The reviews are in for the ‘Invisible’ bike helmets

The reviews are in for the ‘Invisible’ bike helmets

See what readers think about this product

BY CHRISTINA NICKOLAS

A while ago we covered an article titled “‘Invisible’ bike helmets from Hövding rely on ST’s motion sensors and microcontrollers”, which you can read at:

http://www2.electronicproducts.com/_Invisible_bike_helmets_from_H%c3%b6vding_rely_on_ST_s_motion_sensors_and_microcontrollers-article-newscn_29_may2012-html.aspx

The article covered a video that showed how the helmet was suppose to work when you are hit by a car while riding a bike.

A while back, I asked the question on the Digi-Key TechXchange Communities:“If you use a bike helmet would you consider this new product?” and got some interesting replies. Some still don’t even wear helmets while riding a bike.

However even though a creative concept I don’t think it will do well in the market. As one of the readers responded it is just not practical to wear the helmet in hot temperatures.

In regards to maintaining this product,‘M.Emara’ responded “The traditional helmet don’t need any maintenance just with an quick over look you can realize if you can go out with it or not. In the dashboard of cars there is an indication to show if the airbags are working probably or need a check. What about a ready indication for the Hodvidge Helmet to know if you are protected or not? What would be its maintenance plan?”

More comments can be read or added at:

http://www.digikey.com/techxchange/message/5416#5416

In addition a new video posted on youtube gives a brief review about the Hodving Helmet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn65Bows0Ws

For $450 per helmet it is still more expensive compared to the current ones available. Also if the designers could figure out a way to embed the airbag in the traditional helmets I might even consider it.