Sure, Lime tells you when you first make an account with the cycle share app that you should be wearing a helmet, but how many people actually listen?
Everywhere you look (or ride) on the streets of London, you can spot daredevils going max speed on the electric bikes and scooters without a care in the world - not in the least their head protection. It’s not considered essential until it isn’t there and the very worst happens.
This happened to a friend of mine. She got brain damage. It’s been a year since the accident, and she still hasn’t fully recovered. It changed her life forever. Even learning this wasn’t enough for me to invest in one, though. It was only when I had a (luckily) minor accident of my own that I realised it was time to stop being silly and source a helmet.
The problem that I had, and I’m sure many can relate to, is that I don’t always know when I’m going to take a Lime. It’s typically a last-minute decision. The idea of carrying around a bulky helmet at all times just didn’t seem like a valid option. Until I discovered the world of collapsible helmets, and, namely, Newlane.
The British brand has changed the riding game by creating head protection without the bulk. It was founded in 2018, and after six years of development, the helmet has been certified to the European Safety Standard after being put through its paces through simulated cycling accidents.
We put it to the test on the streets of the capital to find out more.
Specs
Design
You wouldn’t believe upon receiving the box in the post that there’s a helmet inside, something the brand clearly takes great pleasure in as it says almost exactly those words on the box. A testament to its packable nature, it fits compactly inside a cardboard exterior with a depth of no more than 7cm.
As for the helmet itself, there is a diagram included in the instruction manual, but like most people, I like to see if I can work it out myself without looking at it. The concept is super simple: there is a hook on one end of the helmet, once released, the crown twists and slots into the hole to resemble an ordinary helmet. You then just lock it in place.
The fit is customisable with the interior twist rear size adjuster and chin strap. It did take me a few tries before I worked out that the chin strap slid into place with a magnet rather than the traditional buckle design. This is, of course, all explained on the diagram if I had looked at it in the beginning.
Does it work?
Quite simply: yes. This is a hard-wearing, premium-quality helmet that is easy to carry and holds up to rigorous testing.
Verdict
Newlane Foldable Bike Helmet
The Newlane Foldable Bike Helmet will change the game for space-poor commuters. Its collapsible design gives you no excuse not to always have a helmet on hand if you’re a Lime user. Safety is the utmost priority for the brand - and for this reason, it exceeds the EN 1078 European Safety Standard. What’s more, it looks just like a regular helmet when worn.
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
