Airbags for Road Motorcycles

Airbags for road motorcycles are protective systems designed to deploy rapidly when they detect a fall or sudden separation from the motorcycle. Depending on the model, they can provide additional coverage to particularly vulnerable areas such as the chest, back, shoulders, neck or abdomen.

At Non Stop Bikes, we select airbags for different types of riders and riding, from urban commuting to long-distance journeys, touring and sports use. Our aim is to help you find a comfortable, correctly fitted system that is compatible with your usual riding gear.

An airbag should be considered a complement to the rest of your riding gear. It does not replace a helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, boots or approved protectors.

How does a motorcycle airbag work?

A rider airbag contains an inflatable chamber that deploys when the system identifies a situation consistent with a fall. Inflation creates a protective area around the parts of the body covered by the product.

Operation, activation time, protected areas and the rearming procedure depend on the manufacturer and model. It is therefore essential to use the airbag in accordance with its instructions and never modify any of its components.

Types of airbags for road motorcycles

Motorcycle jackets with integrated airbags

Airbag jackets incorporate the protective system directly into the garment. They combine abrasion-resistant materials, conventional armour and airbag technology in a single integrated solution.

They are a practical choice for riders who want to use a single garment for daily journeys, road rides or touring. Before choosing one, check the season for which it is designed, its waterproofing, ventilation, included protectors and the operation of the airbag system.

Motorcycle airbag vests

Airbag vests stand out for their versatility, as they allow this system to be added to existing riding gear. Depending on the product, they may be designed to be worn over or underneath a compatible jacket.

When worn beneath an outer garment, the expansion space specified by the manufacturer must be available. A jacket that is too tight could interfere with the correct deployment of the airbag.

If the vest is worn over the jacket, it is also important to check compatibility with the back protector, aerodynamic hump, armour, backpack and any other item of riding gear.

Full suits with airbags

Airbag suits and one-piece leathers are mainly intended for sports riding and track use, although road-oriented solutions are also available. Integrating the system allows the inflatable areas to be adapted to the cut of the garment and the riding position.

When choosing an airbag suit, check the size, position of the protectors, mobility on the motorcycle, ventilation, maintenance requirements and the conditions for reactivating the system after deployment.

What to know before buying an airbag

Before buying a motorcycle airbag, there are several factors to consider. The first is how you intend to use it: an urban rider does not have the same requirements as someone who tours frequently or rides on a track. It is also important to decide whether you prefer a system integrated into the garment or a separate vest, as well as checking compatibility with your jacket or suit. Fit is another key consideration, as the airbag must be worn as specified by the manufacturer to operate correctly. Finally, check the activation system, required maintenance and associated costs, particularly with electronic models or those requiring periodic servicing.

Mechanical and electronic airbags

Mechanically activated airbags

Mechanical airbags are connected to the motorcycle by a safety tether. When the rider becomes separated from the motorcycle and the specified tension is reached, the system activates the gas cartridge and inflates the airbag.

The tether must be attached to the point specified by the manufacturer, avoiding weak or removable components and anything that could interfere with the handlebars, seat or rider’s movements. The rider must also get into the habit of connecting it before setting off and disconnecting it when getting off the motorcycle.

Electronically activated airbags

Electronic airbags use sensors and a control unit to analyse the rider’s movements. When the system identifies a fall situation covered by its operating parameters, it triggers deployment of the airbag.

These models do not require a tether connected to the motorcycle, but the battery, activation status and device warnings must be checked. Depending on the manufacturer’s conditions, some systems may also require updates, periodic servicing, registration, a mobile app or a subscription.

The importance of certification and marking

Before buying a motorcycle airbag, check that the product has the appropriate marking, certification and documentation as protective equipment. The product information must clearly identify the manufacturer, protected areas, correct method of use and maintenance conditions.

It is not enough to consider only the design or brand. It is also important to check:

• The marking and certification declared by the manufacturer.
• The protected areas of the body.
• The size and adjustment range.
• The correct position over or underneath the jacket.
• The space required for deployment.
• The mechanical or electronic activation system.
• The rearming conditions after activation.
• The required servicing and maintenance.
• The availability and price of cartridges or components.

How to choose a motorcycle airbag

The right airbag will depend on the type of riding, frequency of use and the riding gear with which it will be combined. A rider who uses a motorcycle every day in the city may have different needs from someone who undertakes long journeys or regularly rides on a track.

Urban use

For daily journeys, ease of putting on the airbag, its weight, ventilation and the simplicity of the activation system can be particularly important.

Road riding and touring

For road rides and touring, consider comfort over many hours, compatibility with waterproof clothing, the battery life of electronic systems and whether a backpack or personal luggage can be used.

Sports riding and track use

For sports use, it is advisable to choose a system expressly designed for that purpose and compatible with the riding position, suit and required level of mobility.

What to check before buying an airbag vest

• Type of use: city, road, touring or track.
• Size and fit with your usual riding gear.
• Compatibility with the jacket or suit.
• Areas of the body covered.
• Weight, ventilation and freedom of movement.
• Mechanical or electronic activation.
• Battery life and charging time, where applicable.
• Rearming procedure and cost.
• Requirement for periodic servicing.
• Possible additional services, registrations or subscriptions.

