Who Knew? Best New Motorcycle Safety Tool Is In the Pants!
Hey, get those minds out of the gutter. Airbag pants designed to protect motorcycle riders could actually save your butt.
Safety is an ongoing and ever-involving issue for cyclists. Over the years a number of products and accessories have come on the market to protecting motorcycle riders. But too much of a good thing is never enough, especially when it comes to safety. We’re not going to lie, when we first got wind of these very unusual pants from CX Air Design, we did laugh. Inflating pants? Then we checked them out and realized that this is a really great idea.
Founder Xavier Bouquillard de Milleret is himself an avid motorcycle fan. After his fair share of accidents he thought, “there’s got to be a better way!” And what he came up it is really pretty genius, and based on a simple but important goal: Protect the riders legs.
The French-based company just started the official launch of their CX Air Dynamics airbag pants. The pants are worn over clothing, and are easy to put on; like a cooler lighter snow suit. They are available in a wide range of sizes and will suit a number of climate conditions. Upon impact they deploy like an airbag, cushioning and protecting the body. So, quite literally, they are pants that are an airbag.
“In the event of a fall, 63 percent of injuries are concentrated on the lower limbs, whereas no protective device existed until today,” he explains.
As the important component for de Milleret’s design is protecting cyclists’ lower body, the seasoned rider knew what would work and what would be too uncomfortable or impractical. To ensure his product worked he spent three years doing research and development. The fabric would need to be really tough, but also comfortable.
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Should an accident occur, the pants are activated by a wired system and small air cartridge that inflates the airbag in less that 200 milliseconds. Even when the overpants are inflated, they have freedom of movement. Allowing riders to can get up, get assistance, and ideally, walk away unharmed.
Plus, it is cool looking gear. And there is no worry that you’ll end up looking inflated yourself.
What drove de Milleret’s to pursue this ambitious project? In his case when inspiration struck, it was a mother.
“Seventeen fractures in a motorcycle accident, that’s the kind of experience that marks you!” says de Milleret. “It was after this episode that the idea came to me. Too many motorcycle pants are left in the closet because they are considered constraining, not suitable for everyday use… So, as a former student pilot, I had the idea of combining the airbag with anti-G technology used for fighter pilot suits. And because safety equipment is only worth it if it is worn, these overpants are designed to be comfortable, practical in your daily travels.”
It is a simple idea, but could be a lifesaver. And honestly, they look pretty good to us. CX Air Dynamics airbag pants have started rolling out in limited numbers, but is gaining traction. You can go online to check availability.
Photos: Harley-Davidson; CX Air Dynamics
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