Inflatable Head Protection: A Novel Idea for Cycling Safety by Inventor
The British start-up, Ventete, has made a significant stride in the cycling industry with the development of its groundbreaking aH-1 inflatable bike helmet. Co-founded and led by CEO Colin Herperger, who holds a PhD in Architecture by Design from UCL London, the company aims to address common cyclist concerns such as scepticism about protection, difficulty of storage, and cost[1].
Certified to the EN 1078 safety standard, the aH-1 meets the essential safety requirements expected for cycling helmets, covering construction, field of vision, and shock-absorbing properties[1]. In comparison to traditional helmets, the Ventete aH-1 has been tested against a range of top, median, and lower-performing helmets. The testing involved dropping helmeted dummy heads at a speed of 6.5 m/s (around 13 mph) at a 45° angle to simulate real-world impacts[1].
One of the key advantages of the aH-1 is its portability and convenience. Inflatable and micro-foldable, the helmet can be deflated down to a package less than 4cm thick for easy storage, a significant improvement over traditional rigid helmets[1].
While the EN 1078 certification confirms the basic safety compliance of the Ventete aH-1, the specific impact testing against other helmets suggests it performs competitively, though detailed quantitative results are not publicly disclosed[1][2]. Unlike many traditional helmets that rely on EPS foam, the Ventete's unique pneumatic structure may provide a different shock-absorbing mechanism, potentially offering effective protection with added convenience[1][2].
The aH-1 performed second best in terms of rotational impact, behind a helmet with a secondary inner layer that allows for 10-15mm (about 0.5in) of movement to reduce rotational motion to the brain[1]. This feature, often found in more expensive helmets, is starting to appear in cheaper models, indicating a shift towards improved safety features across the industry[1].
Despite the improvements offered by the aH-1, the higher cost of £350 compared to traditional helmets that cost less than £50 might deter some potential buyers[1]. However, it is important to consider that helmets are a vital safety measure, and the longer the impact, the lower the linear risk, as it reduces the chance of the brain bouncing against the inside of the skull[1].
Approximately 41,000 people die annually while cycling worldwide, and the exact number of fatalities without helmets is unknown[1]. Mandatory helmet laws have shown to have a significant impact on cycling numbers. For instance, after the introduction of such laws in New South Wales and Melbourne, cycling dropped by 36%[1].
In summary, the Ventete aH-1 inflatable helmet offers a competitive level of safety, improved portability, and convenience compared to traditional helmets. However, ongoing independent testing and user experience will further clarify its protective performance in comparison to traditional helmets. As with all helmets, it is crucial to prioritise safety and consider the potential benefits when making a purchasing decision.
| Aspect | Ventete aH-1 Inflatable Helmet | Traditional Helmets | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Certification | EN 1078 (European and British standard) | Various (EN 1078, CPSC, ASTM, Snell, etc.) | | Impact Protection | Tested against top, median, and lower performers under lab conditions (13 mph, 45° impacts) | Rely on EPS foam with varied certifications and impact ratings | | Portability | Inflatable and micro-foldable for easy storage | Usually rigid, bulky, less portable | | Innovation | Pneumatic structural safety system | Standard foam and plastic shell design |
[1] Ventete (2022). Ventete aH-1 Inflatable Helmet. Retrieved from https://ventete.co/products/ah-1 [2] Imperial College London (2022). Head Injury Lab. Retrieved from https://www.imperial.ac.uk/head-lab/
- Ventete's aH-1 inflatable bike helmet, led by CEO Colin Herperger, aims to address common cyclist concerns with a focus on safety, portability, and cost.
- The aH-1 has been tested against various helmets, showing competitive performance and meeting the essential safety requirements of the EN 1078 standard.
- One key advantage of the aH-1 is its portability, being inflatable and micro-foldable for easy storage, providing a significant improvement over traditional rigid helmets.
- In the future, neuroscience research and technology advancements in the sports industry could lead to more helmets with added safety features like the aH-1's pneumatic structure.
- As space technology continues to progress, wearables and gadgets could potentially be incorporated into bike helmets, enhancing safety, convenience, and even providing real-time health monitoring for cyclists.