The airbag should be tried on with your complete riding gear and in a posture similar to the one used on the motorcycle. It must allow you to move your arms, turn your upper body and operate all controls without creating excessive pressure.

Motorcycle airbag maintenance

Airbags are technical protective systems and must be kept in good condition. Maintenance requirements will depend on the technology and the instructions provided by each manufacturer.

As a general rule, you should:

• Regularly inspect the condition of the garment and its fastenings.
• Check the tether and attachment point on mechanical systems.
• Check the battery, indicators and activation status on electronic systems.
• Follow the specified servicing intervals.
• Do not wash or immerse electronic or inflatable components unless authorised.
• Do not modify the airbag or install incompatible components.
• Follow the specified procedure after activation.
• Only replace cartridges with authorised part numbers.

Frequently asked questions about motorcycle airbags

Is wearing an airbag compulsory when riding a motorcycle?

Spanish regulations require an approved garment equipped with an airbag during the practical training courses for obtaining a category A driving licence. This requirement applies to students and also to the instructor when riding a motorcycle during the training.

This specific requirement came into force on 1 July 2025. The regulation governing these courses does not establish a date when airbags will become generally compulsory for all riders using public roads. It is therefore incorrect to claim that they will soon become compulsory unless a new regulation is officially published.

How much does a motorcycle airbag cost?

The price depends on the type of system, the technology used, the protected areas and whether it is a vest, jacket or full suit. Potential costs for cartridges, servicing, maintenance, subscriptions or rearming after activation must also be considered.

To compare two airbags correctly, consider the total cost of ownership rather than only the initial price.

Which motorcycles can be used with an airbag?

Most airbags are items of protective equipment worn by the rider and are not exclusively linked to a particular motorcycle model. However, mechanical systems require a suitable attachment point, while electronic systems must only be used under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.

You should also check whether the product is designed for road riding, track use, Adventure riding or other specific uses.

Can it be reused after deployment?

This depends on the system and the condition of the product. Some models can be rearmed by replacing a cartridge, while others must be sent to the manufacturer or an authorised service centre for inspection.

After deployment, the airbag must not be reused until the specified procedure has been completed and the airbag chamber, garment and mechanism have been checked for damage.

Can it be used with a backpack?

This will depend on the airbag and backpack models. The straps must not block the expansion areas or alter the system’s position. Before combining them, consult the instructions for both products and confirm that the manufacturer permits this configuration.

How do you choose the correct size?

The size should be selected using the manufacturer’s size chart and taking into account any clothing worn underneath. The airbag must remain securely positioned while having sufficient space to deploy.

If the system is worn underneath a jacket, you must also check that the jacket is compatible and has sufficient expansion capacity.

Why buy an airbag from Non Stop Bikes?

At Non Stop Bikes, we select protective systems from specialist brands and help you compare their operation, compatibility, maintenance and fit.

Buying your motorcycle airbag from Non Stop Bikes provides you with:

• Advice on choosing between a mechanical or electronic system.
• Help checking the correct size.
• Information about compatibility with jackets and suits.
• Airbag vests, jackets and suits, subject to availability.
• Support from our motorcycle shop in Tona, Barcelona.
• Delivery to Spain and other countries.

Buy airbags for road motorcycles

Browse our selection of airbags for road motorcycles and find a suitable solution for commuting, road rides, touring or sports riding.

If you have any questions, contact Non Stop Bikes and tell us your height, weight, chest measurement, jacket type and intended use. We will help you check the size, activation system and compatibility before placing your order.

Questions from our customers

When will motorcycle airbags become compulsory?

Currently, wearing a motorcycle airbag is not generally compulsory when riding in Spain. However, since 1 July 2025, it has been compulsory during practical training for obtaining a category A driving licence, both for students and for instructors when they are riding a motorcycle.

At present, there is no official date when its use will become compulsory for all riders. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended protective equipment, especially for road journeys, long-distance touring and sports riding. This information is consistent with the regulations published in the BOE and the information provided by the DGT.

How much does a motorcycle airbag cost?

The price of a motorcycle airbag depends on the type of garment, activation technology, brand and included features. A separate airbag vest will not cost the same as a jacket or suit with an integrated system.

You should also check whether the model requires replacement cartridges, periodic servicing, a battery, mobile app or additional service. At Non Stop Bikes, you will find different options to help you choose an airbag suited to your budget, riding gear and type of riding.

Which motorcycles can be used with an airbag?

Most airbags can be used with practically any motorcycle because they are protective systems worn by the rider. They are suitable for road, sports, naked, Trail, Adventure and touring motorcycles, scooters and other types of motorcycle.

Mechanically activated models require a suitable attachment point on the motorcycle. Electronic systems generally operate independently. In every case, check whether the airbag is designed to be worn over or underneath the jacket, allow the space required for inflation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Why does it require maintenance and how should this be carried out?

A motorcycle airbag is a technical protective system that must be kept in good condition so that it activates correctly when required. Maintenance varies depending on whether it is a mechanical or electronic model and according to each manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to inspect the garment, seams, activation system and gas cartridge regularly, as well as the battery and possible updates on electronic models. After deployment, the cartridge may need to be replaced, the system rearmed or the product sent to a service centre. It must not be modified or washed without following the brand’s instructions, as this could affect its operation and level of protection.