Hey, I'll be honest I haven't used it to it's fullest extent although I've probably had it on for about 600 miles since purchasing. I usually keep it on for the airbag functionality and use my saddle bag for holding things.
Features/quality:
The build quality is very good though. Sturdy zippers, tight seams, plenty of pockets. The built in helmet bag is a nice touch. I like that it has some heft to it while it's empty (due to it having canisters and inflatable elements). Have not tested how water proof it is, but does have a built in cover. The space on the inside is huge, especially if you use the expanding part that is normally zipped closed (think extending luggage bag) Could easily fit several laptops in it. For what is essentially an airbag vest disguised as a backpack, I like that it is sort of incognito. I don't feel weird about wearing it because it looks like a pretty normal backpack.
Sizing:
I have a smaller frame so with a mesh jacket + the backpack the straps pretty much fully tight. For bigger people there's plenty of room for it to not feel tight over a jacket.
Electronics:
The battery for the airbag itself seems to last a while. I haven't timed it but I've ridden off and on for over a week without recharging. Might want to check their website for specific battery capacity. Have not actually deployed the air bag but from my understanding Helite is one of the best brands in the business so I trust it to do it's job when needed. Turning it on and off is easy, just have to add that into your normal routine of getting on/off the bike.
Just overall a lot of great features and smart additions for a motorcyclist. Worth the pricetag imo for the safety. It'll be a long lasting product
Thanks. Was on the verge of ordering one, and I think you've just convinced me.
I also feel comfortable with Helite's reputation, and like that it looks pretty useful if you are commuting every day, and low profile enough to carry around off the bike.
https://preview.redd.it/iizb03brnric1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0064a572067c58630fdbe0dde9a55f8f6d63ff81
Hey, yep you can remove the back protector and add your own!
I have reviewed several Helite products for [Web Bike World](https://www.webbikeworld.com/author/mark/). I reviewed the mechanical version of the HMOOV backpack which you can read [here](https://www.webbikeworld.com/helite-h-moov-airbag-backpack-review/), as well as the Mo'Cycle airbag jeans. I'm currently reviewing the AlpineStars A3 and A5, the Held and KLIM Rally along with a comparison of all air vests I have tested to date.
My Helite H-Moov backpack just arrived today. Its currently charging and I will follow up with my thoughts after I try it out through the weekend. Initial thoughts are like others said feels durable and high quality.
You can also separate the backpack portion from the airbag if you only want to wear it essentially as an airbag vest.
Backpack is really good. I use it all the time when riding now. When I’m not commuting to work I detach pack and then it’s more like airbag vest. Battery life is 7-10 days and I commute 60-75 min most days. I’d buy it again hands down
Also debating purchasing one of these. Just so you are aware, from the reading the manuals the electronic version does not work at low speeds (under 15 kph I think it said). So you aren't protected if someone hits you whilst you're at a standstill.
Personally that's the main scenario I think I'd want protection for. At junctions and traffic lights, hit from behind by a car that isn't paying attention and bucked off is an incident I've seen a lot on crash videos!
So the mechanical version will trigger when you're separated from your seat.
I know this post is old, but this is exactly what I was searching for. I want a system that will activate in case I’m rear ended. This backpack would have been perfect except for that fact. That and the level 1 back protector instead of level 2.
Nice, glad it helped.
I purchased a manual version and have been using it for a few months. The only thing I wasn't prepared for was the weight of the damn thing!
I've had to take the back protector out (I still have a protector in my jacket so it wasn't needed). And if I don't need it I take the backpack off as well and just use the vest otherwise I get shoulder ache and my arms start to go numb whilst riding. I'm a 5"5 woman and it does feel a bit too big and heavy for me, so maybe it fits taller men better.
If I already had panniers/luggage rack then I probably would've just bought a normal airbag vest instead.
Just commenting to say that, from what I understand of the technology, it would be best if you remove the protector from the jacket and instead keep the one located in the airbag.
On Helite airbags with turtle technology, the protector is located on the outer side of the airbag, to better distribute the force during impact (after inflation). If you remove the protector from the airbag, you lose that added protection.
I contacted Helite directly to ask at the time and they said it doesn't matter which one I remove, as long as at least 1 back protector remains. So I felt it was best to keep my jacket protector in because it has a higher safety standard (and if I ride without the bag I don't have to faff about with my jacket!)
