Lumos Ultra smart helmet: Apple Watch-compatible turn-signaling bike helmet attracts over US$2.2 million in crowdfunding

The creators of the Lumos Ultra smart helmet were celebrating being part of the most backed bike campaign in Kickstarter history back in June and now, with a week left to run on the project, the funding total stands at an incredible US$2.2 million. To put that into context, the Lumos Ultra bike helmet project had an initial funding goal of US$60,000, which was hit within just four minutes of the campaign starting!

It’s easy to see why the Lumos Ultra has attracted so many backers. The bike helmet utilizes chips-on-board (COB) LED technology to offer greater night visibility and safety for wearers. The smart helmet also offers a turn signal function that can be operated either via the handlebar remote or an Apple Watch thanks to gesture control. Along with those roadworthy features, the Lumos Ultra is weatherproof (IPX6 rating) and light: The final product is expected to weigh in at just 370 g/13 oz.

Lumos Ultra wearers won’t have to worry about getting their bike lights stolen anymore thanks to the helmet's integrated bright front and rear lights. The smart features of the helmet are rechargeable via USB-C (lasting up to 10 hours with lights at maximum brightness) and unsurprisingly there is also a companion app for the Lumos Ultra. The bike helmet has been crash-test certified and is well ventilated and even customizable. The creators plan to market the smart helmet in a wide range of colors and in the sizes S, M-L, and XL.

There is still time to get an early bird deal on one of these safety-conscious smart helmets, which have an MSRP of US$99 for the regular variant (US$139 for a multi-directional impact protection system model). Backers can get a Lumos Ultra for US$79, with numerous other deals available for both the regular and MIPS models. Shipping is expected to begin in October with delivery estimated to fall in November.