Ventete's aH-1 Is an Inflatable Cycling Helmet That Folds Flat and Inflates in Just 30 Seconds
It uses pressurized air in place of foam, is just as safe as traditional helmets, and loses 90% of its volume when deflated for easy storage.
Ventete, a self-described “invention company dedicated to contemporary movement”, has announced the Ventete aH-1 – an inflatable helmet that folds down flat to just 3.5 cm thick (approximately 1.3-inches)
Designed in the UK and built in Switzerland, the Ventete aH-1 is a product of 10 years of “relentless development and rigorous testing” and features innovative technology that includes the brand’s proprietary pneumatic structural system. This multi-patented system is at the heart of what makes the helmet unique, wherein pressurized air is used in place of the foam typically found in helmets, leading to a lighter yet equally safe product. The brand claims the product has been certified in both the UK and EU and “exceeds testing requirements”, achieving CE/UKCA safety certification EN1078. Ventete has also had its product independently tested by Imperial College London and found that aH-1 was “better than foam” helmets in mitigating linear and rotational impacts, two of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in bike accidents.
With its chambered design, the micro-collapsible helmet is extremely breathable and its 11 interconnected nylon chambers are structured in a way that promotes ventilation to keep riders cool. Each of these chambers is reinforced with a polymer rib for durability before being lined with a soft padding that helps to resist abrasion, while minimizing the risk of punctures.
At its core, though, Ventete is on a mission for convenience. Driven by what it calls a “radical transformation” of the urban mobility landscape – the rise in ride sharing, e-scooters and e-bikes – the brand has developed a helmet it feels meets the needs of today’s city riders. It’s co-founder, Colin Herperger, says it all started with a single question: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could have a helmet that could fold down like a piece of origami and fit in your pocket?” The Ventete aH-1 achieves this by collapsing down to just a tenth of its volume, losing 90% of its bulk to allows users to store the it alongside their laptops and notepads. As well as promoting efficient use of packing space, the brand is conscious of your time and the aH-1 takes just 30 seconds to inflate back to normal size with the included rechargeable mini pump.
Intrigued? Ventete has today, July 15, opened up signups on its site for “exclusive access”, ahead of tomorrow’s, July 16, general release. The Ventete aH-1 will retail for £350 GBP.
