When using a bicycle, be it electrical or in any other case, it is at all times a good suggestion to put on a helmet, no matter whether or not otherwise you’re using close to or far. Identical to motorbike helmets, most bicycle helmets price proudly owning have undergone rigorous testing and are compliant with numerous trade requirements in terms of security.
Whereas in most elements of the world, there are not any legal guidelines explicitly mandating using helmets, it is a recognized incontrovertible fact that helmets play a significant function in decreasing accidents within the occasion of a motorcycle crash. Having stated that, there could be many causes as to why somebody wouldn’t need to put on a helmet – dimension and bulkiness being two of the principle causes. With that, a startup from Germany seeks to present cyclists extra choices in terms of helmets.
The corporate is known as Inflabi, and its latest product of the identical identify could seem bizarre and dorky at first, however hear me out. The Inflabi helmet, as you have most likely guessed, is an inflatable bicycle helmet. It is made out of TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane air chambers which have been fused along with a rubber seam welding method, after which coated in an abrasion resistant cloth. Stated chambers could be inflated and deflated with valves on the again, and sure, a daily 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 a daily helmet when not in use. As such, in case you’re one to pack gentle, you can probably even preserve the uninflated helmet in a aspect pocket in your backpack, or maybe even 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 any case, it is 70 p.c air, and the prototype weighs in at simply 140 grams.
At this level, lots of you’re most likely questioning if a helmet like that is even secure. I imply, you are basically strapping an inflatable in your head, proper? Effectively, in line with Inflabi, their helmet presents 4 instances the shock absorption of a standard bike helmet. On prime of that, it is reportedly set to obtain full European EU1078 security certification earlier than 2023 attracts to a detailed.
Tech like this can undeniably come at fairly a value – however one which places it at par with mid-tier to premium bike helmets. Anticipated to be provided 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 significantly fascinating, particularly in at this time’s quickly rising e-bike market. Understandably, electrical bicycles are way more harmful than normal bikes given their electrical help, so the necessity for security gear and tools is additional emphasised.