Are Motorcycle Airbags Worth It? A Comprehensive Safety Feature

India has seen a significant surge in the number of road accidents in recent years. Several vehicle manufacturers have introduced cutting-edge safety measures as part of their features to counter this rising issue. A motorcycle airbag is a by-product of such a step. But how significant are they? What are the risks associated with them? Are they worth it? This article explores whether including an airbag feature in a motorcycle caters to its passenger’s safety.

Key Highlights

• Motorcycle airbags protect the upper body in collisions, inflating within milliseconds.

• They reduce upper-body injuries by 60% and lower-body injuries by 40%.

• Benefits include rapid deployment, reusability, and added peace of mind.

• Drawbacks: high cost, limited coverage (doesn’t protect lower body), and need for maintenance.

• In India, awareness and adoption are low due to high costs.

• Airbags complement helmets and protective gear, not replacing them.

Understanding Motorcycle Airbags

Motorcycle airbags are an important bike safety feature that is included within the bikes and protect us from severe impacts of a collision better as compared to wearable safety gear like jackets, vests or helmets. During a roadside collision, these airbags inflate within milliseconds and protect riders from grievous injuries, saving their lives. Modern bike brands like Honda have already started incorporating motorcycle airbags into their bike designs. How effective are these airbags? Let’s find out.

Effectiveness of Motorcycle Airbags

Research indicates that motorcycle airbag vests can reduce upper-body injuries by 60% and lower-body injuries by 40%. These devices distribute impact forces evenly across the body, minimizing trauma to vital areas like the ribs and internal organs. Advanced models with smart sensors further enhance effectiveness by eliminating the need for tethers and improving spinal protection.

Benefits of Using Motorcycle Airbags

There are several benefits of owning a motorcycle with airbags. 

• Better safety: Airbags provide sufficient protection against serious injuries that can occur during a collision. These airbags are positioned at an angle so that the rider does not sustain injuries to their chest, back, neck and head.

• Rapid Deployment: Airbags are engineered to deploy within milliseconds of a collision, giving adequate protection within short periods of time. 

• Reusability: A lot of motorcycle brands are incorporating the concept of reusable airbags; i.e once they are deployed, they can be reset and reused again.

• Versatility: Airbag is very flexible to be used as part of wearable safety gear like jackets and vests or even as part of motorcycle helmets to protect the rider’s head from serious injuries. 

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you have an additional layer of safety boosts rider confidence.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Although motorcycle airbags ensure the utmost safety for riders, they have certain setbacks that may not work in everyone’s favour.

• Cost: Since they are yet to be included as a safety feature on a large scale, motorcycles with airbags are still new in the market. Hence they are costlier than their counterparts.

• Limited Coverage: Motorcycle airbags are designed to protect the rider’s upper body, leaving the lower body vulnerable and susceptible to injuries like ligament tears, fractures and even amputation. Hence, it is recommended that you drive as safely as possible without leaving any scope for a roadside collision. 

• Maintenance: Regular checks are needed to ensure sensors and inflation mechanisms function correctly.

• Awareness Gap: Many riders remain unaware of these technologies or their benefits, particularly in developing regions.

Adoption of Motorcycle Airbags in India

In India, a significant percentage of the population (read almost 50%) uses two-wheelers every day, so safety gear for motorcycle riding is important. The concept of inbuilt safety gear in motorcycles is relatively new, with very little awareness among the masses. In addition, the number of two-wheeled vehicles with inbuilt safety features is scarce due to heavy costs and little awareness among the public about the benefits of motorcycle airbags. Over the years, increasing awareness through public channels and educating citizens about safety practices will gradually see motorcycles with airbags being part of people’s daily lives.

Comparing Motorcycle Airbags to Other Safety Measures

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the different safety devices deemed fit for collision protection for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts.

Motorcycle airbags complement other safety measures but do not replace them. Helmets remain essential for head protection.

There is no doubt that motorcycle airbags are an excellent and effective way to prevent severe injuries during road accidents. However, complete implementation is still in the conceptual stage, with several leading motorcycle companies like Honda still studying the effectiveness of including motorcycle airbags as part of their two-wheelers. With technological advancement, this idea will soon find its way into our lives and revolutionize the prevention of unprecedented road mishaps in the future.