Product test

The bike helmet with indicators and brake light

4.12.2018

Translation: machine translated

I'll spare you the puns about "bright little heads", I won't shed any light on the dark and I won't write anything about short winter days. Instead, I'll briefly summarise my experiences with the Blink Blink helmet from Lumos.

A bike helmet only has advantages for me. As I'm in the fortunate position of not having anything that could be described as a hairstyle, there's not even any visual collateral damage. Until now, a "normal" helmet from Bern has been my companion. Now I've been riding through the city with the Lumos for a few days.

Bike helmets

Lumos Kickstart

54 - 61 cm

The helmet

The idea of integrating LEDs into the helmet is pretty obvious and is being pursued by many manufacturers. A small rear light here, a light strip there. But no one has thought it through as consistently as Lumos. 38 LEDs not only provide brightness, but also function as brake lights and indicators. At 450 grams, the integrated battery makes the helmet a little heavier than I'm used to. However, this is not a problem and the Lumos fits my head well. If the lights behind the matt plastic are switched off, you won't stand out any more.

The light

A push of a button changes all that. 10 white LEDs at the front and a warning triangle made up of 16 red LEDs at the rear attract attention and the attention of other road users without you having to activate the indicator. It can be controlled via a remote control with two buttons that you can attach to the handlebars. Unfortunately, I can't reach both buttons with my thumb. To reach the inner one, I have to take my hand off the handlebars briefly. As soon as I switch on the indicator, the helmet beeps and the remote also flashes. That's why I almost always remember to switch it off again promptly. After a while, however, the indicator switches itself off again.

What's the point?

Is the indicator better than a hand signal? In any case, it is a highly visible addition that is noticed by drivers and can also be switched on 100 metres before turning. On my everyday routes, there are a few places where I like to keep my hand on the handlebars for as long as possible. For example, when there are only 50 centimetres between the kerb and the tram tracks that I have to cross when turning. Or when I'm travelling downhill with a trailer and need both brakes. The Lumos also turns into a brake light and warns the traffic behind if you need to slow down quickly. You can see what this looks like in the video below. However, the feature is still in beta mode and only works if you are connected to your mobile via the Lumos app.

In addition to the continuous light, the Lumos also has flashing modes, which I don't use. If you use a direction indicator on your bike, other flashing lights are not permitted anyway. The battery lasts a maximum of three hours with continuous light. The helmet and remote control are charged via a USB cable, which can be magnetically docked in a similar way to a MacBook. The app, which can also be used to track your routes, provides information on the current charge status.

First impression

At first, I felt a little strange with the Lumos. I was eyed like a safety freak. But the feedback was consistently positive and I realised that the helmet makes a difference in road traffic. The concept is good. I have a helmet with me anyway, so why not one with more light and an integrated indicator?

Pro:

Bright light that ensures good visibility and small talk at traffic lights
The indicator is recognised by other road users and is a good addition to the hand signal
With flashing remote control

Contra:

You are dependent on the special cable for charging
The brake light only works with the app connected
No insect screen in the air intakes

The Lumos paints a smile of light across your face.

25 people like this article

Michael Restin

Senior Editor

Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.ch

Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.

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