Airbag Systems - Guide and Top picks

Different bikes and riding moods call for different storage tricks. For instance, long tours usually put panniers at the top of the list. They come in two flavors—robust hard cases that lock in securely, and lighter, softer ones that can be a bit more forgiving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Saddlebags, with their soft and flexible nature, are perfect for quick on/off mounting, making them great for cruisers or spontaneous weekend jaunts. Then there are tank bags, offering speedy access without upsetting your bike’s balance—ideal for maps, a few snacks, or other small essentials. Tail bags and duffels also have their niche, especially on naked bikes and sport-tourers, often working hand in hand with bungee systems or a rear rack. And don’t overlook top boxes; these water-resistant, lockable cases, perched behind your seat, have become the urban rider’s little secret for dealing with the daily grind. Whether you’re gearing up for a grand European tour or weaving through Brussels or Milan, there’s a luggage solution that fits your style.

MOTORCYCLE RIDING ACCESSORIES

Ashish Bahl

4/22/20257 min read

✔ Finer details - What to look for

✔ Understand airbag systems

In this blog

✔ Top 5 picks with buy links

Airbag Systems - Guide and Top picks

From Impact to Intelligence — Why Airbag Protection Is the Future

Before you read the blog we recommend all to visit the gearfinder tool (link here https://www.goodgearhub.com/gear-finder-tool ) to discover what you really need not what is being peddled to you in the name of influence and what not. At goodgearhub we don't chase trends, brands or the herd. We are here to promote motorcycling and we were fed up of finding motivated content so we set goodgearhub so riders can review blog and videos, use the gear finder tool to assess their riding style and need then and only then shortlist what they need. To close the loop, soon we will be putting affiliate links so you don't have to hunt where to buy from and can just visit the retailer section -

Airbags used to be something you only dreamed about in cars. Then MotoGP made that change. With top riders surviving high-speed crashes thanks to airbag technology, it was only a question of time before this technology reached the streets. And in Britain and throughout Europe — where riding conditions are wildly variable and road safety is paramount — it's taking off quickly.

Motorcycle airbag jackets and trousers are now an essential upgrade for committed riders. Weaving through the traffic in London, riding the rain-soaked B-roads of Scotland, or hammering across the Alps, these systems provide a whole new level of protection — one that standard CE armor simply can't deliver. We're not discussing slight padding upgrades here; we're discussing life-saving impact absorption launched in milliseconds.

In 2025, many riders are gearing up with this tech that covers everything from shoulders to shins. If you’re riding without an airbag, you’re riding exposed.

How Motorcycle Airbag Jackets & Pants Work

There are two primary ways airbag systems work:

Mechanical (Tether-Based): A physical tether is attached to you and your bike. In the event of a crash, if you're thrown off, the tether pulls a CO₂ cartridge that fills the airbag. Simple, yet effective, and not dependent on electronics.

Electronic (Sensor-Based): These employ inertial measurement units (IMUs), GPS, and accelerometers to sense crashes and automatically deploy. Slightly quicker than tether systems, but they need to be charged, have firmware updated, and — sometimes — paid for by subscription.

You can get these in two forms:

Integrated Systems: Built-in airbags in jackets or pants — smooth, seam-free, and frequently CE-approved as a complete system.

Independent Vests or Modules: Put on under or over the current equipment, frequently modular and exchangeable between sets of clothing.

Deployment times vary between 15 and 80 milliseconds, depending on technology and brand. Recharge consists of either refilling CO₂ cartridges or reariming electronic systems — some while moving, others at a repair station.

Airbag pants are a more recent development, providing protection for the hips, thighs, coccyx, and lower spine — essential in crashes where lower-body damage is prevalent. They're catching serious steam among long-distance motorcyclists and year-round riders.

What to Expect in Airbag Jackets & Pants

For UK/EU riders, these are the must-haves:

CE Marking: EN 17092 for clothing and EN 1621-4 for the airbag. Some systems are CE Level 2 rated for back and chest regions.

Deployment Speed: The quicker, the better. Best systems deploy in less than 30ms.

Reusability: Can you easily rearm it yourself? How simple is recharging or cartridge replacement?

Battery Life: For electric systems, 20+ hours is the norm.

Coverage Area: Chest, back, spine, shoulders, hips, and thighs — the more the better.

Compatibility: Some systems are jacket-specific; others are universal.

Subscription Fees: Some brands (such as In&Motion) demand monthly subscriptions for AI crash detection.

Weatherproofing: Critical in UK weather. Ensure sealed electronics and water-resistant shells.

Comfort & Fit: Space to inflate, but no sacrifice of freedom of movement.

Brand Support: Obtain gear with actual service centers and replacement parts within the UK/EU.

Top 5 Airbag Jackets & Pants for 2025

1. Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 + Tech-Air Off-Road Pants

Alpinestars is at the forefront with the modular Tech-Air system. The Tech-Air 5 vest can be worn under nearly any jacket and deploys through onboard sensors, while the Tech-Air Off-Road Pants are a new evolution in lower-body protection, designed for adventure riders who ride tough terrain.

