MOTOAIRBAG M1: Dual Airbag with Fast Lock Technology

In recent years, the development of motorcycle airbags has focused heavily on electronic systems: digital sensors, batteries, software, apps and ever more complex control units. The MOTOAIRBAG M1 deliberately takes a different path. At the heart of the system is Fast Lock an analogue technology that combines the simple handling of a mechanical system with the ability to detect the sudden dynamics of a crash. The result is an airbag system that needs no battery, software, GPS, smartphone connection or subscription, yet is still designed to react particularly quickly at the decisive moment.

At first glance, you might think the MOTOAIRBAG M1 is simply connected to the bike via a conventional lanyard. In reality, there is a far more sophisticated principle behind it. The Fast Lock module houses an analogue acceleration sensor that detects the dynamics of the movement. During normal, slow movements, the connecting cable can unwind freely. So if, for example, you get off the bike and forget to unhook, the airbag is not automatically triggered. If, on the other hand, there is an abrupt movement with high acceleration, as is typical in a crash when rider and bike are suddenly separated, Fast Lock locks the reel mechanism within a few centimetres. If the specified pulling force is then exceeded, the airbag system is activated. The operating principle is reminiscent of a car seatbelt: in normal use it remains free to move, but in the event of a sudden movement it locks instantly.

One of the great strengths of Fast Lock is its simplicity. The system requires no: · battery or charging, · software, · GPS, · smartphone app, · mobile network connection, · software updates · or paid subscriptions. The rider puts on the vest, hooks the carabiner onto the bike and the system is ready to go. No battery level to check, no app to launch and no connection to establish. It is precisely this uncomplicated use that is a central part of the Motoairbag concept.

The MOTOAIRBAG M1 does not work with a single air chamber. The Dual Airbag System consists of two separate airbags: one for the back and one for the front of the upper body. The total airbag volume is around 25 litres, distributed across the back and chest area. This creates a large protective zone around the upper body and neck area. The two separate airbags also allow the protection of the front and back to be designed specifically and independently of each other.

Ultimately, what matters with a motorcycle airbag is not how complex its technology is, but how much protection it actually delivers. The MOTOAIRBAG M1 is certified to the European standard EN 1621-4 and achieves Level 2, the highest protection level provided for in this standard. In addition, the system was awarded 5 stars in the French SRA test procedure. This means the MOTOAIRBAG M1 meets two different and demanding rating systems for motorcycle airbags. The philosophy behind it is clear: maximum protection with the simplest possible use.

When triggered, the Dual Airbag System inflates in around 80 to 85 milliseconds. CO₂ cartridges are used, and after deployment the system can be made ready for use again by replacing the cartridges in accordance with the procedure specified by the manufacturer. This means the Motoairbag M1 is not only uncomplicated in everyday use, but also easy to handle after an activation.

The MOTOAIRBAG M1 was designed to be worn over normal motorcycle gear. This means riders can keep using their existing motorcycle jacket and add the airbag as an additional outer layer of protection. Since the airbag sits on the outside, there is also no need to allow for additional expansion space inside the motorcycle jacket. Those who prefer a fully integrated solution will find it in the MOTOAIRBAG V4, a motorcycle jacket with the Dual Airbag System and Fast Lock technology already built in.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the MOTOAIRBAG M1 is how it combines two things that often seem to be opposites in modern safety technology: technology and simplicity. Fast Lock uses an analogue principle to detect the dynamics of a crash without electronics, a battery or digital algorithms. The Dual Airbag System protects the chest and back with two separate air chambers. Certifications to EN 1621-4 Level 2 and SRA 5 stars confirm the system's high level of protection. The idea behind it is simple: a motorcycle airbag should offer the best possible protection but at the same time be so uncomplicated that you actually use it on every ride.

Quick installation on the bike Before the vest can do its job, the bike-side counterpart of the Fast Lock has to be fitted. In our test, the supplied bracket including D-ring was quick and easy to attach to the bike. According to the official instructions, you should choose a sturdy part of the frame under the seat that is not too close to extreme heat sources (such as the exhaust) or moving parts. In our test, the whole process took just a few minutes and requires no in-depth mechanical knowledge.

Comfort on motorway and country roads On longer stints of more than two hours, the focus was on wearing comfort. The vest design allowed it to be combined with a standard touring jacket without any problems. Although the system carries some weight of its own due to the integrated airbags and cartridges, the vest subjectively did not feel excessively heavy while riding. Even after several hours of uninterrupted riding, there was no shoulder pain or tension in the upper body. During fuel stops or short breaks, the vest offered enough freedom of movement that it did not necessarily have to be taken off.