ATGATT. It's not just a catchy acronym; it's a code I try and live by. And emphasis on live, as wearing my gear has more than once literally saved my life. That's especially true for me and helmets, as the noggin-protecting devices have more than done their jobs in protecting my cranium from bad falls, bad luck, or bad driving. Sometimes, all three.
But a lot of folks don't see the benefit of wearing a helmet when they're riding e-bikes or even some e-motorcycles, as you tend to think of them as not as fast, not as dangerous, or not as wild as a regular motorcycle. They absolutely are, though, and more folks get injured by those machines year after year than most regular pedal bicycles.
That's why I think Also, Rivian's e-bike off-shoot, did what they did in terms of redesigning the helmet. At least, I think Also's design is one that will show off the benefits of wearing a helmet while riding the brand's new e-bike, while also getting folks to think more about their safety. What the hell am I talking about, you ask? Well, Also just built a smart helmet that shows off when you're braking to those behind you, as well as a headlight, too, and that's neat.
"ALSO unveiled its Alpha Wave Helmet, the next generation in helmet safety technology and connectivity," states the original release for the brand's e-bike, adding, "It incorporates Release Layer System (RLS), a technology that offers a step-change in rotational impact protection. The helmet is also equipped with the HighBar System to provide a more secure, one-handed fit; integrated lights to help riders see and be seen; and an integrated audio system with four wind-shielded speakers and two noise-canceling microphones, enabling riders to listen to music or podcasts, take calls, and receive turn-by-turn navigation, all controlled from the TM-B’s Portal and hand-control interface."
So yeah, the brand's helmet has an adaptive fit system so you get it just right for you head, the Release Layer System to better protect you if and when you crash, an integrated audio system much like the new motorcycle helmets from Cardo, Shoei, and others, as well as an integrated brake light, and a 200-lumen forward-facing light. All of which is charged by a USB-C cable, with a total weight of just over 1 pound, which ain't too shabby when you consider all the stuff Also packed into the helmet.
But what I'm most stoked about seeing with this helmet is all the integration with the e-bike, and how it makes the helmet just as important to the overall bike's operation, and your continued safety.
One of the biggest issues revolving around safety, whether its e-bike, motorocycle, or whatever powersport, is getting over the hump that is how much a pain in the ass it is to use. Or how much further you have to go to use the actual thing. But helmets and bikes go together like peanut butter and honey, or me and falling down a lot. So that's one step in the right direction. The next, however, is showing the customer that it's not just a helmet, it's also your music, your directions, and your brake and headlights. That makes the whole thing far more appealing to not only buy, but to use every single time.
Win, win, win.
As for price, Also is selling the new Alpha Wave helmet for a pretty reasonable $250, which if you're looking at other smart helmets on the market, this is in line or cheaper than those. Yet, they don't come with this sort fo brake or headlight functionality. What I'd love to see, however, is more motorcycle helmet companies adopt similar functionality within their own lineups, as the biggest issue facing rider safety is just being seen, and this could absolutely help.
