Cycling is fun, but carrying a bicycle helmet around when not cycling is not. Personally, that irks me a lot. Of course, you can secure it to the bike and risk coming back to nothing, or finding that a pigeon has made a nest out of it. For over fifty years or so, we have been living in this dilemma—well, that’s until 2024, when a Swiss brand broke the bicycle helmet design convention with the world’s first inflatable helmet.
You heard that right—a blow-up helmet.
Calling it “inflatable” is oversimplifying this engineering marvel. Called the VENTETE aH-1, this revolutionary head protection for cyclists is based on a pneumatic structural system that leverages air compression to absorb impact 44.1% better than ordinary foam helmets. All told, the inflatable design features 11 connected air chambers. Even trying to be technical about it, we are still oversimplifying this amazing product.
Before we get into the awesome technicalities that make it tick, I have to point out that it can be deflated and folded to less than 4 cm thin, which is one of the most, if not the most, impressive features of this helmet. Once deflated and folded, you can slip it into its dedicated pouch and toss it in your backpack or tote, thus freeing yourself from helmet-lugging misery.
It can be inflated easily using a regular pump via the integrated Clik valve, but VENTETE is also bundling it with a hand pump or, for those who want technology to do the work, a pocket-sized USB-C pump that inflates the helmet in 30 seconds. A mechanical pressure indicator lets you know when to stop inflating—or when it needs a little more air.
The aH-1 also presents a huge leap in comfort. The chamber design rests lightly on the head, promoting continuous air circulation, which translates to efficient heat dissipation. VENTETE says the aH-1’s cooling capacity is equivalent to the cooling effect of riding without a helmet.
Moreover, the helmet liner was developed in collaboration with RHEON Labs, featuring a non-Newtonian superpolymer that molds to the wearer’s head for maximum comfort but stiffens upon impact to disperse energy. This provides enhanced rotational protection, which is crucial for reducing traumatic brain injuries.
The exterior is crafted from three layers of custom impact-resistant nylon for puncture and abrasion resistance, while fiberglass ribs further enhance impact absorption and structural integrity.
I know—it’s exciting, right? But let me help quell that excitement a little. The price. It is one heck of a premium bicycle helmet, costing 290 CHF (about US$319) without a pump, or 320 CHF (about US$352) and 375 CHF (about US$412) for the hand pump and e-Pump bundles, respectively.
Images: VENTETE.
