You'll see two names on Helite's certification paperwork: CRITT Sport Loisirs and Alienor Certification. Here's what each one does, why Helite works with them, and what that means if you're riding in New Zealand.
What is Alienor and CRITT certification?
CRITT Sport Loisirs is an independent French testing laboratory. It's accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for testing labs, and it's where the physical testing of the airbag happens.
Alienor Certification is part of the same group. It's the organisation legally recognised as an EU Notified Body, number 2754, meaning it's the one authorised to issue the actual CE certificate once testing is complete.
In short: CRITT tests it, Alienor certifies it. Both are independent third parties, not Helite testing or certifying its own product.
Why Helite uses this higher level certification
Rather than testing every product against one generic standard, Helite works with CRITT Sport Loisirs to build a testing protocol specific to each product category. Alienor Certification then independently assesses the product against that protocol before issuing certification.
This means an airbag vest, a backpack airbag, and a mechanical or electronic trigger system are each tested on criteria built for that specific product, rather than measured against a single one-size-fits-all benchmark.
The New Zealand situation
There is no New Zealand standard, mandatory or voluntary, that a motorcycle airbag is measured against. This isn't a gap specific to Helite. It applies to every airbag product sold here.
Helmets are the exception: New Zealand has a mandatory standard for those. Motorcycle protective clothing and airbags simply aren't regulated the same way. MotoCAP, the voluntary Australia and New Zealand testing scheme, covers jackets, pants and gloves, but it doesn't test airbags, and it isn't mandatory either.
So where does that leave Helite's certification?
Helite products do not carry EN 1621-4 certification, the general European standard for inflatable protectors. In our view, that isn't a shortfall. It reflects Helite working with CRITT Sport Loisirs and Alienor Certification to test each product specifically, on criteria built around how it's actually worn and used, rather than relying on one generic, one-size-fits-all standard.
If you would like to see the declaration of conformity for a specific model, get in touch with our team at contact@helite.co.nz.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alienor Certification a real, independent certifying body?
Yes. It's an accredited EU Notified Body, number 2754, legally authorised to certify PPE under EU regulation 2016/425. It's a separate organisation from Helite, not Helite certifying itself.
What does CRITT Sport Loisirs do?
It's the independent testing laboratory that develops and runs the test protocol for each product category. Alienor Certification then certifies the product based on that testing.
Does Helite's airbag carry EN 1621-4 certification?
No. Helite is certified by Alienor Certification against a protocol built specifically for the product, rather than the general EN 1621-4 standard.
Is there a New Zealand standard for motorcycle airbags?
No. New Zealand has no mandatory or voluntary standard covering motorcycle airbags. Helmets are regulated; protective clothing and airbags are not.
Does MotoCAP cover airbags?
No. MotoCAP tests jackets, pants and gloves. It doesn't test airbag systems, and its testing is voluntary rather than mandatory.