Hövding: Invisible Bike Helmet Inflates On Impact (VIDEO)

Would you wear an invisible helmet? Reuters reports on a creative invention in bicycle safety, the Hövding, an inflatable collar that deploys like an airbag on impact, encircling the cyclist's head.

The idea was based on the premise that while cyclists are aware of the dangers of biking without a helmet, they still choose to not wear one due to appearance, bulkiness, discomfort, and of course, hair issues.

The Hövding's puffy collar contains a nylon airbag with a gas inflator, which is triggered by sensors upon collision. The airbag releases in .1 second, becoming a hood that encircles the head, providing shock absorption and pressure. The Hövding also offers shells in a variety of colors and patterns.

There are some drawbacks. The $450 price tag is prohibitively expensive for many cyclists. Also, once inflated, the Hövding cannot be used again. So if you fall off your bike, it better be a worthy fall!

Nonetheless, the Hövding is a fascinating example of designers searching for alternative ways to improve safety through creativity, and could lead to some amazing future technology. What do you think of it?

WATCH:

Comments

[George Redpath]

06:49 PM on 12/05/2010

Not new. Prototype has been around since the 70s, developed by BikeCentennial. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/airbag-helmet.html

[noob1]

12:45 AM on 11/25/2010

Genius!

[Amadahy]

04:40 PM on 11/23/2010

I don't have any qualms with them trying to fill a niche market, the market of bicycle riders who ride without a helmet and providing some sort of head protection. But for $450? That price point's considered reasonably high even for a motorcycle helmet, you know, that was meant to protect your head at 55mph.

At the same time, I have to wonder why it is that these riders take themselves and their appearance so seriously as to trump safety. There are bike helmets which look dorky sure, but there are also helmets which are good enough appearance wise. It always astounds me how vain some people are. Get over yourself, put on a good enough helmet, and live to be there for your loved ones. Gheez.

[Max Shaw]

02:57 PM on 11/23/2010

Theres just oh so many reasons why this is completely impractical. The article pretty much said its a stupid idea without actually having to say it.

[Half-Alien]

02:21 PM on 11/22/2010

Don't need a bike helmet. Why would I ride a bike anyway? My Range Rover is much more comfortable.

[ScottnLaguna]

07:53 PM on 11/23/2010

Hahaha!

[ThinkCreeps]

10:56 AM on 11/22/2010

And if it doesn't go off when you need it, or goes off when you don't?

[taddles]

04:18 AM on 11/23/2010

Uh like your airbags?

[rougebaisers]

08:08 AM on 11/22/2010

Sure. Why not? I would like to get a gumby outfit to fly.

[Luke McIntosh]

05:12 AM on 11/22/2010

Wait, what about getting his from the front? I'm thinking this helmet idea might have some lack of information "fail" to it...

[Telemachus Sneezed]

04:01 AM on 11/22/2010

Can't wait to see what the sledgehammer-in-the-crotch crowd does with this one.

[Weirdwriter]

11:15 PM on 11/21/2010

"GET IT OFF MY HEAD, GET IT OFF, OH MY GOD!!!"

(What the model said as soon as the camera stopped clicking.)

[jmundstuk]

09:50 PM on 11/21/2010

I don't see why ppl should be forced to wear helmets on bikes or cycles. All they have to do is sign a waiver that says they will pay for their own medical bills if head-injured.

[mudshark12]

03:24 AM on 11/22/2010

Provided they are not dead.

[taddles]

04:16 AM on 11/23/2010

Uh huh, suppose you're also one of those "I shouldn't have to wear seat belts" people too.

[jmundstuk]

06:03 PM on 11/23/2010

It was meant as satire; I jest.

[mountainweb]

09:06 PM on 11/21/2010

The $450 price tag is prohibitively expensive, therefore, bad idea. Beside, if you fall off of a bike you don't want to look like you were being attacked by a fat white cat....

[greenlord]

09:06 PM on 11/21/2010

AWESOME!!!

[Bub Horne]

08:42 PM on 11/21/2010

I designed a disposable helmet years ago. Might be time to develop it?

[DrCardio]

08:07 PM on 11/21/2010

3 things:

1. The foam from Demolition Man is still the greatest preventative measure imagined, ever.
2. I wont buy a helmet that costs more than a bike.
3. Does it come in hunter green?

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

12:24 PM on 11/22/2010

1. lol - yeah, if it couldn't be inhaled, would disintegrate rapidly in water and was environmentally friendly it would be! Oh and don't forget flame retardant... that could be a real mess!

2. What kind of bike are you riding!?

3. The one use thing sounds like a non-starter. Just imagine - you're riding, fall, the helmet saves your melon... get back on and continue to ride and fall again... no more helmet.