Would Experienced Motorcycle Riders Benefit from an Autonomous Emergency Braking System?

Electric motorcycles are rising in popularity in America and Europe; however, motorcyclists are still at a higher risk of getting into accidents and suffering severe injuries than car owners. A recent technological advancement known as the autonomous emergency braking system is designed to reduce collisions and the risk of severe injury to riders. This system detects any large objects in front of the motorcycle and immediately stops the vehicle.

The first autonomous emergency braking systems were installed in cars years ago and yielded positive results. However, a system that abruptly brakes and stops a vehicle could be dangerous on motorcycles.

In cars, drivers have plush seats with built-in backrests and seat belts that ensure safety if emergency braking systems activate. However, on motorcycles, there is no canopy or seat belt. Abruptly stopping on motorcycles could throw the riders over the handlebars.   

Only a few brands have been working on motorcycles with AEB systems. Harley Davidson and Honda are the most famous brands currently working to install these systems in motorcycles. Harley Davidson has been designing various new features to complement an AEB system to ensure better stability.

Originally, autonomous emergency braking systems detected obstacles on the road using a radar or camera. The radar or camera was installed towards the front behind a protective panel to prevent damage and immediately react to any road hazards.

However, emergency brakes can be dangerous since there is a risk of motorcyclists being launched off their rides. To solve this problem, Harley Davidson installed additional sensors.

These sensors help monitor the rider’s grip around the handles or the weight exerted on the seat and footrests. Other sensors can be installed in the instrument panel or helmet to monitor motorcyclists’ eyes. All these sensors will help the AEB system determine whether it is safe to initiate an emergency brake.

If the sensors determine the rider is ready for an abrupt stop, the AEB system will activate. But if the sensors determine the rider is not seated properly, the system will start giving various warning signals. The warning signals might appear on the screen, produce verbal warnings, create vibrations in the seat or handles, or start to brake slightly. If the rider does not immediately respond, the AEB system will wait for less than a second before reducing the motorcycle’s speed.

If the AEB system determines the rider is ready and alert, it will automatically apply the emergency brakes if necessary.

While an AEB system is practical, it is not always suited for every situation. Sometimes, it is safer to swerve around a road hazard instead of braking. Harley Davidson designed their AEB systems to not activate unless there is immediate danger.

Most motorcycle AEB systems are still in the initial stages of development. Companies like Honda and Harley-Davidson are the primary manufacturers working on AEB systems. Various supporters and critics have different opinions on the benefits of motorcycle AEB systems. Some believe the AEB system would be useless on motorcycles due to causing more crashes rather than reducing accidents. For example, if the AEB system activates while attempting to lane split, you may end up colliding with another vehicle due to not having enough clearance.

However, research has shown that autonomous emergency braking systems can be beneficial. According to research conducted by Giovanni Savino et al, AEB systems can help novice and experienced riders. The findings of this research encouraged further advancement of AEB systems.

Answer: One of the most important benefits of the AEB system is that it can help to prevent potential collisions. If a vehicle or motorcycle is on the road with an AEB system facing any obstacle, the AEB system helps to reduce the drastic effects of a collision.

Answer: AEB system is still not installed in motorcycles. The testing is still in process. Either an AEB system in a motorcycle will help to avoid severe accidents or AEBs are dangerous for the rider.

Answer: AEB system is not very feasible for motorcycles. An abrupt brake to a motorcycle can hurt motorcyclists more than a collision. The rider can also be thrown by a sudden thrust due to an abrupt brake.

Another limitation of the AEB system is that it works with the help of a Radar and camera. Both gadgets do not work efficiently in bad weather like rain, fog, and storm.

Autonomous emergency braking systems were introduced and have been slowly installed in more cars over the years. However, AEB systems have yet to become staple features in motorcycles. Honda and Harley Davidson are working to introduce AEB systems into their motorcycles.  Though  AEB systems are advanced features that could help reduce motorcycle accidents, they still need some work before they are ready to be installed. There are several aftermarket motorcycle parts and luggage available at Viking Bags including saddlebags, sissy bar bags, backpacks, swing arm bags, Crash bars, sissy bars, handlebars, and motorcycle trunk bags.