I have one wired in to my accessory switch on the dash, and yes, it runs until you switch it off. You will need to dedicate a switch to it one way or another. That being said, the best part about the seat is when you are on long hauls. I have done 2000 mile trips in less then 3 days. When you are tired of sitting on that seat, you turn on the compressor, and inflate or deflate one or all of the bags until you are sitting on something that is comfortable again. I wouldn't recomend it for a bike where you might do a hundred or two miles in a day. But, if you are going to spend some serious time on it, it is well worth the money. Good luck, what ever you decide!!
:hii