SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Three hundred Apple stores in the U.S. and Europe will begin stocking Lumos Helmet's "smart" bike helmet on May 1, the start of Bike Month. Among other features, when paired with an Apple Watch, the helmet can recognize rider hand turn signals and activate LED turn signals on the back of the helmet.
The helmet also has front and rear lights, brake lights and a wireless remote, which can be used to activate the turn signals if a rider doesn't have an Apple Watch.
Lumos has introduced a new Apple Watch and iPhone app that makes the hand gesture recognition possible. A new Android phone app also will be introduced this spring.
"With this groundbreaking smart Gesture Recognition technology, riders will no longer have to use the remote to activate their turn signal. Instead, the technology enhances the rider's safety by fitting around the rider's normal behavior. By automatically activating the turn signal via hand gestures, the rider enjoys a seamless, safer experience," the company said. The upgraded iPhone app allows the helmet to communicate via Bluetooth with apps including Strava and Apple Health, enabling riders to have their ride activity recorded automatically whenever they ride.
According to the company, this will be the first time that a helmet of any kind will be sold at the Apple Store.
"I am tremendously excited about this new feature and how it will further enhance cycling safety," said Eu-wen Ding, Lumos Helmet's CEO. "As a design-centered company, we're thrilled to be able to launch this with Apple. Having got our start as an idea on Kickstarter, this is a huge moment for us!"
The helmet retails for $179. Besides the Apple stores, it will continue to be available direct from the company's website and through IBDs.
More information: lumoshelmet.co.
