Autoliv Revolutionizes Motorcycle Safety with Innovative Bag-on-Bike Airbag System
In an ambitious endeavor to enhance safety for the ever-increasing number of powered two-wheelers on the road, Autoliv, a global leader in automotive safety systems, is set to launch its groundbreaking motorcycle airbag system in 2025.
Autoliv’s bag-on-bike airbag aims to significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries for riders involved in frontal crashes, marking a remarkable milestone in motorcycle safety.
With urbanization on the rise and the practicality of powered two-wheelers becoming increasingly appealing, Autoliv recognizes the importance of prioritizing the safety of vulnerable road users.
While cars have benefited from advanced safety systems over the years, powered two-wheelers have not seen the same level of technological advancements in protecting their riders. Autoliv’s new airbag system aims to bridge this gap and provide a much-needed safety solution for motorcycle and scooter riders.
Mikael Bratt, the CEO and President of Autoliv, emphasized the company’s commitment to saving lives and developing innovative safety solutions for mobility and society as a whole. Autoliv’s dedication to protecting vulnerable road users, including powered two-wheeler riders, aligns with its sustainability agenda.
Extensive research and a comprehensive approach to motorcycle safety have shaped Autoliv’s development of the bag-on-bike airbag system. The company has focused on two sets of solutions: on-vehicle safety solutions and on-rider safety solutions. The first product to hit the market will be the bag-on-bike airbag, with production scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.
Jordi Lombarte, the Chief Technical Officer at Autoliv, outlined the company’s goal of offering a complete and cost-efficient bag-on-bike system to enable the widespread adoption of this groundbreaking technology across a wide range of motorcycles. The Autoliv bag-on-bike airbag system comprises an airbag along with an optional in-house-developed electronic crash sensor, providing a comprehensive safety solution for riders.
Autoliv’s commitment to safety extends beyond product development. The company has leveraged real-life data to gain insights into powered two-wheeler riding behavior and crashes. By understanding the most frequent types of accidents and injuries, Autoliv can effectively assess them in laboratory environments. Through virtual and physical testing, the company has demonstrated the immense benefits of the airbag system in frontal crashes. However, Autoliv acknowledges the need for additional solutions to cover a broader range of crash scenarios and rider behaviors.
Recognizing the importance of motorcycle rider safety, regulatory bodies and consumer crash test organizations are working towards improving standards. Euro NCAP, known for its rigorous crash tests, is expanding its evaluation criteria to include powered two-wheeler crash scenarios.
By doing so, Euro NCAP aims to enhance motorcycle rider safety through comprehensive vehicle crash avoidance testing. Additionally, in Asia, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) plans to incorporate on-vehicle safety solution ratings into its Malaysian Motorcycle Assessment Program (MyMAP) by 2024.
Autoliv’s bag-on-bike airbag system represents a significant leap forward in motorcycle safety, combining extensive research, technological innovation, and a commitment to saving lives.
As the number of powered two-wheelers continues to grow, Autoliv’s pioneering approach to improve safety for riders underscores the company’s dedication to its vision of Saving More Lives.
photos: Autoliv