Motorcycles do not have airbags widely available due to technical and economic challenges. Unlike cars, which have structural spaces to accommodate the equipment, motorcycles face physical difficulties for installation.
Additionally, accident dynamics vary widely, including side falls and rider ejections, making it complicated to design an effective airbag for different scenarios.
The high cost is also a limiting factor, as many motorcyclists opt for more affordable models and are not willing to pay extra for this safety technology.
Currently, the Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing is one of the few motorcycles on the market with an airbag, but its implementation increases the vehicle’s price even further. The system requires additional components, such as belts to keep the airbag in place, which contributes to driving up the final price. As demand for affordable motorcycles is greater, manufacturers do not prioritize this investment, waiting for a more favorable scenario for the adoption of this technology.
However, this may change soon. Swedish company Autoliv, in partnership with Italian Piaggio, is developing a new system called “bag-on-bike“, expected to hit the market later this year. This airbag will be installed on the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled scooter and will feature an inflatable bag and electronic sensors to reduce the impact of frontal collisions.
While advancements like ABS and traction control have already become common, this new development could represent an important step in improving motorcyclist safety.
Source: Olhar Digital | Photo: Freepik | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team