Bicycles

Bicycle airbag backpack blows up womb-like head and neck protection

Bicycle airbag backpack blows up womb-like head and neck protection
In & Motion's new Stan airbag backpack looks to expand inflated cyclist protection
In & Motion's new Stan airbag backpack looks to expand inflated cyclist protection
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In & Motion aims to make its Stan backpack a sleek, stylish alternative for urban commuting
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In & Motion aims to make its Stan backpack a sleek, stylish alternative for urban commuting
Using In & Motion's established auto-sensing tech, the Stan backpack deploys its airbag if it detects an event, protecting not only the head but also the neck, back and chest
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Using In & Motion's established auto-sensing tech, the Stan backpack deploys its airbag if it detects an event, protecting not only the head but also the neck, back and chest
The 18-L Stan backpack has a roll top, an exterior attachment strip and a laptop compartment
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The 18-L Stan backpack has a roll top, an exterior attachment strip and a laptop compartment
Sliding a laptop into the In & Motion Stan backpack
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Sliding a laptop into the In & Motion Stan backpack
A look at the fully inflated Stan airbag
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A look at the fully inflated Stan airbag
In & Motion's new Stan airbag backpack looks to expand inflated cyclist protection
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In & Motion's new Stan airbag backpack looks to expand inflated cyclist protection
In & Motion shows a cushioned, breathable back panel
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In & Motion shows a cushioned, breathable back panel
Protective gear is of little use if it proves too heavy, awkward or unfashionable to wear regularly, so In & Motion looks to integrate its airbag tech into a useful, unassuming commuter pack
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Protective gear is of little use if it proves too heavy, awkward or unfashionable to wear regularly, so In & Motion looks to integrate its airbag tech into a useful, unassuming commuter pack
In & Motion looks to create a protective airbag cocoon that cuts the risk of head trauma by 80 percent compared to a bike helmet alone
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In & Motion looks to create a protective airbag cocoon that cuts the risk of head trauma by 80 percent compared to a bike helmet alone
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Taking inflatable head protection to the next level, French wearable airbag specialist In & Motion is developing a cycling backpack that adds serious coverage. The Stan pack works like other inflatable backpacks, helmets and vests, but it's aimed to give the everyday bike commuter more complete protection around the head, neck, chest and back. It's also designed to work seamlessly as a commuter backpack, carrying a laptop and other everyday work necessities.

In & Motion has been developing auto-activated airbag systems for various sporting endeavors since its inception in 2014. Its OEM airbag tech is used in third-party vests for sports like skiing and horseback riding. In fact, just this month, about 30 of its vests were worn by motorcycle competitors at the 2023 Dakar Rally, and the company says that the event saw its airbags inflate 45 times.

In & Motion's airbag deployment technology is built around what it calls the In&box, an electronic module that contains all the sensors and management hardware. The box runs analyses 1,000 times per second, using algorithmic logic to detect and anticipate falls and activate deployment.

Protective gear is of little use if it proves too heavy, awkward or unfashionable to wear regularly, so In & Motion looks to integrate its airbag tech into a useful, unassuming commuter pack
Protective gear is of little use if it proves too heavy, awkward or unfashionable to wear regularly, so In & Motion looks to integrate its airbag tech into a useful, unassuming commuter pack

The Stan represents In & Motion's move into cycling, designed for urban commuters on regular bicycles, ebikes and electric scooters. In & Motion is not the first company to propose a cycling-specific airbag backpack, but its pack provides fuller protection than the one that EVOC revealed in 2021. EVOC's Commute Pro Air 18 augments helmet coverage by inflating around the neck and shoulders, whereas the Stan pack incorporates head protection, along with neck, chest, abdomen and spine coverage. In & Motion's goal is to reduce the risk of head trauma by 80 percent compared to wearing a bike helmet as one's only protection.

In & Motion shows the Stan in use without a bike helmet, and its snug fit when inflated suggests it's being developed to replace a helmet, not supplement one. The company says the airbag deploys in under a tenth of a second once a fall is detected. Additionally, the pack pairs with a smartphone app to automatically contact emergency responders in the event of an airbag deployment and, if necessary, direct them to the user's GPS coordinates.

