Sales have been growing for an inflatable helmet that acts as an airbag for bike riders. In Denmark, for instance, sales have doubled this summer.
In use, it looks like a thick collar, as seen above, until powerful or sudden changes of motion trigger it—just like an automotive airbag. And just like the auto version, it is not re-usable. Units sell for the equivalent of about $300.
The helmet is especially useful for those riders—and there are many—who simply refuse to wear a typical bike helmet. Made by the Swedish firm Hövding, it was first approved by EU in 2013, but took a while to take off. The company says that some studies say it may be better than a traditional helmet in some cases.
