Kenngineering Notes: Auto Emergency Braking for Motorcycles?
Jun 9, 2026
I was just doing some more motorcycle safety strategy work with an Australian road authority. One of the many topics we explored was the wider deployment and encouragement of Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) on motorcycles.
The response from stakeholders was not particularly enthusiastic.
At first glance, that’s understandable. Many riders value control, and the idea of a motorcycle deciding when to brake can feel uncomfortable. There was also considerable discussion about the maturity and reliability of the technology.
But during our work with the Swedish Transport Administration on a Safe System approach for motorcyclists, we examined a wide range of fatal and serious injury crash scenarios. A recurring theme emerged: in many of these crashes, even a small reduction in impact speed could have dramatically changed the outcome. The power of speed is often underestimated.
AEB is not just about preventing crashes. In many situations, it may simply reduce reaction time, apply the brakes a fraction of a second earlier, and wash off some speed before impact.
Does 5 km/h matter? Does 10 km/h matter? From a trauma perspective, absolutely.
The relationship between speed and injury severity is not linear. Small reductions in speed can produce disproportionately large reductions in the likelihood of death or serious injury.
If a technology can consistently reduce crash energy, even by a modest amount, shouldn’t it be part of the conversation?
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Follow Kenn Beer on LinkedIn for more updates and road safety industry news.
I was just doing some more motorcycle safety strategy work with an Australian road authority. One of the many topics we explored was the wider deployment and encouragement of Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) on motorcycles.
The response from stakeholders was not particularly enthusiastic.
At first glance, that’s understandable. Many riders value control, and the idea of a motorcycle deciding when to brake can feel uncomfortable. There was also considerable discussion about the maturity and reliability of the technology.
But during our work with the Swedish Transport Administration on a Safe System approach for motorcyclists, we examined a wide range of fatal and serious injury crash scenarios. A recurring theme emerged: in many of these crashes, even a small reduction in impact speed could have dramatically changed the outcome. The power of speed is often underestimated.
AEB is not just about preventing crashes. In many situations, it may simply reduce reaction time, apply the brakes a fraction of a second earlier, and wash off some speed before impact.
Does 5 km/h matter? Does 10 km/h matter? From a trauma perspective, absolutely.
Check out this video about AEB for motorcycles from my friend and colleague on that Swedish motorcycle project Giovanni Savino.
The relationship between speed and injury severity is not linear. Small reductions in speed can produce disproportionately large reductions in the likelihood of death or serious injury.
If a technology can consistently reduce crash energy, even by a modest amount, shouldn’t it be part of the conversation?
————-
Follow Kenn Beer on LinkedIn for more updates and road safety industry news.