Initial crash tests successfully completed
The innovative safety system is already undergoing practical testing. In in-house crash tests with real motorcycles and dummies, Toyoda Gosei is investigating the dynamics of frontal collisions and the behavior of the airbag during impact. The aim is to create a system that provides effective protection in a frontal collision without compromising control of the motorcycle.
Complex challenges in integration
Unlike car occupants, who are protected by seat belts, airbags, and body structures, motorcyclists are virtually unprotected from the forces of impact. The limited installation space on a motorcycle and the complex movements involved in an accident make the development of a functional airbag system particularly challenging.
Further development through simulation and real-world testing
Following the initial successful trials, Toyoda Gosei is now planning a combination of real-world driving tests and digital simulations to further improve the effectiveness of the system. It is still unclear when the system will be ready for series production or which motorcycle manufacturers will be approached for cooperation.
Response to alarming accident figures
According to international statistics, around 360,000 riders of motorized two- and three-wheelers die every year worldwide. This alarming figure underscores the urgency of new protection systems. As an established supplier of vehicle safety systems for the automotive industry, Toyoda Gosei sees this as an important addition to its portfolio.
Competition and prospects
Major motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda have already been working on airbag systems and have equipped some of their first production models with them. Toyoda Gosei’s move could give the market a new boost and lead to a broader establishment of airbags in motorcycle construction. It remains to be seen whether and when the technology will be widely available.