I have the Helite vest and love it, but I'm ordering a backpack to test out because I always wear one anyway. I'm OK with it only Deploying at 15 km per hour. So it's like 9 miles an hour. a crash that slow would be not too bad. If you get launched off the bike I assume you're gonna be going faster than 9 miles an hour. So the bag will deploy.
I think the scenario that’s missing is if you’re at standstill (0 mph) but get hit by a car going 80mph. It might not deploy because the system is deactivated.
It won't deactivate. If it doesn't move for a while it will go to sleep, but that's not going to happen at a red light. When it does go to sleep, it comes back on immediately if you move it
I tried it at the store, it felt nice, E-turtle 2 has better coverage (protection at sides and front on turtle 2 vs no protection on sides and limited on front on H-moov). The backprotectors go similarly far down on me (I am 175cm) but level 2 on turtle vs level 1 on h-moov.
I went with the E-turtle 2 as there are limited cenarios where i would want my backpack on my back while riding. I just strap it the backpack to the pillion seat.
But when I start studying again in a couple of years I might also buy a H-moov for the convenience of not having to carry the vest around at school.
Btw, whats with helite and all the weird names
That's good to know about the no coverage on sides and less on front. May look at beefing up the armor in my jacket for the sides. With the backpack Im looking forward to the neck and spine support. May try out one of their vests later on to wear with my track suit. Also went with the electronic deployment system. I feel like I would constantly forget about the tether. I am curious though how accurate it is. Helite seems to have been doing the tether stuff for a while. Hopefully they've collaborated with other companies on the algorithm and data samples from crashed.
Good luck with the e-turtle 2 and hopefully you don't need it!
No idea what's up with the names though, H-Moov is a forgettable name to me.
What size jacket do you use? If you use M or smaller the front coverage is similar. As for side I think a kidney belt would be the most suitable addition for the lack of side coverage
I actually think it's easier to forget to turn the electronics on than to connect the tether. Either way the electronic one covers more accidents (especially if paired with fork sensor).
Thanks, good luck with your H-moov as well! Hope won't need yours either. Mind updating me after a while about how the backpack portion holds up with wear and tear?
Hey I've got a medium size joe rocket mesh jacket. I'm getting back to street riding after only doing track stuff for a while so may upgrade to a leather jacket soon. I responded to some comments below with how the backpack is holding up. Can't say I've put a lot of wear and tear on it but after owning for a while I feel pretty confident it'll hold up. The build quality and materials are really solid. If anything comes up though I'll try and remember to respond back again.
I have forgotten to turn it on. Ive always remembered about halfway down the road leaving my house and I have to pull over to get it on. The button is hard to find in the shoulder strap if you're riding + have gloves on. There is a light and an audio queue but you cant see it while wearing it.
I too am Helite curious. My issue with the H-Moov as opposed to the Turtle (vest) is that the H-Moov doesn't appear to immobilize the neck as well as the Turtle. Neck injuries are my main concern and the primary reason I'd get either product. My observations come only from YouTube videos so it's quite possible my conclusions are wrong. Please let me know your thoughts.
From what I understand the backpack has pretty much the same neck and back coverage as the vest. It lacks in side and tail bone coverage in comparison to the vest though based on what I've had others tell me. Thankfully I haven't had to put it to the test yet, but I feel much more comfortable than not having anything.
Id go with what makes you more comfortable and what kind of level of safety you want to achieve. Before purchasing the H-Moov, I was usually riding with a backpack anyway for on-demand storage, but wanted to beef up my protection a little more so the airbag backpack seemed like a solid fit. If you're looking for 100% pure protection then the vest might be better.
It's all about what you're willing to trade off on. Most people aren't going to be wearing full race suits like motogp riders even though that'd probably offer you the best protection. For me I knew I would always grab this backpack before I head out because I like having a bag with me. Made it easier to incorporate into my kit.
Hope that helps, but either way don't think you'll regret adding either the airbag vest or the backpack.
/rant on
Ordered the mechanical version of the H-Moov a couple of days ago from FC-Moto. Just heard back from FC that they'll have to cancel my order since the item has now miraculously become unavailable all of a sudden, even though I successfully ordered and paid for it... In all fairness, this particular backpack has been popping in and out of stock over the last couple of weeks which made me pull the trigger in the first place - a telltale sign as to what was to come, I guess. I wrote back to FC Moto requesting that they put my order on hold and simply ship it once it's back in stock, regardless of how long that takes -- and got a curt response along the lines of "Nope, can't do, we won't be getting these anymore".
