Renting bikes in large cities is becoming increasingly popular, but riding without a helmet can be dangerous. I personally wouldn’t want to bike around a major city on roads without a helmet. To solve this problem, Iris Shiffer, a New York design student, has created a recycled, disposable, and foldable helmet. The EcoHelmet will be sold for $5 next to bike rental stations. Now there is an easy and affordable way to keep yourself safe when biking in large cities without having to carry your own helmet. According to an article by Forbes, she recently won £30,000 from the International James Dyson Award to fund her idea.
This idea is so simple, yet unique in its own way. Having readily available disposable helmets will help save people from serious injuries when biking in crowded cities. Her EcoHelments are supposed to be in large cities around the world next year, and I can imagine that they will have a large impact on city bikers. The helmets are supposed to last about 3-5 bike rides, and can soften a blow to the head. After watching a video of impact tests being run on the helmet, they actually do a pretty good job of protecting your head for being paper!
Video: http://pix11.com/2016/11/18/brooklyn-woman-creates-foldable-paper-bike-ecohelmet/
I like the idea of having a collapsible helmet. I don’t ever wear a helmet, but I don’t live in a big city. Carrying helmets around can be bothersome and inconvenient, and it seems like this is the perfect innovation to solve the problem. I wonder what makes it have a life of 3-5 rides, and if it could last longer if you don’t get hit
What a great idea! a helmet is not something that a lot of people look past. I think it is due to the fact that it can be annoying to constantly carrying one around. An idea like this however would make me want to have a helmet and seems to solve the issue of being an inconvenience to others. I love the idea and am interested in learning more about it.
This is incredibly innovative and an awesome idea! My brother is a cyclist, and his helmet has protected him from several nasty spills. I don’t like to think about what would have happened if he hadn’t been wearing one. This helmet is perfect for other city people who like the idea of riding a bike, don’t have room to carry around a helmet, but want to avoid the effects of a terrible accident. So neat to hear she won an award for this design!
I think the best part of this idea is the fact that it is recyclable, and in doing so, isn’t hard on the environment. Also the price tag is fantastic and in selling them right next to places where people rent bikes is the perfect marketplace.
This is upcycling, affordable, safe on the environment, and protection all in one product. I’m so impressed by the ingenuity and thought that must have gone into the creation of this helmet, and I want to see it in my city next year for sure. Too many people get injured on bikes, but are too annoyed to wear a helmet!