Bicycles

Latest folding bicycle helmet is a real Headkayse

Latest folding bicycle helmet is a real Headkayse
The Headkayse helmet folds for storage, and doesn't break under impact
The Headkayse helmet folds for storage, and doesn't break under impact
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The Headkayse helmet folds for storage, and doesn't break under impact
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The Headkayse helmet folds for storage, and doesn't break under impact
To fold up the Headkayse helmet, users release a Velcro closure in the back, pull out the helmet's "tail," then push its two segmented side sections into the middle
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To fold up the Headkayse helmet, users release a Velcro closure in the back, pull out the helmet's "tail," then push its two segmented side sections into the middle
The Headkayse flattens by 70 percent (and decreases in volume by 50 percent), down to a width of 5 cm (2 in)
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The Headkayse flattens by 70 percent (and decreases in volume by 50 percent), down to a width of 5 cm (2 in)
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One of the main reasons that many cyclists give for not wearing a helmet is the fact that helmets take up so much room when they're being carried in a bag. As a result, we've seen a number of companies developing folding helmets. One of the latest, UK-based Headkayse, claims that its helmet not only folds down small, but that it's also more comfortable and perhaps even safer than a regular helmet.

To fold up the Headkayse helmet, users release a Velcro closure in the back, pull out the helmet's "tail," then push its two segmented side sections into the middle. This causes it to flatten by 70 percent (and decrease in volume by 50 percent), down to a width of 5 cm (2 in).

The Headkayse flattens by 70 percent (and decreases in volume by 50 percent), down to a width of 5 cm (2 in)
The Headkayse flattens by 70 percent (and decreases in volume by 50 percent), down to a width of 5 cm (2 in)

Additionally, instead of being constructed from the usual expanded polystyrene (EPS), it's made from a proprietary foam known as – well, known as Headkayse.

According to the designers, the material will compress to absorb shocks instead of breaking like EPS. This means that unlike an EPS helmet, a Headkayse doesn't have to be replaced every time it receives a hard knock. It's also better able to soak up smaller hits, plus its 3-mm polymer outer surface is more abrasion-resistant.

Additionally, because the Headkayse foam is so flexible, the helmet is said to easily comply to different head shapes and sizes.

Should you be interested in getting one of your own, the Headkayse is currently the subject of a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. A pledge of £55 (about US$84) will get you one, if all goes according to plan. The planned retail price is £89 ($136).

There's more information in the video below.

Source: Indiegogo

Headkayse. The world's first multi-impact, soft, safe, foldable cycle helmet / Indiegogo Campaign

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3 comments
3 comments
gizmowiz
How can we get them in America and prices for them in American dollars?
Thomas Braum
I wish there was a way to contact the company to get more info. Someone I know had a very serious accident that made me more familiar with the shortcomings of current helmets. On indiegogo there is no way to post anything without first contributing.
AndyRed3d
Hi Andrew from Headkayse here - really glad you like the product, it's been a big challenge to create something this different from the norm, for many reasons I could bore you with. But we're really pleased that a lot of people seem to get this and have sent us some very supportive feedback.
The best way to contact the company currently is through the Indiegogo campaign: http://igg.me/at/headkayse/x/12017684
Alternatively you can direct message us through Twitter or Facebook, the links for these are on the www.headkayse.com website.
In terms of pricing, if you pre-order this on Indiegogo, you get a generous discount on the expected retail price. This is GBP £55, which is about US $85 at today's exchange rate.
There is also a shipping fee currently, which I think is about $15. If you have any queries, you can speak to our other team member George about this through Indiegogo. Thanks for your support!