Unit 1 has set out to create an ecosystem of smartly connected devices, all based around its 5-star Virginia Tech-rated helmets.
With the smart remote, smart lights that operate on the front or rear, and even a smart backpack, Unit 1 appears to have commuter safety covered.
The Neon helmet is the brand's latest urban design, showcasing the technology that makes Unit 1’s helmets unique.
The 480.8g (L/XL) helmet has a typically urban design with an integrated slender peak, a lower rear section and full coverage of the foam core. The retention system houses MIPS tech for rotational force protection in the event of a fall.
The rear of the helmet houses a 150x15mm LED light bar, which, thanks to its curved shape, gives 180-degree visibility. The rear light doubles as turn-signal indicators when combined with the optional bar-mounted remote control (£34.90).
Safety tech built in
Under the surface, however, is where the Neon’s extra tech is hidden. When you connect to the Unit 1 app, you can set up a crash-alert notification. The tech inside the helmet will sense a crash and immediately send an alert to your emergency contacts via the phone, including location information.
You can also add your medical ID to the built-in NFC tag. A graphic on the top informs emergency services to scan the helmet to obtain your information.
The USB-C port mounted under the light bar charges the light and the system. There is a range of compatible accessories, with a smart light that can be used either as a front or rear light. The 120mm-long unit puts out 100 lumens of white or red light and can be run horizontally or vertically.
The IPX6-rated waterproof unit has an automatic weather mode, which will increase the brightness in rainy or foggy conditions. It has four flash modes and a solid light mode, and like the helmet, when connected to the remote, it will act as an on-bike indicator.
App-driven customisation
All the modes and settings can be customised through the app, or you can choose one of the many presets to maximise either brightness or battery longevity.
On my own custom presets, with solid lights, indicators and maximum power for the braking-light function, I’m getting seven hours of run time between charges for the helmet and four hours for the rear light. In the full battery save mode, it increases to 10 hours for the helmet and 15 hours for the light.
Safety ecosystem
You can add a second light to the system, or the Unit 1 Smart light Pro Dual twin pack (£169.90 / $199.90 / €199.90), which includes an ear-bud style charging case.
Unit 1 also offers a tough Cordura commuter backpack called the Torch (£199.90 / $219.90 / €229.90), with a built-in connected light with indicator and braking functionality.
- Unit 1 Neon MIPS smart helmet: £149.90 / $199.90 / €199.90
- Unit 1 Remote: £34.90 / $39.90 / €39.90
- Unit 1 Smart light: £79.90 / $89.90 / €89.90
