Prototype Foldable Helmet by Agency 360
As an avid mountain biker and commuter I am a firm proponent of helmets. Unfortunately, the majority of casual cyclists don’t seem to share my preoccupation with safety. This folding helmet designed by French design studio Agency 360 is intended to increase the appeal of helmets to urban riders. The helmet, called the Overade, offers the same level of comfort and protection as a standard bicycle helmet (by meeting European safety standards), but folds up conveniently. The patented folding system allows the helmet to decrease to a third of its size – making it small enough to slip into a purse, backpack, or briefcase.
Pictures, claimed weights, and availability after the break.
The design netted the company the 2010 Grand Innovation Award from the City of Paris in the design category. The firm is currently seeking financial backing in order to bring this product to market. They claim the helmet will be available next year in two sizes, and several colors, “first in France and then abroad”. Price will be set around 60 euros. Claimed weight is 350 grams.
Via Design Boom
Comments
You folks realize this is the work of Patrick Jouffret, the guy who’s done so much great work for Look, right? Check the Agency 360 website.
That’s pretty cool, and the portability factor is great. We have a picture of someone wearing one so we can see how bulky it is? I suspect that if they want to make the helmet work to US ASCII standards and not just to the much lighter European CE cert, it’s going to have to get a lot bulkier.
Love the first look of it, could be good for lightweight touring as well