Deployment Speed: 20–40ms

Protection Coverage: Chest, back, shoulders, kidneys, hips, thighs

Activation Mechanism: Electronic (6 sensors)

Reusability: Rechargeable with cartridge replacement

Battery Life: 30 hours (vest), 24+ hours (pants)

Comfort & Fit: Slim profile with stretch materials

Ease of Use: One-button operation, LED indicators

Tech Support / Updates: Strong Alpinestars EU network

Price vs Value: £600–£700 for the vest, £400–£500 for the pants — pricey, but best-in-class modular safety

Compatibility: Vest is universal-fit under most jackets; pants compatible with ADV and off-road configurations

2. Dainese Smart Jacket LS + Dainese Smart Pants

Dainese introduces MotoGP technology into city riding. The Smart Jacket LS has a fully integrated airbag solution in a fashion textile jacket, and the Smart Pants protect hip and thigh areas in a minimalist commuter-style design.

Deployment Speed: <45ms

Protection Coverage: Chest, back, ribs, hips

Activation Mechanism: Electronic, no tether

Reusability: Rechargeable and user-serviceable

Battery Life: 26 hours

Comfort & Fit: Lightweight, mesh panels for ventilation

Ease of Use: Auto-activation, app-controlled

Tech Support / Updates: Strong throughout EU and UK

Price vs Value: £600–£650 for jacket, £350–£450 for pants — high-end but pragmatic, particularly for everyday riders

Compatibility: Both are standalone systems, no additional jacket required

3. Helite e-Turtle 2 + Touring Airbag Pants

Helite is the choice of those who don't want any subscriptions and high reliability. The e-Turtle 2 is an intelligent airbag vest with electronic deployment but no recurring fees, while the Touring Pants employ a mechanical tether to guard the hips and thighs.

Deployment Speed: 80ms (vest), ~60ms (pants)

Protection Coverage: Chest, spine, hips, thighs

Activation Mechanism: Electronic vest; tethered pants

Reusability: Replace CO₂ cartridges

Battery Life: 25 hours (vest)

Comfort & Fit: Slightly bulky but adjustable

Ease of Use: Plug-and-play, very intuitive

Tech Support / Updates: Excellent in France, UK, Germany

Price vs Value: £550–£600 for vest, £300–£400 for pants — simple, sturdy, and cost-effective

Compatibility: Universal over/under fit; no restrictive sizing

4. In&Motion x Ixon U03 Jacket + U04 Pants

This configuration brings intelligent AI-based protection to road riders and commuters. The Ixon U03 jacket and U04 pants employ In&Motion's crash detection engine — updated regularly through software — and provide modular, data-driven safety.

Deployment Speed: ~25ms

Protection Coverage: Full torso, spine, shoulders, hips, thighs

Activation Mechanism: Electronic (IMU + GPS + AI)

Reusability: Replaceable gas cartridge

Battery Life: 20–30 hours

Comfort & Fit: Touring cut, flexible materials

Ease of Use: Smart LED panel, companion app

Tech Support / Updates: Expanding in UK, solid in France and Germany

Price vs Value: £400–£450 for jacket, £300–£350 for pants + £120/year subscription — great for tech-literate riders

Compatibility: Functions exclusively with In&Motion-approved equipment

5. Klim Ai-1 Vest + Klim Tactical Pants (D3O Protection)

Although Klim's Tactical Pants do not inflate, they provide very good D3O protection for the hips and thighs. Combine them with the Ai-1 In&Motion vest for upper-body airbag protection in a tough ADV-ready package.

Deployment Speed: 25ms (vest)

Protection Coverage: Chest, back, shoulders (vest); hips, thighs (pants with D3O)

Activation Mechanism: Electronic (In&MMotion)

Reusability: CO₂ reload; reusable vest

Battery Life: 25 hours

Comfort & Fit: Built for long-distance riding

Ease of Use: Completely wireless, auto-arming

Tech Support / Updates: Top-notch through In&Motion and Klim retailers

Price vs Value: £350–£400 for vest + £120/year subscription, £250–£300 for pants — modular, high-end protection

Compatibility: Vest is worn under most jackets; pants are independent D3O armored

UK/EU-Specific Tips for Airbag Gear

Keep firmware current — systems like In&Motion change fast through software.

Test fit with full inflation room — a snug jacket or pant can prevent airbag deployment.

Charge regularly — especially if you’re commuting daily or ride in colder climates.

Check for UK service partners — faster turnarounds for rearming or repairs.

Use over-gear options for winter layering — especially in the UK, where thermal liners bulk up fit.

goodgearhub wrap

Motorcycle airbag systems are no longer the future — they’re the standard for anyone who rides seriously, in all weather, at all speeds. With the UK and EU leading the global charge in rider safety tech, adopting airbag jackets and pants in 2025 isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Whether you’re an everyday commuter or an Alpine tourer, the gear on this list brings intelligence, impact protection, and peace of mind to every ride.

You put a helmet on without hesitation. Now consider the rest of your body.