Over the past couple of years I’ve read multiple articles, had discussions, and even written some blog posts on the topic of “smart” motorcycle helmets. First there was the disaster that was Skully helmets, that took people’s money in a crowdfunding campaign and didn’t deliver. I also have mentioned the BMW Motorrad HUD (heads up display) in development because, with corporate backing, it wouldn’t have the crowdfunding issue. Now, I have come across this article detailing the Jarvish helmets.
While this company is like Skully, being crowdfunded, it seems to already be in the testing phase. Also, unlike Skully (who has actually come under new ownership and is going to finally deliver helmets), the helmet price starts at $399 compared to $1,900. $399 is comparable to standard, albeit high quality, helmets on the market now, so the investment risk is greatly reduced. Apparently, this helmet also will have the ability to communicate with Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google Assistant (cue the clip of Iron Man talking to his artificial intelligence servant).
A welcomed byproduct of this technology is that it’ll make wearing helmets “cool”. Many people (myself included) have been guilty of riding without a helmet. In this digital age, bringing this product to the market could increase the use of helmets without the need of government legislation. It’d be making young adults safer without them knowing it!
“Technology is nothing. What's important is that you have a faith in people, that they're basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they'll do wonderful things with them.” - Steve Jobs
