The Neo Kavach airbag vest adds an extra layer of protection for riders, deploying in milliseconds to cushion the torso in the event of a crash.
By Kingshuk Dutta

It is often said that a motorcycle accident is not a question of if but when. This is not meant to sound morbid, but given the condition of many Indian roads, crashing on a motorcycle – however unfortunate – is a very real possibility. It simply comes with the territory. Most riding jackets shield the back, shoulders, and elbows, but the front of the body often remains exposed unless the rider uses chest protectors, and even those offer only limited coverage. This is precisely where the Neo Kavach Air Vest steps in, quite literally acting as a wearable airbag for motorcyclists.
The Neo Kavach system uses a mechanical tether that connects the vest to the motorcycle’s chassis. In the unfortunate event of a crash that yanks the rider away from the bike, the tether pulls free, triggering a CO₂ cartridge. The result is dramatic: in about 100 milliseconds, the vest inflates to form a protective airbag around the rider’s chest, back, abdomen and hips, offering a protection volume of roughly 17 to 28 litres, depending on the vest size.
That creates a substantial cushion around the torso, providing a level of protection that traditional armour simply cannot match. Perhaps the most reassuring aspect of the Neo Kavach system is its simplicity. This vest works entirely through a mechanical trigger, relying on physics rather than electronics. Simply clip the tether to the motorcycle’s chassis, buckle up the vest, and you are ready to ride. If the vest deploys, resetting it is also fairly straightforward: replace the CO₂ cartridge, which costs about Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500, and the vest can be ready to use again.
The vest is designed to be worn over standard riding jackets, making it compatible with most existing riding gear. It does not feel bulky while riding, and once you are on the move, it simply fades into the background.

A 3D mesh construction improves airflow and reduces discomfort, even when worn over a jacket on a hot summer day. In addition, there is a Level 2 back protector beneath the airbag, providing an extra layer of spinal protection in the event of an accident.
At roughly Rs 32,000, the Neo Kavach Air Vest is not exactly an impulse purchase. For many riders, that is the price of an entire set of riding gear. Motorcycling will always involve risk; that is unavoidable. But technologies like this help tilt the odds slightly in the rider’s favour.