Photo: Kenny Gibbs
Meet Helios, the smart handlebars. Well, they're bicycle handlebars, but we're still talking two wheels, right? Plus, they are extremely cool, both as a bike gadget and as a helpful upgrade to the non-motorized ride.
Basically, the Helios handlebars are a 6-in-1 upgrade for the bike. First of all, they come with an integrated LED headlight, which makes additional light rather unnecessary for casual rides around the city or neighborhood. Then, its the rear-facing lights which work as turn signals. Since their color can be customized, they can also be a nifty way to pimp the bike. But the true greatness is just about to come.
Loaded with rechargeable batteries which can only be installed using special screws and the right tool, the Helios handlebars can actually communicate with your iPhone, using the dedicated app. Thanks to the included low-energy GPS module, the system acts as a tracking device for the bike. Using a prepaid SIM also allows users to send an SMS to the bike and receive the current coordinates.
The LEDs can also serve as a speedometer: red when you're going slow, turning to yellow as you pick up speed and finally turning green as you're already riding fast.
Even more, as you plan a route on your phone, the Helios handlebars will blink as you approach a turn, thus indicating the directions you must follow. Not exactly sure how safe is this in case the GPS tells you to go left and signals it, but you change your mind and go straight ahead: in case the other road users are watching your turn signals and you ignoring them, they won't be exactly happy.
Anyway, the Helios handlebars are simply as cool as it gets and you can back up the project via Kickstarter. They're neither cheap or expensive, so we're fine with that: limited-run early-bird pledge of $150 (€116) or $199 (€154), with custom colors available for $249 (€193).
Loaded with rechargeable batteries which can only be installed using special screws and the right tool, the Helios handlebars can actually communicate with your iPhone, using the dedicated app. Thanks to the included low-energy GPS module, the system acts as a tracking device for the bike. Using a prepaid SIM also allows users to send an SMS to the bike and receive the current coordinates.
The LEDs can also serve as a speedometer: red when you're going slow, turning to yellow as you pick up speed and finally turning green as you're already riding fast.
Even more, as you plan a route on your phone, the Helios handlebars will blink as you approach a turn, thus indicating the directions you must follow. Not exactly sure how safe is this in case the GPS tells you to go left and signals it, but you change your mind and go straight ahead: in case the other road users are watching your turn signals and you ignoring them, they won't be exactly happy.
Anyway, the Helios handlebars are simply as cool as it gets and you can back up the project via Kickstarter. They're neither cheap or expensive, so we're fine with that: limited-run early-bird pledge of $150 (€116) or $199 (€154), with custom colors available for $249 (€193).
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