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Raylier Aims High With the World’s Safest Motorcycle Jacket

Safety is incredibly important when you’re riding, but it just so happens that it’s directly dependent on visibility in traffic. Raylier is aiming to offer the world’s safest motorcycle jacket, with the second version of its LED jacket of the same name.
The Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylish 8 photos
Photo: KickStarter.com / Raylier
The Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylishThe Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylishThe Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylishThe Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylishThe Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylishThe Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylishThe Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylish
Raylier is a French company that first started making headlines in 2018, when they announced the Raylier jacket, a specially designed jacket that featured LED lights on the chest, back and arms, meant to make riders more visible in traffic. They’re now crowdfunding for the second version, which brings considerable improvements, more models, and the same promise of a safe – and quite stylish – ride.

You promise the world’s best anything and you’re bound to get yourself in trouble if you can’t back your claims. Raylier says it already has extensive experience both with crowdfunding and delivering a quality product, since they’ve already produced and shipped thousands of units from the first campaign. So, today, the focus is solely on improving on that initial product.

Raylier is special both because it makes the wearer (the rider, in this instance) more visible in traffic and safer in case of a crash. It’s a biker’s jacket with a total of 240 LEDs spread “over 8 beautifully integrated arrays to be seen from any angle,” according to the campaign description. Basically, you have lighted strips on the chest (positioned wide enough as to be visible from the side, as well) and on the back, which act as warning lights for fellow motorists. 

The Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylish
Photo: KickStarter.com / Raylier
The idea is that a bike’s lights are somewhat less visible for drivers, so putting lights higher up (on the jacket, for example) is more likely to make these drivers aware of your intentions. The Raylier jacket flashes or signals braking, but can also be used to display turn signals or a warning flashing light when you’re in an emergency.

This is hardly a novel idea: various designers have been trying to come up with products that could help bikers and cyclists better communicate with drivers. But Raylier delivers beautifully in the way it’s been able to create a product that is practical and stylish at the same time. Unlike with other similar lighted jackets, you won’t be ashamed to be seen in one such thing.

The lights on Raylier come with three modes: fixed, flashing for emergency situations, and rapidly flashing for heavy traffic. The lights have 8 hours of autonomy in regular mode and up to 16 hours in flash mode, with 2 hours to a full charge of the battery.

The Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylish
Photo: KickStarter.com / Raylier
If you buy the extra perk of a connectivity module, you can sync your jacket to your bike (plug and play style) and signal turns as well. Without the module, you only get the flashing and the brake lights, with the latter activated through a built-in accelerometer.

Raylier is fully armored and, according to the designers, certified as VPM-006 Level II equipment, which means it can protect you in case of a crash.

This is possible through the insertion of level 2 visco-elastic protection shells at the shoulders and elbows, with an optional panel in the back. The armor is removable, if you find no use for it.

The Raylier biker jacket claims to be the world's safest, also quite stylish
Photo: KickStarter.com / Raylier
Raylier offers three models of the jacket for men and women, in varying sizes from XS to 4XL. There’s a summer model made of Cordura and Cordura mesh, which is light and breathable, and won’t make you feel like you’re one foot in the grave due to heat exhaustion.

There’s the all-season model, made with softshell fabric and removable winter lining, which is also water repellant. Last but not least, there’s the leather model, made of genuine leather with cotton lining, which is water resistant and guaranteed to last you a lifetime.

Raylier offers a 2-year warranty on each jacket and is considering including a possible fall detection feature, if there’s demand for it. Early backers can scoop one such jacket for $249, $299 and $399 respectively, with shipping estimated for spring 2021. When the next-gen jacket goes into production, it will sell with a price tag of $379, $449 and $599 respectively for each model.

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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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