A motorcycle aribag from the Helite brand -

Helite

  • Until October 15, the inhabitants of Loire-Atlantique can order a “motorcycle airbag vest” at a discounted price.

  • A way to promote this still little known equipment, often considered too expensive and not very aesthetic.

It's a good plan that is passed on between bikers.

In recent days, a commercial and unusual operation has been organized by the Loire-Atlantique prefecture.

Until October 15, users of two-wheelers can order from her a "motorcycle airbag vest" at a discounted price: usually sold for 550 euros, the selected model, from the French brand Hélite, is available at 280 euros, a reduction of almost 50%.

A means that the prefecture found to promote this still little known equipment, while 17 bikers and mopeds lost their lives on the roads of the department in 2019. “It helps protect the thorax, the spine, the various vital organs , much better than with a jacket, explains Yann Roorick, project manager for two motorized wheels with the prefect of Loire-Atlantique.

Unlike the helmet and approved gloves, it is not mandatory but it is reliable equipment, which must come in addition.

It would be desirable for the price to drop, because it dissuades many people from equipping themselves.

"

The motorcycle airbag is in the form of a chasuble, inside which a pocket is attached to a small gas cartridge.

The model selected is wired, that is to say a strap (attached to an element of the motorcycle) enables the inflation of the vest as soon as the victim is ejected from his machine during an impact or 'a collision.

The motorcycle airbag can also be electronic: its activation is done by sensors and the user often has to pay, in addition, a monthly subscription.

"Not aesthetic"

But the cost does not seem to be the only obstacle to the democratization of this equipment.

According to a consultation carried out by the Federation of Angry Motorcyclists (FFMC) last year (8% of members surveyed said they already have such an airbag), a third of respondents feared use "too restrictive".

“Of course, it is sometimes cumbersome when you walk and you have to keep it in your hand, recognizes Yann Roorick.

On the other hand, on oneself, it is relatively light and airy.

We don't feel it!

"Still according to this study, 66% of the bikers questioned judge the vest, often black or fluorescent yellow," not aesthetic ".

Criticisms that have already been heard several times by Jean-Paul Brevet, president of the Casim 44 association. "Some bikers are concerned about their image, and sometimes favor the look to the detriment of safety," regrets the representative of the Chaîne d ' friendship for the safety and information of bikers.

I tell them that the pleasure of a motorbike is not necessarily to be well dressed, but rather to ride serenely.

And that it is better to invest in an airbag than in a wheelchair… ”

According to the Loire-Atlantique prefecture, users of motorized two-wheelers represent 21% of those killed, while they only constitute 2% of users.

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