Motorcycle airbags have been around for quite some time at this point.

However, not many bikers choose to wear them when they are riding. They even had to make them compulsory in Moto GP so all the riders would actually put them on.

There are many reasons why bikers, despite airbag’s obvious safety benefits, forego this particular bit of gear.

It could be the faff of more layers, the added expense, or even purely aesthetic reasons.

For me, the reason why tend not to use them is that I often ride wearing a rucksack, which doesn’t really work if you have to wear it over the life jacket style airbags that make up most of the market.

But what if the airbag was built into the backpack? Well, Helite have done just that with their new Air Bag Backpack.

The Airbag Backpack is the latest addition to the Helite family and puts their airbag tech into the structure of the backpack.  The airbag uses their Turtle 2 technology, which offers up to 50 times more neck and spinal protection than a standard back protector.

The airbag works by inflating within less than a tenth of a second in a collision. It goes off after either triggering a motion sensor, or a tether being pulled as the rider is thrown from the bike.

If you are planning on tackling the trails, I’d recommend you opt for the tethered system as the motion sensor is calibrated for the road and may be triggered accidentally by any vigorous off-road riding.

The inbuilt vest then creates an inflatable ‘turtle shell’ around your torso, protecting your back, sides and front from impact as well as reducing head and neck movement to a minimum.

The backpack also features a pouch for a hydration bladder, main, secondary and strap compartments to store everything for your trip and a combined helmet bag and waterproof cover.

Sure with prices starting at £550 it is an expensive backpack, but when you consider airbags on their own can cost north of £700, it starts to look like a safe and practical bargain.

The Helite Airbag Backpack will be available for delivery from early September but you can get a short term one-time introductory special offer of £100 off if you pre-order before 15 August 2022.

For more information visit the Helite website.

Guy joined the ABR team in 2022, having fallen in love with life on two wheels during early 2020. After eight years as a journalist covering news and politics, he decided trade Fleet Street for the open road. Now his passion has become his profession, he can’t wait to really rack up the miles.

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