Some great points in the comments about how helmets are less expensive, but I'm surprised how quickly a revolutionary new tech is being dismissed because of its high initial price point. If this can find scale, the price will fall and they could become even more compact. And if any of this can mean more people actually wearing helmets, this company might save lives. A pretty awesome innovation.
Looking at a few pictures of these systems inflated (harder to find than you'd think), it doesn't look like they are really "full body". I've always been amused by the idea of an airbag suit that, when triggered, resulted in something like what the Mars rovers used (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbag#Airbag_landing_systems).
There are a whole lot of hamsters that fit that description though. If an innovation can get people, any people, out of cars and onto bikes somewhat safely, it's a good thing.
Comments
Some great points in the comments about how helmets are less expensive, but I'm surprised how quickly a revolutionary new tech is being dismissed because of its high initial price point. If this can find scale, the price will fall and they could become even more compact. And if any of this can mean more people actually wearing helmets, this company might save lives. A pretty awesome innovation.
It is interesting tech and to be sure, but when the target market is "people too cool to be seen wearing helmets" it loses some of the punch for me.
I'd be much more interested if the system was a fully body airbag that provides additional protection above and beyond a standard helmet.
See my comment: http://hackerne.ws/item?id=4389384
Looking at a few pictures of these systems inflated (harder to find than you'd think), it doesn't look like they are really "full body". I've always been amused by the idea of an airbag suit that, when triggered, resulted in something like what the Mars rovers used (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbag#Airbag_landing_systems).
There are a whole lot of hamsters that fit that description though. If an innovation can get people, any people, out of cars and onto bikes somewhat safely, it's a good thing.