After a fall, most riders want to know one thing: can this airbag be used again? In most cases, yes. Helite airbags are built to be reset and reused rather than replaced after every deployment.
How long it stays inflated
The airbag stays inflated for around 5 to 7 minutes to continue supporting you after a fall. If you are somewhere safe and would rather deflate it sooner, you can unscrew the cartridge. We walk through the exact steps for resetting the system, including fitting a new cartridge, in a separate guide.
What to check before reusing it
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The fabric is not torn, and the airbag itself is not visible or pierced through the outer material.
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There are no cracks, breaks or corrosion on the trigger mechanism, release pin, or cartridge fitting.
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On mechanical systems, the lanyard and key-ball show no fraying, cracking or other damage.
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On electronic systems, the vest switches on normally when it has charge.
If any of these show up, or if you have just had a severe fall and are not sure whether the airbag is still in good working condition, it is best to get in touch with us before riding with it again rather than guess.
Can the cartridge be reused?
No. CO2 and e-cartridges are single use. Once a cartridge has been used, dispose of or recycle it according to local regulations and replace it with a new genuine Helite cartridge of the same size.
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 airbag stay inflated after a fall?
Around 5 to 7 minutes, to keep supporting you. You can deflate it sooner by unscrewing the cartridge once you are somewhere safe.
Do I need to send the airbag back to Helite to reset it?
No, provided the fabric is undamaged. You can reset it yourself in a couple of minutes by fitting a new cartridge. See our separate guide on inserting a new cartridge for the exact steps.
What should I check before reusing it?
Look for tears or holes in the fabric, damage to the trigger mechanism or cartridge fitting, and, on mechanical systems, wear on the lanyard and key-ball. If anything looks off, get in touch before using it again.
Can I reuse the CO2 or e-cartridge?
No, cartridges are single use. Replace a used one with a new genuine Helite cartridge of the same size.