Safety Equipment

Image by: Hovding The disruptive device makes people wonder “how girls could invent anything this technical,” says co-founder Anna Haupt. Two innovative Swedish women are getting some attention, thanks to a short film released online. Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin have created an “invisible” bicycle helmet, a device worn around the neck that deploys an airbag in the event of an accident. The duo, who run a company called Hövding in Malmo, wanted a less bulky alternative to the modern helmet. They came up with a prototype in 2005 for a university thesis but recently gained notoriety after General Electric profiled them in its Focus Forward 3-minute documentary series. In the film, the two say they have to deal with a lot of naysayers. "People wonder how girls could invent anything this technical," Haupt says. On their website, Haupt and Alstin say they wanted to create a safe and stylish option that riders would be “happy to wear.” The idea was prompted by the introduction of a new Swedish law mandating helmet use. After seven years researching bicycle accidents and movement patterns, the two designed their prototype: a modified battery-powered airbag, hidden inside a zippered water-proof collar, that deploys around the head on impact or during a fall. The recipients of 11 awards and grants, the women say they haven’t had a problem raising venture capital and now have about $10 million in funding. Their business has grown from two to 17 employees. The helmet does have one significant drawback: one complete system costs a hefty $600 and, like a traditional airbag, Hövding can only be deployed once. Check out the video here: The Invisible Bicycle Helmet | Fredrik Gertten from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.

Safety Equipment

Two Swedish Women Invent “Invisible” Bicycle Helmet

The Story Exchange

Safety Equipment

Two Swedish Women Invent “Invisible” Bicycle Helmet

The Story Exchange

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