When you're cycling at night in one of the world's largest cities, it's important that motorists see you. It shouldn't come as a surprise, then, to learn that a group of entrepreneurs in Mexico City has developed what must be one of the "flashiest" cycling vests around – it's called the Tuibo, and it'll definitely get you noticed.
For starters, the water-repellent Tuibo is equipped with 72 flashing LEDs on the back, which serve as tail lights. Thanks to an onboard accelerometer, however, they also brighten as the rider is stopping, acting as brake lights. Additionally, using a Bluetooth handlebar remote, they work as turn indicators.
They're powered by a 2,200-mAh battery pack, which should be good for a claimed 5 to 8 hours of use per charge. That battery, along with the LEDs and other electronics, can be pulled out as one module when it's time to wash the microfiber vest.
In front, an optional 100-lumen headlight can be mounted on the breast pocket, where it's plugged into the vest's internal wiring via USB. An electronic horn can also be mounted on the hip pocket, and likewise plugged in. This connectivity allows the headlight and horn to be activated using the same remote as is used for the signal lights. That remote takes the form of an electronics-equipped rubber sleeve that's pulled over one of the existing handlebar grips.
For cyclists who ride with a backpack, expandable side panels on the vest let it be pulled over the pack, so the LEDs can still be seen.
The Tuibo is currently on Kickstarter, where a pledge of MX$2,349 (about US$125) will get you one without the headlight or horn, when and if it reaches production. It can be seen in use, in the following video.
Source: Kickstarter
