New Lumos helmet keeps cyclists safe by enabling them to use left and right turn signals and brake lights. Turning signals are controlled via handlebar-mounted buttons and brake lights illuminate automatically when slowing down to maximize safety and ease of use. Pre-orders available now via Kickstarter.
Cyclists and motorists agree biking on the road can be dangerous. That’s why Eu-wen Ding and Jeff Chen created Lumos – a bicycle helmet that gives cyclists the same signaling capabilities as motorists. Whether turning left, right or slowing down, Lumos illuminates to keep you safe on the road.
Ding and Chen ride their bikes for transportation and said often times they don’t feel safe on the road. If you’ve ever biked for transportation, you can probably relate, and the statistics prove it. Ding and Chen said more than 49,000 people in the U.S. are seriously injured each year while riding their bikes. Furthermore, roughly 700 U.S. cyclists die in year in accidents (often with motorists). The team of innovators wanted to create a product that helped keep cyclists safe, without them needing to wear neon signs on their backs for visibility everywhere they went. Thus, Lumos was born.
While illuminated helmets already exist, Lumos offers an additional level of safety. Cyclists can use left and right turning signals, and also signal to drivers that they are slowing down to a stop, keeping motorists in the know about a biker’s next move. The helmet works in connection with a handlebar-mounted unit that allows cyclists to control their turning signals. When the cyclist presses either the left or right button, the helmet will illuminate either the left or right side of LED display, signaling a turn.
The device also features an accelerometer. Any time the cyclist slows down, the helmet will automatically initiate the brake lights, keeping him or her safer. Lumos is powered through rechargeable battery via micro USB cable. The charge lasts for about a week, if used 30 minutes per day. The handlebars are powered via cell battery and will hold a charge for six months. The entire unit is also water resistant.
Lumos smashed its Kickstarter campaign. With 21 days to go, the team has gained over $363,000 in funding of a $125,000 goal. Super early bird specials are sold out, but early birds can still snag a helmet for $99. Lumos is a certified cycling helmet and has received satisfactory ratings from the U.S. CPSC and Europe’s EN1078. It has also passed collision tests. Super early birds will receive the product in April 2016, with shipping dates schedule throughout the spring and early summer of next year.
Lumos is an innovative attempt to solve a serious problem for cyclists and motorists. It provides a way for all commuters to share the road safely, and it’s just one idea of many. London recently proposed a system of traffic lights for cyclists and Chicago and other cities proposed building roads for cyclists and pedestrians only. No matter the method, the future of commuting for cyclists is a safer one.
To be honest, this seems like an element14 contest project...
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