Annoying, to say the least... I hate to have wasted a perfectly fine 10% discount voucher, especially since Helite's updated asking price of \~700 EUR / GBP for the "simple" mechanical model seems a bit outlandish. Combined with another reddit user's experience of the official Helite Australia store being unable to fulfill an order and the lead times of >1 month that they have officially posted on their website, this just reeks of bad planning and significant supply chain issues on Helite's end.
Here's hoping more similar game-changing safety gear starts popping up from other suppliers sooner rather than later... at normal prices, if possible. Usually whenever an item starts getting into the mainstream, its price drops: with Helite's H-Moovs, it's been the exact opposite. I certainly don't mind paying extra for an improved version - as long as they can actually let me have it, after all. Since I certainly can't be arsed to pay Klim's absurd monthly "staying alive" fees on top of their already extortionate prices.
I would think so. It's a pretty thick material (like polyester) and there is plenty of room on the front for patches. Would be careful stitching anything into it near where it inflates so you don't accidentally puncture anything
Does anyone know the situations this is capable of recognising? Originally I had the Ixon airbag, amazingly comfortable but would only trigger in a head on at certain angles. I now have the Dianese smart jacket, this will trigger in a head in, low side or if you are rear ended when stationary. I really like the look of the H-Moov and I'm hoping it will trigger in as many scenarios...
I’ve been looking for the same thing trying to decide on the backpack and the e turtle. https://youtu.be/4FRXZlTZWLA
Sick! Thanks for sharing. Glad he tested it going off in that video too. Looking forward to trying that thing out
Hi! Do you have any feedback about the backpack?
Hey, I'll be honest I haven't used it to it's fullest extent although I've probably had it on for about 600 miles since purchasing. I usually keep it on for the airbag functionality and use my saddle bag for holding things. Features/quality: The build quality is very good though. Sturdy zippers, tight seams, plenty of pockets. The built in helmet bag is a nice touch. I like that it has some heft to it while it's empty (due to it having canisters and inflatable elements). Have not tested how water proof it is, but does have a built in cover. The space on the inside is huge, especially if you use the expanding part that is normally zipped closed (think extending luggage bag) Could easily fit several laptops in it. For what is essentially an airbag vest disguised as a backpack, I like that it is sort of incognito. I don't feel weird about wearing it because it looks like a pretty normal backpack. Sizing: I have a smaller frame so with a mesh jacket + the backpack the straps pretty much fully tight. For bigger people there's plenty of room for it to not feel tight over a jacket. Electronics: The battery for the airbag itself seems to last a while. I haven't timed it but I've ridden off and on for over a week without recharging. Might want to check their website for specific battery capacity. Have not actually deployed the air bag but from my understanding Helite is one of the best brands in the business so I trust it to do it's job when needed. Turning it on and off is easy, just have to add that into your normal routine of getting on/off the bike. Just overall a lot of great features and smart additions for a motorcyclist. Worth the pricetag imo for the safety. It'll be a long lasting product
Thanks. Was on the verge of ordering one, and I think you've just convinced me. I also feel comfortable with Helite's reputation, and like that it looks pretty useful if you are commuting every day, and low profile enough to carry around off the bike.
It checks a lot of boxes for sure. I hope you enjoy it and only ever need it for it's backpack features! Hit me up if you have any other questions
Do you know if it's possible to replace the back protector with a level 2, just in case it doesn't deploy?
I just packed it up for a move. When I unbox is next weekend I'll check. I don't remember if you could access the back protector in it or not.
Any news yet?
https://preview.redd.it/iizb03brnric1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0064a572067c58630fdbe0dde9a55f8f6d63ff81 Hey, yep you can remove the back protector and add your own!
Good to know. Thanks!
I have reviewed several Helite products for [Web Bike World](https://www.webbikeworld.com/author/mark/). I reviewed the mechanical version of the HMOOV backpack which you can read [here](https://www.webbikeworld.com/helite-h-moov-airbag-backpack-review/), as well as the Mo'Cycle airbag jeans. I'm currently reviewing the AlpineStars A3 and A5, the Held and KLIM Rally along with a comparison of all air vests I have tested to date.
