Inflatable Bike Helmet Folds Like Origami: Check Out the Wild Ventete aH-1

August 20, 2024

As much as the cycling industry touts technological breakthroughs and the slimmest marginal gains in aerodynamics and weight, the most important piece of safety gear has remained largely unchanged in materials or construction since the mid-1970s.

Cycling helmets have become much lighter, safer, more aerodynamic, ventilated, and comfortable, but the basic construction still involves a hard plastic shell that covers an EPS liner. Relatively minor additions have emerged, like MIPS, and a few materials, like Koroyd, have replaced EPS on a few models. However, the basic premise of bicycle helmet construction prevails.

But a brand in England recently announced a helmet that will surely shake things up. It’s hard to imagine, but Ventete has developed a helmet that is inflatable and folds like origami into a flat package. The short video below displays the gist of the Ventete aH-1 Micro-Collapsible helmet. It represents the first significant departure in cycling helmet design and construction in the 40+ years I’ve been spinning pedals. Gear Junkie