This is a dangerous time of year for cyclists as dusk comes all too soon. Many cyclists are being caught out with poor lights or none at all going home. Time to look at the output of the “Lumos” Kickstarter Smart helmet project .

After getting the helmet out of the box I charged it and the wireless signal turning unit . I then paired the helmet with a downloaded “Lumos App” on my Android phone and got going. The App worked well on my low end Android phone as well as my high end Android phone.

I took it out for a ride on my 1986 Strida folding bike. I got the small wireless signal turning unit (See below) and installed it very quickly on the handlebars. I fitted it upside down initially (Left was in right position and visa-versa). A quick look at the mount and it was on the right way using the supplied rubber bands.

To turn right press the “R” button and the helmet flashes on the right hand side and the front. To turn left press the “L” button and the helmet flashes on the left hand side at the left side and the front. The helmet not only lights up but plays an audio beep when the lights are activated or de-activated. This is needed as you can’t see the lights on top of your head when the helmet is on.

Now to take out the 1986 Strida complete with the Lumos helmet.

This was fun setting off getting to the first junction and indicating right on a bike! A first for me. You get the sense you are lit up like a Christmas tree as passers by see you and cars slow down when approaching you.

There are mulitple flashing settings from fast flash to slow flash and constant lights on. Man this product has LEDs , I counted 49!

I was aware of people seeing me on the street as I zoomed past on the Strida. A few more turns using the indicators and I was home and happy.

That was fun. A quick selfie (below) and you can see the strength of the front light from the image. There are even small LEDs on the front lower lid of the helmet so if your head is facing upwards a mouse can see you coming.

First impressions :

1. A very comfortable helmet.
2. Easy to get going from the box.
3. Great fun with turning signals on your bike.
4. An illuminated ride with passers by and cars noticing you as you ride.
5. Simple App that works and gives you settings options and the battery status of the helmet and the wireless indicator unit.
6. A product that will have room for more features with the App and the extensive array of front and rear LEDs.

I’ll do a full review after I’ve used the product for a longer period to feedback on battery life. There also a “beta brake feature” where the wireless turning signal unit detects you braking and the red rear lights brighten like a brake light on a car. I’ll try that out and report with a full review and some “unboxing”.