A look at the fully inflated Stan airbag
A look at the fully inflated Stan airbag

In & Motion believes its Stan design will prove an attractive alternative for urban commuters concerned about weight and style. The 18-L bag looks and works like any other commuter backpack and features a roll-top closure, daisy chain lash points, and dedicated space for daily essentials like a laptop and phone. As long as the airbag system isn't burdensomely heavy, the Stan pack should pique the interest of those who don't want to carry a regular pack and wear a separate piece of safety gear like an airbag vest or jacket, especially if it's effective enough to replace a helmet.

Sliding a laptop into the In & Motion Stan backpack
Sliding a laptop into the In & Motion Stan backpack

In & Motion began heavily promoting the Stan in late 2022 and is still testing and developing the design, with plans to launch in the future. It has not yet announced any development partners, so it's not clear if it will sell the Stan pack directly or offer the technology to third-party gear manufacturers, the way it does in other segments. As such, pricing information is not yet available.

Source: In & Motion

View gallery - 9 images
10 comments
10 comments
n0f8r
Seems like it's incompatible with helmets, which sounds pretty stupid to me.
Treon Verdery
It is possible this beneficial technology could be 14 or 19 multiples more lightweight from, utilizing new polymers that are polycrystalline polymers, being able to have the greater than 14 or 19 multiples greater strength of laser peened polycrystalline metals. It might also be possible to heighten the strength of the inflated cushion and motion guidance airbag with having more crenellations, or vinyl can inflatable furniture strength and stabity structures at it, kind of like packed multicm bubble shapes and forms.
Jim B
This is cool, but as the Not Just Bikes youtube channel says, real protection for cycalists is proper bike lanes which are separated from traffic as they have in the Netherlands.
guzmanchinky
Agree with JimB 100%. That said, this will really appeal to women (and some men) who do NOT want to mess up their hair while riding. I totally get that. In many parts of Europe a bicycle is THE way to get around, and if this gets someone to ride that really doesn't want to wear a helmet for whatever reason, then it's a great idea. I've used their motorcycle vest for many years.
Daveb
I have found that in my life, I have been wrong about things more often than I have been right. So, good news for these guys, when I say, this will never catch on.
FoFu
This is silly. Too complicated and will not work in many crash scenarios. Sadly, not long ago I came across a horrible bicycle crash. A man in his fifties, coming down a mountain on a recreational bikes only path must have hit a pothole, and fell face first into the asphalt ahead. He was wearing proper cycling gear and a helmet yet his face was smashed to pieces. He suffered a cracked skull and other injuries. This "airbag" would not have helped him at all. Either his brakes went out, or was intentionally going down at full speed and did not see the pothole. Either way, user error. When doing potentially dangerous activities you've got to keep your wits about you. I never go down those hills at full speed, but many fly past me doing so. Know your skills and limits. We can't pillow pad the entire planet.
windykites
This looks like an a attack with a large can of shaving foam!
Pef
Few additionnal comments
1) It is compatible with helmets, In&motion let the choice to end users
2) About the detection system: In&motion is the leading company is wearable airbag tech, already well known for motorcycle airbags with 100k units sold, 80 million of miles of data collected and 5500 crashes covered so STAN will benefits from all this experience to propose efficient and reliable detection system

Pef (cofounder of In&motion)
Trylon
Oh, you Debbie Downers are always hilarious. "It'll never catch on!" Existing company Hövding has been in business for more than a decade and has sold over two hundred thousand of their airbag helmets at last count. "It won't work!" Hövding hasn't been sued out of existence due to a wrongful death yet. "Incompatible with helmets, so it's stupid!" Would you wear a helmet in your car even though it already has airbags?
BogBeast
Looked at the Hövding helmet and the Helite BSAFE airbag jacket.

What I would actually like is a gillet/vest that combined both the helmet and jacket airbag function.

Good try In & Motion but I don't want a backpack. I want something that I can wear and not look too out of place in a pub... (which is about the only time I use my bike TBH..)