A Helite airbag vest does not have a fixed expiry date. How long it lasts comes down to how you use it and how you look after it. A little routine care keeps it ready to protect you and keeps the warranty valid.
Here is how to clean it, store it, check it and service it, plus how to recycle parts at the end of their life. For warranty details and when to contact after sales service, see our dedicated guide.
Washing
Clean the vest gently. The fabric and the airbag inside it do not tolerate normal laundry methods.
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Wash with a sponge or soft cloth, using soap.
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Never immerse it in water, machine wash it, or dry clean it.
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Do not use detergents or bleach.
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Do not iron it, tumble dry it, or dry it on a radiator.
After cleaning, dry it on a clothes hanger in a dry place, away from moisture.
Storage
Store the vest somewhere dry after every use.
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Avoid extreme temperatures, such as a closed vehicle in the sun, next to a strong heat source, or left outside in winter.
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Keep it away from flammable surfaces and objects.
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Do not place or store heavy objects on top of it.
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Do not leave it folded or rolled up. Hang it on a clothes hanger.
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Keep it away from rodents and other animals, and out of reach of children.
[Image placeholder: Vest stored on a hanger in a dry space. Optional lifestyle image, can be your own photography or licensed stock.]
The annual cartridge check
Once a year, check the weight of your cartridge. This is a quick way to confirm it still holds a full charge of gas.
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Unscrew the cartridge. This does not inflate the airbag.
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Weigh it on a scale accurate to the gram.
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Compare the reading to the weight printed on the cartridge label.
The weight should be within about 3 grams of the label figure for 50cc, 60cc and 85cc cartridges, or within about 5 grams for 100cc cartridges. If the weight is outside tolerance, or anything else seems wrong, contact your dealer or Helite customer service before relying on the vest.
Recycling old parts
An empty cartridge or an airbag at the end of its life should not go in the household bin. Check your local waste disposal rules through your council or waste centre.
Warranty and after sales service
Your airbag also carries its own warranty, and there are specific signs that mean it is worth contacting us rather than resetting it yourself.
If you have questions about which Helite model suits your riding, get in touch with our team at contact@helite.co.nz
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a Helite airbag vest?
Wipe it with a sponge or soft cloth and soap. Never machine wash, dry clean, bleach, iron or tumble dry it, and never immerse it in water. Dry it on a hanger in a dry place.
How often should I check my airbag cartridge?
Once a year. Unscrew it, weigh it on a gram scale, and compare to the label weight. It should be within 3g for 50cc, 60cc and 85cc cartridges, or within 5g for 100cc cartridges.
Does a Helite airbag vest expire?
There is no fixed expiry date. Service life depends on use and maintenance.
How do I dispose of an old cartridge?
Do not put it in household waste. Follow your local council or waste centre rules.