Inflatable and foldable: English start-up Ventete presents a new type of bike helmet
Anyone who rides their bike to work, to the shops, to the cinema or to a party knows the problem: where do you put your bike helmet when you arrive at your destination? A start-up from London presented a solution at the "Outdoor by ISPO" trade fair in the form of an inflatable and foldable helmet.
It is reminiscent of an accordion and is designed to protect the heads of commuters on their way to work or leisure activities: the "aH1" helmet from British start-up Ventete. It can be folded down to a thickness of 3.5 centimetres so that it fits easily into the laptop compartment of rucksacks and messenger bags. This eliminates the typical commuter question: where to put the helmet?
Protection against impact and good ventilation
The polymer ribs are reinforced so that the helmet is very strong and the air bonnet protects the head. Special pads on the inside are designed to increase protection against rotational forces that favour concussions. The helmet fulfils the CE and UKCA safety standards and therefore complies with the relevant directives and minimum requirements in the EU and UK.
The ribs also ensure good ventilation. According to ISPO magazine, the temperature-regulating properties of the helmet have been tested by the Swiss materials testing institute EMPA.
Thanks to the electric pump connected via USB-C, the helmet should be inflated within 30 seconds, according to the manufacturer
ISPO jury praised innovation and robust design
I was able to take a closer look at the bike helmet at the "Outdoor by ISPO" trade fair in Munich. However, I wasn't able to try it on. However, it stands to reason that the air chambers adapt to the size and shape of your head. The helmet will initially be available in black in the sizes Small (51-54 centimetres), Medium (54-58 centimetres) and Large (58-61 centimetres). A white helmet will follow later.
The Ventete "aH1" is not the first inflatable bike helmet. My colleague Patrick Bardelli already presented the air-inflated helmet from the German start-up Inflabi last year.
The development of the foldable Ventete helmet took more than nine years. It will be available in the next few months, as the manufacturer told me on request. The helmet was developed in England and is to be produced in Switzerland. It is not yet clear if and when it will be added to the Galaxus range.
The ISPO jury praised the "exceptionally high level of innovation" demonstrated by the bicycle helmet. With this helmet, there is no longer any reason for bike commuters to go without the essential protection of a helmet. The jury also emphasised the abrasion-resistant exterior made of nylon and special polymers as well as the resistance to tears and cuts. <p
Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.