Helite's electronic system takes a different approach to the mechanical version. Instead of a physical tether to the bike, it uses onboard sensors to recognise when a fall or crash is happening, and triggers the airbag automatically.
How it detects a fall
Two sensors work together. The CDU sensor sits inside the vest and tracks the rider's motion. An optional SDU sensor mounts on the motorcycle's fork and detects impacts to the bike itself. Combined, they trigger an e-cartridge to inflate the airbag, typically in under 100 milliseconds once a fall or crash is recognised.
What it can and cannot detect
Without the fork sensor, the system detects accidents from about 20km/h and up, including impacts from the front, side or rear, and slides or falls such as a high side or low side. It uses GPS signal to help judge the situation, so detection can be affected if the GPS signal is poor. Adding the fork sensor extends detection down to 0km/h, covering situations such as being struck while stopped, and roughly halves detection time for impacts against another vehicle.
Battery life and charging
The vest runs for around 25 hours of active use on a full charge, and recharges over USB in around 3 hours using the Helite cable supplied with the vest. It switches to standby automatically after roughly 30 to 45 seconds without movement, and wakes again the moment you move. The fork sensor is not rechargeable, but its own battery lasts around 5 years. It is worth checking it monthly with the pairing magnet: a green light means it is fine, a red light means the battery is low, and no light means it needs replacing.
Getting started
Switch the vest on with a triple press of the power button. A flashing green LED and a beep confirm it is active. Any number of vests can be paired to the same fork sensor, which is useful if you also ride with a pillion.
Resetting after a fall
If the fabric is undamaged, fit a new e-cartridge of the same size and reconnect the cable to the vest. The airbag deflates gradually on its own after a deployment. If it deflates in under 5 seconds instead, this can indicate damage to the fabric, and it is best to get in touch rather than keep using it. We cover the full reset steps in a separate guide.
Who should not use the electronic system
Helite's user guide advises that people using a pacemaker or other electromedical device should not use the electronic system, since the risk of interference has not been tested. Anyone with a back or neck condition, or who has had recent abdominal or thoracic surgery, should seek their doctor's advice first, and the system is not recommended for pregnant riders without medical advice.
A note on sensitivity
Because the vest sensor responds to sudden body movement, unnecessary abrupt movements or knocks to the fork sensor could trigger the airbag. We cover this, and accidental inflation on both systems, in a dedicated guide.
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 long does the battery last?
Around 25 hours of active use per charge, recharging over USB in about 3 hours.
Does the fork sensor need charging?
No. It runs on its own battery for around 5 years and is not rechargeable. Check it monthly with the pairing magnet, and replace it once the battery is low or depleted.
Can multiple vests pair to the same fork sensor?
Yes, any number of vests can be paired to one sensor, which is helpful if you ride with a pillion.
Will it detect a fall at low speed or while stopped?
Only with the optional fork sensor fitted, which extends detection down to 0km/h. Without it, detection starts from about 20km/h.
Is there a subscription fee?
No. The electronic system is a one-off purchase with no ongoing subscription.
Can anyone use the electronic system?
Helite advises against it for people using a pacemaker or similar device, and recommends medical advice first for anyone with a back or neck condition, recent abdominal or thoracic surgery, or who is pregnant.