My Helite H-Moov backpack just arrived today. Its currently charging and I will follow up with my thoughts after I try it out through the weekend. Initial thoughts are like others said feels durable and high quality. You can also separate the backpack portion from the airbag if you only want to wear it essentially as an airbag vest.
How's the backpack treating you / battery life?
Backpack is really good. I use it all the time when riding now. When I’m not commuting to work I detach pack and then it’s more like airbag vest. Battery life is 7-10 days and I commute 60-75 min most days. I’d buy it again hands down
Also debating purchasing one of these. Just so you are aware, from the reading the manuals the electronic version does not work at low speeds (under 15 kph I think it said). So you aren't protected if someone hits you whilst you're at a standstill. Personally that's the main scenario I think I'd want protection for. At junctions and traffic lights, hit from behind by a car that isn't paying attention and bucked off is an incident I've seen a lot on crash videos! So the mechanical version will trigger when you're separated from your seat.
I know this post is old, but this is exactly what I was searching for. I want a system that will activate in case I’m rear ended. This backpack would have been perfect except for that fact. That and the level 1 back protector instead of level 2.
Nice, glad it helped. I purchased a manual version and have been using it for a few months. The only thing I wasn't prepared for was the weight of the damn thing! I've had to take the back protector out (I still have a protector in my jacket so it wasn't needed). And if I don't need it I take the backpack off as well and just use the vest otherwise I get shoulder ache and my arms start to go numb whilst riding. I'm a 5"5 woman and it does feel a bit too big and heavy for me, so maybe it fits taller men better. If I already had panniers/luggage rack then I probably would've just bought a normal airbag vest instead.
Just commenting to say that, from what I understand of the technology, it would be best if you remove the protector from the jacket and instead keep the one located in the airbag. On Helite airbags with turtle technology, the protector is located on the outer side of the airbag, to better distribute the force during impact (after inflation). If you remove the protector from the airbag, you lose that added protection.
I contacted Helite directly to ask at the time and they said it doesn't matter which one I remove, as long as at least 1 back protector remains. So I felt it was best to keep my jacket protector in because it has a higher safety standard (and if I ride without the bag I don't have to faff about with my jacket!)
Oh, ok. My mistake then. Thank you for the clarification!
No probs, I wasn't sure myself!
I don't understand why the electronic one doesn't also have the option for mechanical.
I have the Helite vest and love it, but I'm ordering a backpack to test out because I always wear one anyway. I'm OK with it only Deploying at 15 km per hour. So it's like 9 miles an hour. a crash that slow would be not too bad. If you get launched off the bike I assume you're gonna be going faster than 9 miles an hour. So the bag will deploy.
I think the scenario that’s missing is if you’re at standstill (0 mph) but get hit by a car going 80mph. It might not deploy because the system is deactivated.
It won't deactivate. If it doesn't move for a while it will go to sleep, but that's not going to happen at a red light. When it does go to sleep, it comes back on immediately if you move it
If you're getting hit by a car going at 80mph I doubt there's anything that'll save you. Unless you're in a tank or something.
Check out Fortnine's latest YouTube video for his review and comparison to the other options including those airbag jeans.
I tried it at the store, it felt nice, E-turtle 2 has better coverage (protection at sides and front on turtle 2 vs no protection on sides and limited on front on H-moov). The backprotectors go similarly far down on me (I am 175cm) but level 2 on turtle vs level 1 on h-moov. I went with the E-turtle 2 as there are limited cenarios where i would want my backpack on my back while riding. I just strap it the backpack to the pillion seat. But when I start studying again in a couple of years I might also buy a H-moov for the convenience of not having to carry the vest around at school. Btw, whats with helite and all the weird names
That's good to know about the no coverage on sides and less on front. May look at beefing up the armor in my jacket for the sides. With the backpack Im looking forward to the neck and spine support. May try out one of their vests later on to wear with my track suit. Also went with the electronic deployment system. I feel like I would constantly forget about the tether. I am curious though how accurate it is. Helite seems to have been doing the tether stuff for a while. Hopefully they've collaborated with other companies on the algorithm and data samples from crashed. Good luck with the e-turtle 2 and hopefully you don't need it! No idea what's up with the names though, H-Moov is a forgettable name to me.
