Skip to content
Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road airbag vest, shown as an example of FIM-listed rally equipment

FIM Bajas World Cup 2026: Which airbag systems are on the approved list, and what riders must check

Published by Thomas Menzel on 9. October 2026

As of 9 October 2026 · Regulations and equipment

Ahead of the Qatar International Baja from 28 to 31 October and the finale in Dubai scheduled for 5 to 8 November, the airbag deserves a close look. The FIM maintains an eligibility list dated September 2026. What matters is the version shown there and its labelling. The publication documents eligibility for competition; it is not an announcement of new products.

The dates come from the FIM calendar. The model comparison is based on the September list for the FIM Bajas World Cup.

These models and labels are on the list

The following overview reproduces the entries on pages 3 to 11. When checking, what counts is the label on your own system, not the sales name alone.

Manufacturer Listed version or labelling PDF page
Alpinestars Tech-Air: RAV3 or ABSOR23 3
Helite Airbag OFF-ROAD; OFF-ROAD V2 4
Furygan AIR BAG / FURY AIRBAG SYSTEM 7873-1; GILET AIR BAG 7890-1 5–6
Klim Ai-1 RALLY AIRBAG VEST 5
Held eVest Clip-in, Art. 92070.00; eVest, Art. 92170.00 7
RST ADVENTURE AIRBAG JERSEY V1 (PROTOTYPE) 7
SHOT AIR GUARD SRG1; AIR GUARD SRG1-MAX 8–9
Dainese D-Air DESERT 1 10
BC Red Tesla RED TESLA, VRACE RR 2.0, R7300 MX 11

Ixon is expressly excluded. For Furygan and Klim, the list requires the rally version with chest protector and In&motion activation, including the ADVENTURE option. Similar road versions are not sufficient. The RST prototype entry likewise does not extend to other RST products.

Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road as an example of equipment. For the FIM comparison, the labelling on the specific system is what counts. Original manufacturer image: Alpinestars; photographer and date of photo not stated. Image source.

What riders must meet on the road

Article 28.2 of the Sporting Regulations 2026 requires an airbag plus chest and back protection along the entire route. Disqualification is provided for in the event of breaches. EN 1621-3 applies to passive chest protection and EN 1621-2 to the back. A neck brace is prohibited under these regulations.

  • At the start of the stage: Carry one or two suitable spare cartridges, depending on the system.
  • At the start of the Selective Sector: The rider must ensure the system is ready for use, in particular sufficient battery charge and the required cartridge change after a deployment.
  • Deployment before the fuel stop: Continuing to refuelling is permitted; the used cartridges must be replaced there.
  • Deployment after the fuel stop or without refuelling: The section may be completed; the change must be made on arrival at the Assistance Park.

Checks are possible at the start of a stage and at refuelling. These requirements apply under the FIM Bajas regulations; applying them to national or other rally events depends on those events’ own provisions.

Approval does not replace complete protective equipment

Article 65.01.1 of the Technical Rules 2026 describes the permitted airbag system as a complete vest or gilet including chest and back protector. An isolated electronics box or a brand logo therefore does not prove that the equipment as a whole complies with the rules.

The technical provisions prohibit modifications to protectors that void their certification. After an accident involving an impact, the chest and back protector must be presented to the Technical Steward for inspection. Defective or non-compliant equipment must be replaced and presented again.

For electronic systems, the correct operating mode is also part of preparation according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the Tech-Air Off-Road, Alpinestars distinguishes between Rally, Enduro and Street modes. For the SRG-1 MAX, SHOT states that an In&box membership and activation are required. Owning a listed vest alone does not make the system ready for use.

Helite Off-Road: manufacturer image showing the equipment being worn, not a photo from Qatar or Dubai 2026. Image source: Helite; photographer and date of photo not stated. Original page.

Qatar is specific, while Dubai has a documentation gap

Article 10.4 of the Qatar Supplementary Regulations 2026 requires the airbag system, including cartridges, to be presented at scrutineering. Article 11.12 repeats the riders’ obligations. Its link to the list, however, still leads to the July 2025 edition. Riders preparing for the event should therefore also check against the current September list and clarify any discrepancies with scrutineering before travelling.

On 9 October, the checked “FIM Supplementary Regulations” link on the Dubai regulations page led to a document for 2024. No additional Dubai obligations for 2026 can be derived from it. For Dubai, the current supplementary regulations and bulletins therefore still need to be checked.

The comparison can be documented before loading: keep photos of the model and standard labels, the relevant FIM list page and the instructions for activation and cartridge changes to hand. If the labelling or version differs, written clarification with scrutineering is advisable. A similar product name does not answer this question.

Sources and image credits

Published inAllgemein