Airbag specialist iSi Automotive develops Hövding 4 as a new benchmark for safety in urban traffic
June 18, 2025, Vienna – Technological restart for head protection in road traffic: Hövding 4 – a new generation of the innovative airbag for cyclists – developed and manufactured for the first time by an established provider of passive safety systems for the automotive industry. The iSi Group, headquartered in Austria and with a development site in Germany, has transferred the rights and patents of the Hövding brand to its newly founded iSi Wearable Safety division, thus transferring its decades of expertise in the field of airbags to urban mobility.
The Hövding 4 is not an update, but a new beginning – with a focus on precision, safety and transparency. Developed according to the highest automotive safety standards and driven by the desire to secure consumer trust in the long term. “We are convinced that urban cyclists deserve the same level of safety as car drivers”, says Hendrik Hasch, CEO of the iSi Automotive Group. “With the Hövding 4, we are bringing our many years of airbag expertise to two wheels for the first time and developing a product that redefines safety.” People who decide against wearing a helmet still deserve protection – and iSi is addressing this target group. The Hövding is worn as a collar and remains invisible in everyday life – until it matters: It is triggered by advanced sensor technology and precisely calculated algorithms and is now being further developed with the Hövding 4.
Safety from the automotive industry
iSi Automotive has been a technology partner to international vehicle manufacturers for decades and stands for tested safety, industrial precision and series-production quality. With Hövding 4, this know-how is being transferred to the everyday lives of cyclists for the first time. The development takes place in close coordination with experts, safety institutions and specialist retailers. The focus here is on technical standards and transparent processes – with the clear goal of creating a reliable product for everyday urban life.
Strategic sales through Sports Nut GmbH
As part of its market launch strategy, iSi Wearable Safety has entered into an exclusive sales agreement with Sports Nut GmbH for the German and Austrian markets. Sports Nut, an established player in the cycling and sports retail sector, will be responsible for sales and distribution in these core markets, ensuring that Hövding 4 reaches customers through trusted and experienced retail partners. Sven Mack, Managing Director of Sports Nut GmbH, explains: By including Hövding in our brand portfolio, Sports Nut is underscoring its commitment to urban mobility. Together with our other brands and a dedicated sales team, we are looking forward to it.
Market launch with perspective
With the planned market launch of the Hövding 4 in 2026, iSi is pursuing the goal of redefining safety in urban cycling, together with partners from trade, technology and science. The potential is clear: the previous generation alone has been sold over half a million times and generated more than 150 million euros in sales. Now a new chapter begins – with well-founded technology, transparent development and a clear focus on the future.
About iSi Group:
The iSi Group is an internationally active industrial group that develops customized solutions for applications in which compact energy is required in the form of pressurized gas cylinders. The family-owned company, based in Vienna, stands for the highest level of innovation and specialization in four business areas: Culinary, Components, Automotive and Wearable Safety. As part of the iSi Group, iSi Automotive is an established Tier 1 supplier for passive safety systems in the global automotive industry. With around 4,000 employees in six countries, the company designs, develops and manufactures airbag solutions that protect lives – today and in the mobility of tomorrow.
