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If you are developing an inflatable airbag vest for motorcyclists, there is one standard you simply cannot ignore: EN 1621-4. This European standard is the benchmark for inflatable protectors. It tells you—and more importantly, it tells regulators and customers—that your product meets recognized safety requirements.
This article provides a simple, focused overview of EN 1621-4, explaining what the standard requires, how testing works, and what it means for your product.
What is EN 1621?
EN 1621 is a set of European standards that specifies requirements and test methods for protectors worn by motorcyclists. It is part of the broader PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which governs all personal protective equipment sold in the European market.
The standard is divided into four parts. Parts 1 to 3 cover non-inflatable protectors for limbs, back, and chest. Part 4 is specifically for inflatable protectors—which is where wearable airbag vests belong.
EN 1621-4: Inflatable Protectors at a Glance
What it covers: Airbag-style vests that inflate upon impact
Performance levels: Two levels are specified—Level 1 and Level 2. Level 2 provides more protection than Level 1.
Key requirements:
Inflation time must be verified using a high-speed camera (minimum 200 frames per second)
The protector must demonstrate reliable deployment and impact force reduction
Optional tests: Performance in high (+40°C) and low (-10°C) temperature environments
What the Performance Levels Mean
| Level | Description |
Level 1 | The protector meets basic force transmission requirements. Suitable for general riding. |
| Level 2 | The protector offers higher protection. Typically required for racing or high-risk riding. |
Why EN 1621-4 Matters for Your Airbag Vest
If your product is an inflatable airbag vest for motorcyclists, EN 1621-4 is your primary reference. Here is what you need to know:
Inflation Timing
The airbag must deploy quickly enough to protect the rider. High-speed cameras are used to measure this. The standard requires a minimum recording speed of 200 frames per second.
Impact Force Reduction
The vest must reduce the force transmitted to the rider's body to acceptable levels. This is measured through standardized impact tests.
Reliability
The system must work consistently across multiple deployment cycles and under various conditions.
Temperature Performance (Optional)
While not mandatory, optional tests can verify that the vest performs reliably in extreme heat (+40°C) and extreme cold (-10°C).
How This Connects to the Bigger Picture
EN 1621-4 is part of the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. To sell your inflatable airbag vest in the European market, you will need:
Your product tested to EN 1621-4
A technical file documenting compliance
CE marking on the product
This typically involves working with a Notified Body—an independent organization authorized to assess PPE compliance.
How HIGHVIEW Supports Your Certification Journey
At HIGHVIEW, we understand that navigating the EN 1621-4 certification process for inflatable vests can be complex. We work closely with our clients to support the certification journey—from understanding test requirements to preparing technical documentation and coordinating with Notified Bodies.
Looking Ahead: What About Inflatable Jackets?
This article focuses on inflatable vests. For a full inflatable jacket (with sleeves), additional certifications are required. A jacket must not only meet EN 1621-4 for the airbag system but also comply with EN 17092 (the standard for motorcycle protective garments) and include certified protectors for shoulders and elbows.
We will explore these additional requirements in a future article.
Bonus Knowledge: Shoulder and Elbow Protectors (EN 1621-1)
For those planning to develop a full protective jacket, it is helpful to understand the standard for limb joint protectors.
EN 1621-1 covers protectors for shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips. Like EN 1621-4, it specifies two performance levels—Level 1 and Level 2. For Level 1, the mean maximum transmitted force must be below 35 kN, with no single value above 50 kN. Level 2 requires more stringent limits. Optional tests also verify performance in high (+40°C) and low (-10°C) temperatures.
While not required for a standalone airbag vest, this knowledge becomes essential when expanding into full jacket solutions.
Conclusion
EN 1621-4 is the foundation of certification for inflatable airbag vests in Europe. Understanding its requirements early in your development process can save significant time and cost. For now, this gives you a solid starting point. Stay tuned for our next article, where we will dive into the more complex certification landscape for inflatable jackets.
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