Hate wearing chest straps but need to keep track of your vitals? As one of the latest Indiegogo projects to come to our attention, LifeBEAM’s new SMART platform offers the first smart cycling helmet with a heart rate sensor built right into the helmet. LifeBEAM originally created the technology to integrate into fighter pilot and astronaut helmets to monitor their physiological conditions for obvious reasons. With that success, came the next idea – integrating the technology into a cycling helmet to eliminate those uncomfortable chest straps.
Utilizing a high tech electro-optical sensor, the LiveBEAM sensor gently rests on your forehead to continually monitor your pulse rate. The information is then sent to the processing unit to correct for motion artifacts in the signal and then wirelessly transmits the data to any ANT+ or Bluetooth enabled smartphone, watch, or cycling computer. Currently, LifeBEAM is working with Lazer helmets on the project and those who pledge enough for a helmet will receive a LifeBeam equipped Lazer Sport Genesis .
Continue on for a video on the LifeBEAM helmet and details on how to get one.
Curious about the weight? LifeBEAMs sensor and processing unit with its integrated 3 axis accelerometer and rechargeable lithium batter weighs about 50g. Add that to the 280g (M) Lazer Genesis and you have an approximately 330g helmet with at least 15hr battery life for continuous use. The LifeBEAM SMART Indiegogo page has all of the details on how to purchase one, which if you act fast as there are only 100 of the early bird deals left, can be had for as little as $149. Otherwise, pricing will start at $189 with free shipping to the US, with an estimated delivery of September, 2013.
Thanks to Jake for the tip!
