealant canister, a puncture repair
kit, a multi-tool knife, picnic lunch and for anything which I might
purchase on my travels. So, when the Helite Airbag Backpack appeared, it
proved ideal.
The Helite Backpack can be worn just like my existing backpack over any of my
jackets, it can carry all my stuff and provide me with that extra safety
in the event of me being involved in a crash or coming off my
motorcycle. I chose the electronic one for convenience as I own three
motorcycles which I ride alternatively. It offers all round protection,
including the chest. I especially like that it has the turtle neck (when
activated) which protects the head (in a helmet) from moving in any
direction and so protecting the neck vertebrae. It also has a section
that opens up over your rear to protect the base of your spine. The
Helite Backpack only activates at speeds above 15 miles per hour so as
to prevent accidental activations.
There is a three press on/off button on the front collar with a green
LED light to signify it is switched on. An amber light signifies that
the battery is low.
I especially like that should the Helite Airbag Backpack be activated,
and provided it has not been damaged, a new gas canister can very easily
be screw fitted inside at the front to replace the used one.
Warning:
The electronic unit uses GPS monitoring, so if you are in an underground
car park or in a tunnel whereby the GPS signal is blocked, the airbag
may not function.
Check out the
User Manual - the English part
begins on page 22.
The Helite Backpack
is also electronically linked for activation with the optional
Helite E-Bike Fork Sensor Kit which
is screw clamp fitted to the front fork of your bike. It detects a rear end shunt or
any impact to your bike, even when your bike is stationary.
I have yet to decide on a purchase of the fork kit as I would require
to purchase three units, one for each of my motorcycles and they have a
maintenance free 5 year life cycle. I will
probably just get one for my Honda NX500 Adventure Motorcycle as I ride
that in all weathers and during the winter months.
Videos from the internet on the
Helite H-Moov Airbag Backpack System
The Electronic Version
The Tethered Version
Electronic Air Vest or Electronic Airbag Backpack with Fork Sensor