A Swedish company has developed a pair of jeans equipped with airbags that can automatically inflate within milliseconds after the wearer falls off a motorcycle.
Airbag jeans for motorcyclists. (Image: Mo’cycle).
The Swedish company Mo’cycle has developed jeans that can quickly inflate after a motorcyclist falls to protect the lower body, Interesting Engineering reported on February 18. The jeans feature a replaceable CO2 chamber that releases gas when the rider begins to be thrown off the motorcycle.
“The new jeans are as comfortable as any other pair. They are made from water-resistant, breathable, and abrasion-resistant fabric,” Mo’cycle stated on their website. However, to detect a fall, the jeans must be connected to the motorcycle. Mo’cycle’s elastic connection allows the rider to move freely while still attached to the bike, meaning the motorcycle does not require any special modifications to attach the cord.
When the rider starts to be thrown from the seat due to an accident, the cord will pull and detach from the jeans. At this point, the airbag in the jeans is activated and inflates. This process is initiated by a spring-loaded piston that passes through the CO2 chamber, releasing CO2 and inflating the airbag. The entire process occurs very quickly, with the airbag fully inflating before the rider hits the ground.
“The fabric of the protective jeans is highly abrasion-resistant yet looks like regular denim. Before activation, the airbag is completely invisible. It will inflate just a few milliseconds after being activated,” Mo’cycle explained.
After an accident, the airbag will deflate, and the jeans will return to their original size. Users can replace the CO2 chamber to prepare for their next ride. The airbag requires approximately 40 kg of force to activate, ensuring it will only inflate when the wearer falls off the motorcycle, avoiding inconvenient situations. The new jeans are expected to retail for nearly $500 and will be available at the end of this month.
