After a deployment, the best thing about a Helite airbag is how quickly you are back in action. There is no sending the vest away and no specialist tools. You replace the spent cartridge with a fresh one and you are ready to ride again, usually in under two minutes. This guide walks through how to do it on both mechanical and electronic systems. If you want the background on cartridge sizes and the mechanical versus electronic difference, that is in our cartridges guide. If you want the detailed internal piston and key-ball reset for the mechanical system, see our reactivating guide.
Before you start: get the right cartridge
This is the single most important step, so it comes first. Replace your cartridge with a genuine Helite cartridge in the same capacity your vest is designed for.
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Check the label on your vest or liner to confirm the size, usually 60cc or 100cc on a mechanical vest, or the matching e-cartridge size on an electronic one.
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A mechanical vest takes a mechanical CO2 cartridge. An electronic vest takes an e-cartridge. They are not interchangeable.
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Do not substitute a different size or a non Helite cartridge. The wrong one can stop the system working as intended.
Step one: make sure the airbag has fully deflated
If you are replacing the cartridge after a deployment, let the airbag deflate first. Left alone, a Helite airbag deflates and recovers its shape on its own after several minutes. Unscrewing the spent cartridge speeds that up. There is no rush, work calmly.
Step two: remove the empty cartridge
Unscrew the used cartridge from the trigger mechanism by hand and remove it completely. Set it aside for proper disposal, a used CO2 cartridge should not go in your household waste. On an electronic system, take care with the cable as you unscrew the e-cartridge. Do not twist, kink or bend it.
Step three: inspect before you reload
Before fitting the new cartridge, take ten seconds to check the vest is in good condition:
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Look over the airbag fabric for any holes, rips or tears.
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Check the release pin and trigger components for rust, cracks or deterioration.
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On a mechanical system, confirm the key-ball and lanyard are in good shape and not frayed or worn.
If anything looks damaged, do not return the vest to service. Contact your dealer or Helite before riding again.
Step four: fit the new cartridge
Thread the new cartridge into the trigger mechanism by hand. Screw it in until it is snug and firmly seated, but do not force it. On an electronic system, screw the e-cartridge in carefully without twisting or bending the cable.
Step five: confirm the system is ready
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The cartridge is fully and firmly screwed in.
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On a mechanical system, the trigger is reset and the key-ball is seated correctly, ready for the lanyard.
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On an electronic system, the vest powers on normally and shows a normal operating status.
A note on reactivation care
An improper reactivation can prevent the airbag system from working properly. The process is genuinely simple, but if you have any doubt about whether you have done it right, do not guess. Helite publishes model specific tutorial videos, and we can confirm the procedure or check the vest for you.
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 it take to replace a Helite cartridge?
It is less than a two minute job. There is no need to send the vest anywhere and no special tools are required.
Which cartridge do I buy to reload my vest?
The same capacity your vest is designed for, in a genuine Helite cartridge. Check the label on your vest or liner.
Can I reuse a cartridge after it has deployed?
No. A CO2 cartridge is single use. Once it has fired it must be replaced with a new one of the same capacity before the airbag will work again.
How tight should the cartridge be?
Snug and firmly seated, but not forced. It needs to be properly screwed in so the seal pierces cleanly when the system triggers.
How do I dispose of the used cartridge?
Do not put it in household waste. Take the empty cartridge to a recycling or waste disposal point so it is handled properly.
What if the vest looks damaged when I inspect it?
Do not put it back into service. Contact your dealer or Helite before riding again.