The Austrian iSi Group is set to relaunch the Hövding airbag collar in autumn 2026 after acquiring the brand rights in 2024, promising a faster, smarter version of the controversial helmet alternative that vanished from the market following regulatory action in Sweden.
How the Hövding 4 aims to fix the flaws that sank the original
The new Hövding 4 features AI-powered sensors with a neural network model designed to improve accident detection and reduce false triggers from sudden movements, a persistent criticism of earlier models that contributed to the Swedish Consumer Agency’s sales ban in late 2023.
Processing power has been increased fivefold compared to the Hövding 3, enabling the airbag to fully deploy in 0.1 seconds — half the time of its predecessor — while enclosing both head and neck upon activation, according to technical details shared by iSi Wearables.
Why safety certifications and real-world tests are central to the relaunch strategy
The company emphasizes that the Hövding 4 has undergone extensive internal testing and external validation by independent organizations, with plans to secure CE certification before market release, aiming to rebuild trust after the product’s disappearance raised questions about its long-term reliability.
What the price increase signals about the product’s repositioning
While the Hövding 3 retailed for approximately 300 to 350 euros, the Hövding 4 is expected to launch at a higher price point, with wattmoves.de citing a target of around 400 euros, reflecting the investment in upgraded sensors, software, and airbag technology backed by iSi Group’s automotive expertise.
How competitors and market shifts shaped the comeback conditions
Although a German firm, Mase, developed a similar airbag collar during Hövding’s absence, iSi Group has clarified it will not sell or support earlier Hövding models, focusing exclusively on the Hövding 4 as the official continuation of the brand, even as it acknowledges the Hövding 3 met safety standards at the time of its production.
Will the Hövding 4 be available outside of Europe at launch?
The sources do not specify international distribution plans for the Hövding 4 beyond its planned autumn 2026 release in Europe, so availability in other regions cannot be confirmed from the current information.
Is the Hövding 4 designed to be worn under clothing like its predecessor?
Yes, the Hövding 4 will be worn as an inconspicuous collar around the neck, maintaining the low-profile design that allows it to be concealed under clothing while retaining the same rapid deployment mechanism in the event of a crash.
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