When using 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 using close to or far. Similar to motorbike helmets, most bicycle helmets value proudly owning have undergone rigorous testing and are compliant with numerous trade requirements relating to security. 

Whereas in most elements of the world, there aren’t any legal guidelines explicitly mandating the usage of helmets, it is a identified incontrovertible fact that helmets play a significant 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 wish to put on a helmet – dimension and bulkiness being two of the principle causes. With that, a startup from Germany seeks to offer cyclists extra choices relating to helmets. 

The corporate is known as Inflabi, and its latest product of the identical identify could appear 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 might 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 signifies that it is a lot smaller than a daily helmet when not in use. As such, when you’re one to pack mild, you could possibly probably even hold the uninflated helmet in a facet pocket in your backpack, or even perhaps a pocket in your jacket. Aside, after all, 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 % air, and the prototype weighs in at simply 140 grams. 

At this level, a whole lot of you’re most likely questioning if a helmet like that is even secure. I imply, you are primarily strapping an inflatable in your head, proper? Effectively, in response to Inflabi, their helmet gives 4 instances 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 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 present’s quickly rising e-bike market. Understandably, electrical bicycles are far more harmful than commonplace bikes given their electrical help, so the necessity for security gear and gear is additional emphasised.