Airbag means better protection for cyclists

Hövding, the airbag for cyclists, has shock absorption three times better than that of conventional cycle helmets. It protects more of the cyclist’s head and in a study by Swedish insurance company Folksam scored by far the best results in the impact test. The study tested 13 cycle helmets.

Hövding is a collar for cyclists, worn around the neck. The collar contains a folded up airbag that inflates in the event of an accident. The trigger mechanism is controlled by sensors which pick up the abnormal movements of a cyclist in an accident. The airbag is shaped like a hood, surrounding and protecting the cyclist’s head.

Hövding is also CE labelled, which means it complies with the EU’s safety standards. 2013 has seen the company, based in the Swedish city of Malmö, launch its innovation outside its homeland, mainly in northern Europe. Today Hövding is stocked by over 250 retailers, almost 100 of which are in Germany. 

“Over 3,000 Hövdings are already being worn by cyclists around the world who appreciate its safety, its innovative design and its style. We’ve also started planning to launch sales in Japan and Canada next year,” says Hövding’s managing director Fredrik Carling.

The innovative product has attracted media attention in Sweden and further afield. American Forbes magazine recently published an interview with Anna Haupt who, with Terese Alstin, founded the Hövding company in 2006.^[1]

Hövding now comes with three new shell options: Discus Mirage, Apache Tears and Slim Fit in black for those looking for a more slimmed down version.

“Discus Mirage draws its inspiration from the colourful and detailed markings of the discus fish. Apache Tears takes its name from Native American stones that shift from dark to light,” says designer Terese Alstin who, with Anna Haupt, founded the Malmö-based company Hövding Sverige AB in 2006.

[1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremybogaisky/2013/04/04/meet-the-girls-who-want-to-sell-you-an-invisible-bicycle-helmet/