An airbag on your motorcycle? The future of motorcycle safety under subscription

The electronics revolution: is it sustainable to pay to have an active airbag on your motorcycle?

The concept of having lifetime access to a software program has passed into history, and with it, the automotive industry faces an unexpected turn: subscription as a business model. It is no longer just the software that powers cars, but also safety equipment that promises to save lives. This is what is happening with airbags for bikers, a system whose technology is driven by the most advanced electronics, but which comes with a monthly or annual price to keep it active.

A few years ago, car brands rubbed their hands when they saw how new electronics and cloud connectivity opened up new business opportunities. It wasn't just a matter of selling cars; The objective was to generate recurring income through subscriptions for activating components already installed in vehicles. This is how services such as the activation of heated seats, premium sound systems or even more engine power were born. However, when the consumer saw that they had to pay monthly fees to access features that were already part of their car, the reaction was not exactly positive.

At first, this business model seemed to have been left behind, but now it is re-emerging stronger than ever. The airbag for bikers is the new battlefield. A system whose mechanical part, such as the vest and inflation bags, has existed for years. However, what really makes it sophisticated and expensive is the electronic part that integrates sensors, chips and software to manage the deployment of the airbag in the event of an accident. The electronics are, without a doubt, the most expensive part to develop, with algorithms designed to make precise decisions in fractions of a second.

In 2014, a French company called In&motion set out to change the rules of the game. Founded by Rémi Thomas and Pierre-François Tissot in Annecy, the company designed a system that manages the “smart” part of motorcycle airbags. Its product, the In&Box, combines advanced electronics with algorithms that allow accidents to be detected and the airbag activated at the right time. This control unit, which is installed in the airbag vest, allows motorcycle brands to avoid the cost and complexity of developing their own software system and updates.

At first, this may seem like an attractive solution for motorcycle equipment manufacturers, since they delegate the task of managing software and security updates to In&motion. Brands such as RST, Tucano Urbano, Furigan, Held, Honda, IXS, Hyod, Klim and Shot have adhered to this system and offer airbag vests with In&motion technology incorporated.

The problem comes when we look at the cost of this “additional security.” The price of a vest with an airbag is around 300 euros, but this is useless without activating the In&motion software, which is not cheap. The French company offers two options to access its system:

Classic Plan: For 400 euros, you acquire the software and hardware for life. However, you only get a two-year warranty, which means that at the end of this period you may be left without an airbag if the In&Box fails.
Revolution Plan: For 120 euros per year or 12 euros per month, you pay for a system lease, which guarantees that you will always have a functional device, even if the hardware breaks down.

The big question is whether this business model will be sustainable, especially if airbags become mandatory equipment for bikers. If the maintenance, insurance and tax costs for motorcycles and scooters are already high, adding 120 euros per year for a mandatory airbag could make the costs skyrocket. Without taking into account possible expenses for repairs or replacement parts.

In this context, who will really benefit from this model? On the one hand, brands and manufacturers of airbag vests can see this model as a constant source of income, but is it fair to impose a fee on consumers for something that, in principle, should be part of safety equipment? In the near future, the situation could become more restrictive for bikers, unless authorities or brands find a way to make this type of safety more accessible.

Users are also in a difficult situation. While the technology is impressive and can save lives, the costs associated with maintaining these types of systems could be excessive. What was once a one-time purchase option could become an annual financial burden, similar to what happens with car subscription systems, but with the difference that these are not additional components, but rather essential elements for safety.

The future of the airbag for bikers will depend on several factors. Brands, users and authorities will have to find a balance between technological innovation, economic accessibility and road safety. In the meantime, bikers will have to ask themselves if they are really willing to pay for the “digital security” of their vest, and if the benefit justifies the cost.

FAQ

Why do motorcycle airbags now require a subscription? Advanced technology in motorcycle airbags is driven by software that must be continually updated and maintained. The subscription ensures that the system functions correctly during its useful life.
What does the In&Box system include? In&Box is a system that combines hardware and software to manage the airbag. It includes sensors, chips and algorithms that allow the activation of the airbag in the event of an accident.
How much does it cost to activate a motorcycle airbag? The cost of an airbag vest is about 300 euros, but you also need to pay for software activation. In&motion offers two options: a single payment of 400 euros or an annual leasing plan of 120 euros.
How long does the In&motion system warranty last? With the Classic Plan, the warranty is two years, after which you could be left without coverage if the In&Box fails. With the Revolution Plan, the guarantee is for life.
What happens if the In&Box breaks after the warranty? If it breaks after two years, there is no warranty. Repairs can be expensive, and in some cases, it might be cheaper to buy a new device.
Will airbags become mandatory for all bikers? There is a possibility that airbags will become mandatory in the future, which could increase maintenance costs and make motorcycles more expensive to maintain.
What other additional costs are related to motorcycle airbags? Apart from the cost of the subscription, bikers must take into account the maintenance of the inflation system, the replacement of gas bulbs and other associated expenses.
Is it fair to pay for a security subscription? Consumer opinion varies. Some believe the advanced technology justifies the cost, while others believe it should be a one-time investment with no additional fees.
Do motorcycle brands support this business model? Several motorcycle equipment brands, such as Honda and Tucano Urbano, have already adopted this model for their airbag vests.
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