A Helite mechanical airbag vest looks simple from the outside, and that is the point. There is no battery and no electronics. The whole system runs on five mechanical parts working together, and understanding them makes the vest easier to live with and to maintain.
How the system works, in one paragraph
When you are thrown from the bike in a fall, the lanyard pulls the key-ball out of the release pin. A spring inside the pin relaxes and drives a needle into the CO2 cartridge, which pierces it and inflates the airbag almost instantly. For a full walkthrough of the system in daily use, see our mechanical system guide.
The release pin
The release pin is the trigger mechanism. Inside it sits a spring held under tension by the key-ball. When the key-ball is pulled clear, the spring releases and pushes a needle into the cartridge. The amount of pull required depends on the vest size, from child sizes up to 6XL. Do not dismantle the release pin or remove any of its parts. It is set up to fire correctly as supplied, and taking it apart can stop it working when you need it.
The airbag
The airbag itself is made of polyurethane, chosen for its strength and quality. Once inflated, it holds an optimal pressure that absorbs impact, then gradually softens as the pressure decreases. It covers the vital areas: neck, back, abdomen, chest, hips and sacrum. The airbag protects you only while it is inflated, and only the areas it covers. It should not be exposed to temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius.
The CO2 cartridge
The cartridge holds the compressed gas that fills the airbag, matched in size to the volume of the airbag so the protection is right for the body it is built for. We cover cartridge sizes, care and storage in full in a dedicated guide.
The key-ball
The key-ball is the small ball that sits in the release pin and keeps the spring loaded, ready to fire. It has a clip at one end. While you ride, that clip is hooked to the lanyard. In a fall, the lanyard pulls the key-ball out, and that is the moment the system activates.
The lanyard
The lanyard is the cord that connects the vest to the strap on your motorcycle. You clip it in every time you get on, the same way you would fasten a seatbelt, and unclip before you get off. Check it regularly for wear, and replace it if it frays or loses its elasticity. We cover exactly how to install it 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 does a mechanical motorcycle airbag work?
A lanyard connects the vest to the bike. In a fall, the lanyard pulls a key-ball out of the release pin, a spring drives a needle into the CO2 cartridge, and the released gas inflates the airbag in about a tenth of a second.
What are the main parts of a Helite airbag vest?
Five parts: the release pin (the trigger), the polyurethane airbag, the CO2 cartridge, the key-ball that holds the spring loaded, and the lanyard that links the vest to the motorcycle.
Can I take the release pin apart to inspect it?
No. The release pin should not be dismantled. It is set up to fire correctly as supplied, and taking it apart can stop it working. If you have concerns, contact your dealer or Helite.
Is the airbag reusable after it goes off?
Yes. After a deployment you fit a new cartridge and reset the mechanism, and the airbag returns to normal. Only the cartridge is single use.
How is this different from the electronic system?
The electronic system replaces the lanyard and key-ball with onboard sensors that detect a fall automatically. Both inflate the same style of airbag. See our full comparison guide if you are deciding between the two.