What’s the best smart bike helmet?

Technology

Now that cycling is officially the most fashionable sport is Britain, the headgear is getting a stylish makeover. Day-Glo idiocy is out; smart bike helmets are in. Here's five lids that come with high-tech benefits...

Coros Omni

This crowd-funded smart bike helmet features ‘Open Ear Bone Conduction Audio Technology’ that allows riders to listen to music or take calls without earbuds or wires. Two small pads nestle against each temple, piping audio vibrations directly into the inner ear. It's astonishingly futuristic – and a little bit like having really melodic tinnitus. On a more serious note, if the helmet detects a force of 1G or more it’ll trigger ‘crash notifications' to predefined contacts via text message.

£180 coros-cycling.co.uk

Livall BH60SE

If you're not down with the whole 'bone conduction' thing – it can be a bit spooky – then opt for this LED helmet. Two Bluetooth speakers and a windproof microphone allow riders to take calls or listen to podcasts on the go. It also tackles every cyclist's worst fear: van drivers who don't check their mirrors. To avoid getting T-boned, simply signal a left or right turn by tapping the buttons on the remote control attached to your handle bars.

£99 halfords.com

Fuga Foldable Helmet

When you show up to the pub in this folding helmet, your friends will ask why you came by polo pony. Still, the Fuga certainly cuts a dash. It’s constructed of three concentric fibreglass rings that collapse down to the size of a hardback book. Other helmets perform a similar party trick but this one has been certified safe by both the EU and the USA. So put that in your brake pipe assembly and smoke it. Hipster-friendly details include an optional 'Nordic visor' made from eco-friendly ribbed wool.

£115 conranshop.co.uk

Lumos Helmet

Lumos was founded by two engineers who decided to make their commute safer by creating the ‘world’s smartest bicycle helmet.’ They've turned a £500,000 Kickstarter investment into an award-winning lid featuring 48 LED lights that function as turn signals and indicate hard braking. At 450g, it's not exactly the lightest smart bike helmet, but the battery lasts six hours per charge. You can even activate the turn signals via your Apple Watch.

£150 lumoshelmet.co

Lazer Genesis LifeBEAM Smart Helmet

If you’re a science geek, you’ll appreciate this helmet. It’s festooned with sensors that monitor your heart rate, track how many calories you've burnt and analyse your pedal-based prowess. It was originally created to monitor the vital signs of pilots and astronauts, which is, like, really cool. And at just 280g, it’s a complete lightweight.

£129 sigmasports.com

Want to team your smart helmet with a smart bike? Check out these awesome, commuter-friendly rides.