Folding helmets and smart helmets have each carved out a space in the cycling world, but a new entry aims to merge the two. The Woolf bike helmet, currently live on Kickstarter, is designed to offer the portability of a foldable helmet along with tech-forward features typically found in higher-end smart gear.
The Woolf was created by British cyclist and entrepreneur Jeff Woolf, who previously developed the Morpher—a folding helmet that focused on compactness but lacked digital features. This new model builds on that idea with a more connected, safety-conscious design.
In appearance, the Woolf functions like a standard ABS-shell bicycle helmet when worn. However, once removed, it can be folded flat by pushing in from both sides. A magnetic quick-release system allows it to collapse to a width of just 3.25 inches (83 mm) in under a second. This feature makes it suitable for cyclists who need to quickly stash their helmet in a backpack or messenger bag.
Despite its compact folding ability, the helmet is designed with safety in mind. It uses the same type of expanded foam liner found in conventional helmets to absorb impact. Additionally, it incorporates an Energy Reduction Technology (ERT) system—described as MiPS-like—which employs polymer pads to help reduce rotational forces during angled impacts. According to Jeff Woolf, the helmet will meet both CE EN 1078 (Europe) and CPSC (US) safety standards before shipping to backers.
What sets the Woolf apart from other folding helmets is its electronic feature set. A white LED strip wraps around the front, while amber LEDs are placed at the back. These lights are not static. The helmet contains an integrated IMU (inertial measurement unit) that responds to motion. For instance, tilting your head twice to either side activates the turn signal lights on that side—both front and rear. The IMU also detects rapid deceleration and brightens the rear lights to mimic a brake light.
Another key feature is crash detection. If the helmet senses an impact consistent with a collision, it will initiate a safety protocol via a paired smartphone app. After a 30-second delay—giving the user time to cancel a false alarm—the app sends a message with GPS coordinates to both emergency services and a pre-selected contact.
The electronic components are rated IP65 waterproof, making them resistant to low-pressure water jets from any direction. Power is supplied by a 500-mAh lithium-ion battery that charges in 1.5 hours and provides between 2.5 and 3 hours of lighting time per charge. Depending on the size, the helmet weighs between 1.2 and 1.27 pounds (550 to 580 grams).
For backers on Kickstarter, the Woolf bike helmet is available with a pledge of $99, while the projected retail price is $219.
Source: Kickstarter