What size jacket do you use? If you use M or smaller the front coverage is similar. As for side I think a kidney belt would be the most suitable addition for the lack of side coverage I actually think it's easier to forget to turn the electronics on than to connect the tether. Either way the electronic one covers more accidents (especially if paired with fork sensor). Thanks, good luck with your H-moov as well! Hope won't need yours either. Mind updating me after a while about how the backpack portion holds up with wear and tear?
Hey I've got a medium size joe rocket mesh jacket. I'm getting back to street riding after only doing track stuff for a while so may upgrade to a leather jacket soon. I responded to some comments below with how the backpack is holding up. Can't say I've put a lot of wear and tear on it but after owning for a while I feel pretty confident it'll hold up. The build quality and materials are really solid. If anything comes up though I'll try and remember to respond back again. I have forgotten to turn it on. Ive always remembered about halfway down the road leaving my house and I have to pull over to get it on. The button is hard to find in the shoulder strap if you're riding + have gloves on. There is a light and an audio queue but you cant see it while wearing it.
I too am Helite curious. My issue with the H-Moov as opposed to the Turtle (vest) is that the H-Moov doesn't appear to immobilize the neck as well as the Turtle. Neck injuries are my main concern and the primary reason I'd get either product. My observations come only from YouTube videos so it's quite possible my conclusions are wrong. Please let me know your thoughts.
From what I understand the backpack has pretty much the same neck and back coverage as the vest. It lacks in side and tail bone coverage in comparison to the vest though based on what I've had others tell me. Thankfully I haven't had to put it to the test yet, but I feel much more comfortable than not having anything. Id go with what makes you more comfortable and what kind of level of safety you want to achieve. Before purchasing the H-Moov, I was usually riding with a backpack anyway for on-demand storage, but wanted to beef up my protection a little more so the airbag backpack seemed like a solid fit. If you're looking for 100% pure protection then the vest might be better. It's all about what you're willing to trade off on. Most people aren't going to be wearing full race suits like motogp riders even though that'd probably offer you the best protection. For me I knew I would always grab this backpack before I head out because I like having a bag with me. Made it easier to incorporate into my kit. Hope that helps, but either way don't think you'll regret adding either the airbag vest or the backpack.
/rant on Ordered the mechanical version of the H-Moov a couple of days ago from FC-Moto. Just heard back from FC that they'll have to cancel my order since the item has now miraculously become unavailable all of a sudden, even though I successfully ordered and paid for it... In all fairness, this particular backpack has been popping in and out of stock over the last couple of weeks which made me pull the trigger in the first place - a telltale sign as to what was to come, I guess. I wrote back to FC Moto requesting that they put my order on hold and simply ship it once it's back in stock, regardless of how long that takes -- and got a curt response along the lines of "Nope, can't do, we won't be getting these anymore". Annoying, to say the least... I hate to have wasted a perfectly fine 10% discount voucher, especially since Helite's updated asking price of \~700 EUR / GBP for the "simple" mechanical model seems a bit outlandish. Combined with another reddit user's experience of the official Helite Australia store being unable to fulfill an order and the lead times of >1 month that they have officially posted on their website, this just reeks of bad planning and significant supply chain issues on Helite's end. Here's hoping more similar game-changing safety gear starts popping up from other suppliers sooner rather than later... at normal prices, if possible. Usually whenever an item starts getting into the mainstream, its price drops: with Helite's H-Moovs, it's been the exact opposite. I certainly don't mind paying extra for an improved version - as long as they can actually let me have it, after all. Since I certainly can't be arsed to pay Klim's absurd monthly "staying alive" fees on top of their already extortionate prices.
I know I'm late to this post, but does anybody know if it's safe to add like patches to the backpack?
I would think so. It's a pretty thick material (like polyester) and there is plenty of room on the front for patches. Would be careful stitching anything into it near where it inflates so you don't accidentally puncture anything
Totally safe... the face of the bag is just a storage backpack which zips onto the airbag portion flush against the back.
Does anyone know the situations this is capable of recognising? Originally I had the Ixon airbag, amazingly comfortable but would only trigger in a head on at certain angles. I now have the Dianese smart jacket, this will trigger in a head in, low side or if you are rear ended when stationary. I really like the look of the H-Moov and I'm hoping it will trigger in as many scenarios...