NeoKavach Launches Wearable Airbag System for Motorcyclists

NeoKavach, an Indo-French joint venture, has launched the NeoKavach Air Vest, India's first intelligent wearable airbag system for motorcyclists. The product is priced at INR 32,400 and is available on the company's website and through authorized retailers across India.

The launch comes as India recorded around 180,000 deaths in road accidents in 2024, including 30,000 two-wheeler riders who died without wearing helmets. Provisional data shows 4.73 lakh road accidents and 1.70 lakh deaths across 35 states and Union Territories in 2024.

The Air Vest uses a tether-based mechanical trigger system that connects to the motorcycle and deploys an airbag within 100 milliseconds upon impact or sudden rider ejection. The system operates without batteries, charging, or electronic sensors.

According to a NIMHANS study, nearly 70% of rider fatalities involve severe torso, spine, or neck injuries. Motorcyclists face a risk over 40 times greater than car drivers. The Air Vest is designed to shield vital upper-body regions during collisions.

"NeoKavach was born out of a deep desire to make Indian roads safer for every bike rider," said Rajat Bhandari, Managing Director, NeoKavach. "We wanted to build something that combines speed, precision, and trust - protection that works faster than human reflexes. This air vest is more than a product; it's our promise to empower riders with confidence, to help them experience the freedom of motorcycling without fear."

The company also launched two additional products: the NeoKavach Tech Backpack Pro at INR 40,800 and the NeoKavach TechPack Air at INR 36,000. Both products combine safety features with functionality for daily commuters and tech-oriented riders.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience significant growth from 2025 to 2034, with motorcycle sales in India increasing by 16.6% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching a record 20.5 million units. However, the Indian market remains price-sensitive, with strong preference for affordable and basic protective gear, and the uptake of advanced protective equipment like airbag jackets remains relatively low.

India's Motor Vehicles Act mandates that helmets used on public roads must be ISI marked, as per the IS 4151 standard of the Bureau of Indian Standards. The Motor Vehicle Act 2019, which came into effect on September 1, 2019, introduced stricter two-wheeler driving rules with significantly higher penalties for violations.

NeoKavach manufactures its products in India under Indo-French collaboration. The Air Vest meets global safety certifications and is suitable for both city commuters and adventure riders.