When driving a bicycle, be it electrical or in any other case, it is all the time a good suggestion to put on a helmet, no matter whether or not otherwise you’re driving close to or far. Similar to motorbike helmets, most bicycle helmets value proudly owning have undergone rigorous testing and are compliant with varied business requirements relating to security.
Whereas in most components of the world, there aren’t any legal guidelines explicitly mandating the usage of helmets, it is a identified undeniable fact that helmets play a serious position in lowering accidents within the occasion of a motorbike crash. Having mentioned that, there might be many causes as to why somebody wouldn’t need to put on a helmet – measurement and bulkiness being two of the primary causes. With that, a startup from Germany seeks to present cyclists extra choices relating to helmets.
The corporate known as Inflabi, and its latest product of the identical title could seem bizarre and dorky at first, however hear me out. The Inflabi helmet, as you’ve got most likely guessed, is an inflatable bicycle helmet. It is made out of TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane air chambers which were fused along with a rubber seam welding approach, after which coated in an abrasion resistant material. Mentioned chambers might be inflated and deflated with valves on the again, and sure, an everyday bicycle tire pump does this job, however Inflabi packages the helmets with a pump included. It reportedly takes simply 20 seconds to inflate the helmet.
Naturally, an inflatable helmet implies that it is a lot smaller than an everyday helmet when not in use. As such, for those who’re one to pack mild, you might probably even hold the uninflated helmet in a facet pocket in your backpack, or even perhaps a pocket in your jacket. Aside, in fact, from its compact dimensions when not in use, the Inflabi can be a lot lighter than even the lightest carbon fiber helmets. In spite of everything, it is 70 % air, and the prototype weighs in at simply 140 grams.
At this level, plenty of you’re most likely questioning if a helmet like that is even protected. I imply, you are basically strapping an inflatable in your head, proper? Nicely, in response to Inflabi, their helmet presents 4 occasions the shock absorption of a standard bike helmet. On high of that, it is reportedly set to obtain full European EU1078 security certification earlier than 2023 attracts to an in depth.
Tech like this may undeniably come at fairly a worth – however one which places it at par with mid-tier to premium bike helmets. Anticipated to be supplied for pre-sale in August, Inflabi estimates costs for its helmet to be across the 150-Euro ($163 USD) mark. Full availability is scheduled for November, 2023.
Gear choices like Inflabi are notably attention-grabbing, particularly in at the moment’s quickly rising e-bike market. Understandably, electrical bicycles are far more harmful than normal bikes given their electrical help, so the necessity for security gear and tools is additional emphasised.