The Motoairbag MAB V4 airbag vest takes a classic mechanical concept and gives it a modern twist. It’s a tethered airbag system, but unlike traditional lanyard-based designs, it doesn’t wait for you to hit the end of your tether before springing into action.
Using its FastLock system, the MAB V4 can deploy when you’ve moved as little as three centimetres from your seat. It reacts faster, reduces false triggers, and offers impressive protection - all without the need for batteries, subscriptions, or firmware updates.
After around 2000 miles of testing, here’s how it performed in real-world riding.
Fit & comfort
The vest’s high-tenacity polyester outer feels as tough as a motorcycle jacket, while accordion stretch panels at the shoulders and sides help it move naturally over your riding gear.
Sizes are grouped into three bands - S-M, L-XL, and 2XL-3XL - with expansion zips allowing you to choose between the smaller and larger size in each range. Getting the sizing right is crucial. Wear it too tight and inflation feels brutal. Loosen it slightly, and it becomes much more comfortable when triggered.
I wore it over a Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 armoured shirt for most of the test - this combination reduced bulk and kept movement unrestricted. You do notice the extra layer, but it doesn’t impede normal riding.
Ease of use
The MAB V4 connects via a carabiner clip to a D-ring on a strap that attaches to your bike. The FastLock unit behaves like a seatbelt - move gently and it slides freely; pull sharply and it locks, firing both airbags if the force is sufficient.
In practice, it’s simple but slightly fiddly - clipping the carabiner while wearing thick gloves takes patience. The optional Motoairbag quick-release coupler is a popular upgrade for convenience.
I forgot to unclip many times when dismounting, but the 54cm tether length gave plenty of warning. It never triggered accidentally - even on rough roads and standing off-road sections.
Safety certification
Protection is where the MAB V4 truly shines. It holds CE EN 1621-4 Level 2 certification for both chest and back — the highest current standard.
Photography: Helen Meeds
It’s also been independently tested by Critt, the French laboratory favoured by In&Motion and Helite, achieving a five-star rating.
Deployment & Protection
Two separate gas canisters inflate the 10-litre front and 15-litre rear airbags in around 80 milliseconds.
Once inflated, the vest covers the chest, ribs, spine, coccyx, and neck, offering vastly more protection than a passive back protector. The sensation when it goes off is like being encased in firm air cushions - startling but reassuring.
Unlike electronic units, there’s no dependency on sensors or software and you never need to worry about charging levels in batteries.
Durability & maintenance
The vest feels robust and well-made, with heavy-duty stitching and resilient fabrics. With a lack of electronics there's no need to keep it dry when it rains.
If it deploys accidentally or in a crash, you can recharge it yourself using a kit containing new cartridges and a replacement tool, and it takes about 10 minutes. After major impacts or visible damage, Motoairbag request return so they can inspect and potentially repair the vest in Italy, usually with a turnaround of 10 days.
Recommended servicing is every four years or after 10 deployments.
Real-world use
Riding with the MAB V4 quickly becomes second nature. There’s no restriction in normal movement, and standing on the pegs doesn’t risk a false trigger.
The only real downside is bulk and heat. In high summer, particularly above 30°C, it can feel too warm, as the airbag panels are windproof. For me, it was fine up to the high twenties but became heavy-going beyond that.
Conclusion
The Motoairbag MAB V4 offers a superb compromise between traditional and electronic airbag systems.
It’s quicker to react than a standard tethered vest, delivers exceptional chest and back protection, and avoids the complications of electronics. The FastLock system inspires confidence, and the dual certification of CE and Critt adds real credibility.
It’s not perfect — bulk and warmth are minor drawbacks — but for riders who value simplicity, reliability, and top-tier safety, the MAB V4 is a serious contender.
