The Alpinestars Tech-Air® 3 System is an active safety system designed for sport and recreational motorcycling, offering protection to the upper body for both riders and passengers. It's a standalone airbag system integrated into a vest, providing additional protection from impacts and abrasion during motorcycle accidents. The system covers the user's chest and full back and is designed for use in both road riding and light off-road situations (with specific limitations).
Function Description:
The Tech-Air® 3 System operates as an active safety system. In the event of an accident or other triggering event, the system deploys an airbag to protect the user's chest and full back. It's designed to be worn over standard motorcycling gear. The system is equipped with an Integrated Airbag Electronic Control Unit, a LED Display, and sensors (a triaxial accelerometer and a triaxial gyroscope) to monitor the user's body for shocks or unexpected movements. The system uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to connect to a mobile phone for additional information and functionalities via the Tech-Air® App.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Coverage Area: Chest and full back.
- Deployment Conditions: Designed to function in road riding and light off-road riding situations. Specific conditions for deployment in crashes against obstacles, stationary crashes, low-side crashes, and high-side crashes are detailed, with varying relative arrival speeds and impact angles.
- Airbag Inflation: The system is designed to inflate and protect the user's covered body areas upon impact.
- Battery: Rechargeable via a Magnetic Charging Cable (8) and a Type C USB Adapter (7). Charging occurs when ambient temperature is between 0°C and 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F). The battery slowly self-discharges, requiring periodic recharging (at least once every 18 months) to prevent drainage and extend battery life.
- Inflator: Contains one pyrotechnically activated cold gas inflator. The airbag is certified for up to three inflations. After the third deployment, a full service including airbag replacement is mandatory.
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU): Records the number of deployments. After the third deployment, it indicates a System Fault (steady red light) and remains locked until serviced.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device for connection to the Tech-Air® App.
- Certification: Classified as a Life-Saving, self-inflating Jacket, UN 2990 class 9. Complies with EU Regulation 2016/425 and UK legislation Regulation 2016/425. FCC and Canadian compliance statements are provided for electromagnetic stability.
- Storage Temperature: Between -20°C and +60°C (-4°F to 140°F).
- Protection Level: Full Back and Full Chest protection, tested according to 1621-4:2013 standard, achieving Level 2 with average force transmitted ≤ 2.5kN and peak ≤ 3.0kN.
Usage Features:
- Sizing: Available in sizes XS to 4XL for men, and STELLA versions (XS to XXL) for women. Sizing is based on waist-to-shoulder length (WSL) and body measurements (chest, waist, hip, thigh, inner leg, outer arm, height). Correct fit is crucial for maximum protection.
- Activation: The system is switched on by closing the Activation Zip (1) from bottom to top. A vibration and LED Display (2) turning on signal activation.
- System Check: After switching on, the system performs a check. A solid blue LED indicates readiness to deploy. The system becomes fully active after approximately 10 seconds of riding.
- Switching Off: Open the Activation Zip (1). The system shuts down after about 1 second, confirmed by the LED Display (2) switching off and a long vibration.
- Compatible Garments: Can be worn over standard motorcycling gear. For sizes S or larger, it should be worn with a Tech-Air® Ready Alpinestars' outer garment of the same size or a non-Tech-Air® Ready garment one size larger, provided it meets specific chest circumference criteria for airbag inflation. Sizes smaller than S must be worn only OVER the protective outer garment.
- Pockets: Only blunt objects that fit comfortably should be transported in the system's pockets. Sharp or bulky objects can compromise airbag inflation or cause injury. Flat objects like wallets are suitable for internal breast pockets.
- Tech-Air® App: Optional mobile application for monitoring system status, verifying software versions, performing updates, and sending feedback. It also includes a "MyRide" function to display ride information (duration, distance, route) and send feedback on events during a ride. The app is not necessary for the system to function as an impact protector.
- Accident Response: After deployment, the gas inflator must be replaced by an authorized Alpinestars' Dealer or Service Centre. After the third deployment, a full service including airbag replacement is required.
- Non-Riding Activities: The system should be switched off when not riding to prevent unwanted deployment and battery drain.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The vest can be washed after removing the airbag and electronic components. The airbag itself should be cleaned with a damp cloth; solvents, chemical cleaners, washing machines, submersion, tumble drying, or ironing are prohibited.
- Storage: Store in original packaging, flat or hung on a hanger, in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Keep the Activation Zip (1) open to prevent accidental activation and battery drain.
- Routine Inspection: Users should check for signs of wear or damage before each use.
- Servicing: Alpinestars recommends routine inspection at least every 2 years or after 500 hours of functioning by an authorized Alpinestars Tech-Air® Service Centre. This service includes removal and washing of components, diagnostics and firmware upgrade of the ECU, checking/replacing the inflator, inspecting the airbag, and functional reassembly.
- Lifespan: The internal high-pressure gas inflator has a limited duration and must be changed approximately every 4 years. The inflator's expiration date is checked during inspection service.
- Disposal: The system contains electronic components and pyrotechnic devices, requiring proper disposal through a local waste collection or an authorized Alpinestars' Dealer.
- Transportation: Classified as a Life-Saving, self-inflating Jacket, UN 2990 class 9. A Product Information Sheet (PIS) can be downloaded from the Tech-Air® App for air travel, as not all countries permit the import of pyrotechnic devices.