Bicycles

Folding bike helmet isn't big on bulk

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The Fend helmet folds down to one third its open size when not needed
The Fend helmet folds down to one third its open size when not needed
The Fend helmet is designed to exceed US CPSC and European EN 1078 safety standards

Among the reasons that some people give for not using bicycle helmets is the claim that they take up too much room in a bag when taken off … but a group of Manhattan-based entrepreneurs are out to change that. Their currently-crowdfunding Fend helmet folds down like an accordion when not in use, reportedly taking up two-thirds less space than when opened up and strapped to the user's head.

Like most bike helmets, the Fend features an ABS hard outer shell, an impact-absorbing expanded polypropene core, and a plush interior lining.

Its "ribs" are linked together via metal-fixture-secured nylon straps, and click into the open configuration using a proprietary joint system – this means that users shouldn't have to worry about the helmet accidentally folding up while they're wearing it, or upon impacts.

The Fend helmet is designed to exceed US CPSC and European EN 1078 safety standards

Although final testing can't be carried out until the helmet reaches full production, its designers claim that it's designed to exceed US CPSC and European EN 1078 safety standards.

Should you be interested in getting one, the Fend is presently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$79 will get you one, assuming all goes according to plans. The retail price will be $120.

It should be noted that Carrera already makes a similar helmet, albeit one that perhaps doesn't fold down by quite as much. For other approaches to folding bike helmets, check out the overade, Morpher, Fuga and Headkayse.

Source: Kickstarter

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2 comments
KeithPhillips
If they could produce a motorcycle helmet that folds up. They would really be on a winner, as like myself, millions of workers around the planet commute to work daily on motorcycles and scooters.
Timelord
"Like most bike helmets, the Fend features an ABS hard outer shell, an impact-absorbing expanded polypropene core, and a plush interior lining." Most bike helmets have none of those. They have very thin microshells that are cosmetic (glossy finish) rather than functional. They use expanded polystyrene, not expanded polypropylene, because EPS crushes on impact but doesn't rebound like EPP does, which could theoretically transfer force back to the head. Similar to why stuntmen land on airbags that deflate in a controlled fashion rather than keeping their pressure like a balloon and bouncing back. The fact is if I'm leaving my bike outside, I'm locking it up, in which case, I might as well pass the lock through the helmet at the same time. I can only see a foldable helmet as useful in instances like if I'm using a bikeshare system, where they don't provide helmets for riders.