PressTV...
A Swedish firm has posted a video of tests carried out using its new helium-filled inflatable helmet, claiming the gear provides added safety.
Once inflated upon impact with helium stored in a holder in the back of the collar, Hovding’s headgear remains blown up for a few seconds, warding off multiple impacts.
The lid covers a larger area of the head than a regular bike helmet, providing more protection. The airbag is made of nylon fabric preventing rupture upon friction.
The company has assailed the safety standard used to test helmets and called it too lax in its minimum safety levels. It has further laid claim that its system can reduce fatalities from head injuries in 25km/h impacts with cars to almost zero.
Hovding co-founder, Anna Hautt, has told cycling website BikeRadar, "We have to tell consumers the truth. For us it’s a big step...and we've been on the market for more than two years and we haven't focused on comparing Hovding with traditional helmets because we thought maybe there's room for everyone.
"But we've also realized we aren't telling people about the big advantages of our product, and people are wondering why we're not doing it when we tell them the differences."
The price, however, fuctions as a drawback, with the gear, which once inflated cannot be used again, being available at USD 500.
HN/HN