The Tech-Air 5 is an advanced standalone airbag system designed for motorcycle riders, providing comprehensive upper body protection. Developed by Alpinestars after nearly 20 years of research, it represents cutting-edge safety technology for motorcyclists.
Core Technology
The Tech-Air 5 features an active electronic system with six integrated sensors – three gyroscopes and three accelerometers – housed in the back protector12. This sophisticated system uses AI-powered crash detection algorithms developed from extensive research with MotoGP riders and analysis of millions of kilometers of riding data and thousands of crashes35. When the system detects a crash, it deploys the airbag within 20-40 milliseconds, providing protection that reduces impact force by up to 95% compared to passive protectors23.
Protection Coverage
The airbag system provides comprehensive protection to the rider’s:
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Ribs
- Full back
This coverage is particularly important for shoulder protection, which is critical in road impacts and helps minimize the risk of shoulder and collarbone injuries46. The Tech-Air 5 offers protection equivalent to 18 CE Level 1 back protectors23.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1,530g (3.3 pounds) for Tech-Air 5 Plasma5 |
| Battery Life | Approximately 30 hours of riding time12 |
| Charging Time | Approximately 4-5 hours12 |
| Inflation Time | 20-40 milliseconds23 |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +50°C1 |
| Sensors | 6 integrated sensors (3 gyroscopes, 3 accelerometers)23 |
| Certification | Category II certified PPE, tested with reference to EN 1621-4:20137 |
Design Features
The Tech-Air 5 is designed with user convenience and comfort in mind:
- Standalone system requiring no connection to the motorcycle12
- Slim profile that can be worn under any well-fitted textile jacket or Tech-Air compatible jacket46
- Magnetic zip closure for ease of use and security2
- LED display on the front hem indicating operational status23
- Ergonomic shape for better compatibility with riding gear1
- Lightweight and breathable mesh fabric main chassis construction2
- Perforated zones and ventilation channels for enhanced airflow12
Operating Modes
The system offers multiple riding modes that can be switched via the Tech-Air App12:
- Street Mode: Optimized for normal roads and situations where the rider might be hit while stopped5
- Race Mode: Designed for closed-course track use25
- Offroad Mode: Available in newer versions, allowing adventure riders to push performance limits off-road5
Connectivity
The Tech-Air 5 features Bluetooth connectivity to pair with the Tech-Air App, which provides235:
- System operational status monitoring
- Battery status checking
- Detailed ride analysis with route mapping
- Firmware updates
- Ability to switch between riding modes
The newest version, Tech-Air 5 Plasma, is over 25% lighter than the original Tech-Air 5, features a single canister design for faster inflation, and includes an integrated back protector constructed with Nucleon Plasma technology for optimal impact absorption while maintaining flexibility and ventilation5.
Citations:
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/alpinestars-tech-air-5-motorcycle-airbag-system-2011178/