Emma: I’m not a cyclist. I walk, I take public transport, and if it’s raining, I stay home. But when I heard about a new British-designed, Swiss-made helmet that inflates like a balloon, I had questions…Joining me in the studio is Colin Harper, product lead at the company behind the aH-1 inflatable helmet. Colin, welcome.
Colin: Thanks Emma. And yes, the aH-1 does sound a bit like something from a sci-fi novel at first, but it’s a product we believe will change how people think about head protection on a bike.
Emma: So, why on earth would I – or anyone – choose a helmet you have to pump up? Traditional helmets are rigid, simple, and you just put them on.
Colin: That’s exactly the problem we’re trying to address. The aH-1 inflates before you ride – it takes about 30 seconds using an integrated electric pump. Once inflated to around 32 psi, it forms a rigid, cushioned shell. The main advantage is portability. When deflated, it’s only 4 centimetres thick, so you can slip it into a backpack, a work bag, or even a large handbag. Our research shows a lot of people don’t wear helmets because they’re awkward to carry or store, and not because of how it makes them look. Our design solves this problem.
Emma: Alright, portability sounds nice. But surely adding pumps and batteries just means there’s more that can go wrong? I’ve had my fair share of gadgets that fail the one time I really need them.
Colin: That’s a reasonable concern. We’ve built in redundancy: a manual valve as a backup, a pressure gauge so you can confirm it’s blown up correctly, and electronics that are sealed against weather and dust. The battery gives you dozens of inflations on a single charge – enough for weeks of daily use – and recharging takes less than an hour.
Emma: Still, with a normal helmet, you can see and feel what you’re getting. With an inflatable, you’re asking me to believe that air pressure will protect my skull if I hit the tarmac at speed. How safe is it?
Colin: I understand that hesitation. That’s why we’ve run the aH-1 through strict safety tests – both to EU and US standards. Inflated helmets distribute impact energy differently; the air chamber compresses and spreads the force across a wider area. In controlled conditions, we’ve seen performance that equals or is even better than traditional foam helmets, particularly in certain impacts.
Emma: But life doesn’t happen in controlled conditions. What about odd crash angles, wet roads, or a sharp curb edge?
Colin: We’ve done field trials with real cyclists – commuters, couriers, and people using bikeshare schemes. They’ve worn the helmet in rain, wind, even snow. The feedback has been positive, especially on comfort and the freedom of not carrying a big helmet all day. But like any safety device, it’s not magic. We always stress that safe cycling behaviour is still essential.
Emma: I’m guessing this doesn’t cost the same as a helmet from the local sports shop. Colin: It’s a premium product, yes, because of the technology involved. But we see it as an investment in safety. If it encourages someone who never wears a helmet to start doing so, the benefits – both personal and societal – outweigh the extra cost.
Emma: And durability? How long before I need to replace it?
Colin: With normal care, several years. We’ve designed it so key components can be replaced, rather than throwing away the entire unit. That’s part of our sustainability commitment.
Emma: Hmm. I can see the logic if you’re cycling every day in a city and storage is an issue. But for someone like me – occasional weekend rides in the park – I’m not sure I’d rush to buy one.
Colin: And that’s fair. But for urban commuters, bike-share users, and travellers who want real protection and safety without the bulk, we think the aH-1 offers something genuinely new.
Emma: Well, Colin, you’ve certainly given me – and our listeners – plenty to think about. I’m still not swapping my coffee walks for the bike lane just yet, but I can see why some might. Thanks for coming in.
