We’re living in a “smart” era, with seemingly endless smart devices emerging hitting the market, some very useful and others less useful. One gadget that’s worth to “go smart” is the bicycle helmet. Today, I’m checking out the brand-new VirtusX1, which proves why we should consider smart helmets.
Sure, one could argue that the bicycle helmet is good as it is, so why is there a need to upgrade it and make it smarter?
What if it could let you record your rides, not only for posterity but also to prove right and wrong in case of an accident? What if it could call a pre-saved contact or even the emergency services if something goes wrong? Well, the VirtusX1 does all that and more.
The VirtusX1 aims to be a premium product. We can tell that even from it– the Latin “Virtus” can be translated to excellence, valor, strength, or power.
The Virtus X1 is a collaboration between the iconic Japanese brand Yashica, and I’m Back, a camera technology innovator. Yashica started in 1949 with components for electronic clocks but soon shifted its focus to cameras and has become a well-known brand in the photography world.
Although much, much fresher to the market, having been founded in 2018 in Lugano, Switzerland, I’m Back has achieved global recognition and has built several successful Kickstarter campaigns. It focuses on the fusion of analog and digital technology by transforming classic devices into modern hybrids.
This is the third time the two brands have collaborated; so far, they’ve had over 30,000 backers. According to them, the VirtusX1 combines all-in-one convenience and safety design into a single lightweight helmet. It’s designed for e-bike enthusiasts, urban commuters, and tech-savvy riders.
So, how does this gadget stand out? Well, this is where Yashica’s extensive experience in the camera industry comes into play. The VirtusX1 has a built-in Yashica camera with a wide-angle fisheye lens. It captures video at 2K (30fps) or 1080p (60fps), while a microphone captures high-quality audio.
It’s what you need to document rides or have a dashcam for added security. What’s more, you don’t need to take your hands off the handlebar to operate the camera since you also get a remote designed to be conveniently mounted to the handlebar. Footage will be recorded on a microSD, with cards of up to 128 GB supported.
Since connectivity is the name of the game nowadays, you can also connect to the helmet through the I’m Back mobile app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This app allows you to view live footage from the camera and save recordings directly to your phone.
You won’t have to charge the helmet before or after each time you go out riding (except if you go on really long rides). The VirtusX1 sports a 1,600mAh battery that offers up to ten hours of operation, and that’s when the lights are turned on. Charging can be done via a conveniently located USB Type-C port.
Another stand-out feature of the VirtusX1 is an integrated GPS, which helps you track your rides. In case someone ends up stealing your helmet, you’ll know where to find it.
Finally, the helmet has a special SOS emergency function. You can start a call to a pre-determined emergency contact at the press of a button.
ou don’t even need to grab your phone, as the Virtus X1 comes with built-in speakers and a microphone, so you can talk on the go (hopefully not to the emergency contact). You can also utilize the microphone for voice assistance. Even better, you can use the speakers to listen to your favorite tunes.
Now that I’ve told you more about some of the special features let me cover the helmet’s basic construction, which is arguably the most important part of the helmet. No sense in having fancy features if the helmet can’t keep your head safe.
Fortunately, that’s not the case here. The Virtus X1 is crafted from high-quality PC (polycarbonate), EBS (ethylene bis) synthetic wax, and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).
These terms might not tell you much about how safe the helmet is, but these will: the VIrtusX1 is certified by NTA-8776 standards for e-bikes (up to 45 km/h or 28 mph) and compliant with EN 1078 and CPSC regulations. You also get a 2-year warranty for reliable performance.
Ideally, you shouldn’t get to the event to test out how good and safe the helmet is. The helmet was equipped with lights to make you more visible, decreasing the chance of a crash.
There are integrated front, rear, and wraparound turn signal lights delivering 260 lumens of brightness. The helmet’s makers claim it is visible from every angle, even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, they can be operated with the same handlebar remote used for the camera.
From the design perspective, the VirtusX1 looks just like you’d expect a helmet to look, but with what I might call a “bulky twist.”
Its sides look almost inflated. What I mean is that they’re wider than you’d expect since they integrate the lights and other technology. Moreover, the camera is neatly integrated at the front, with a small yet proud Yashica branding.
How about comfort? Yashica and I’m Back have taken a comfort-first approach by equipping the VirtusX1 with fabric padding and ear protection for maximum comfort, even on longer rides.
There are just two sizes available for the helmet, but you can use a precision fitting system to find your ideal snug fit. Furthermore, riding in those hot summer months isn’t a problem, as you have strategically positioned cooling vents to enhance airflow.
Due to its construction, the helmet is dustproof and waterproof. Moreover, despite having all these features, the helmet isn’t that heavy, tipping the scales at approximately 500 grams (1.1 lb.). That’s comparable with other commuter helmets with integrated lights, like the Giro Escape MIPS.
The only disadvantage I see with the VirtusX1 is that it lacks the MIPS helmet safety technology.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, MIPS, short for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is a system designed to reduce the rotational motion of the brain in the event of a crash. According to research, these motions are more dangerous than direct impacts, with a higher risk of causing brain damage.
That being said, the lack of MIPS isn’t a dealbreaker. The system is just an added layer of safety, but that doesn’t mean a non-MIPS helmet doesn’t provide superior protection. In the case of the Virtus X1, you can rest assured that your noggin is protected.
The Virtus X1 is available in black and white colors in two sizes: Small (55-58 centimeters) and large (59-63 cm). It will launch on Indiegogo at what its makers claim to be “an affordable price point designed to bring premium cycling tech to everyday riders.” How much is that exactly? The Super Early Bird price will be a budget-friendly $179 (€170). As with all crowdfunded projects, prices will go up with each tier, such as Early Bird and so on.
All in all, the Virtus X1 is a welcome addition to the helmet industry. It provides premium cycling tech to urban riders without costing an arm and a leg. According to its two makers, the helmet will start shipping in July next year. You can back the project on its Indiegogo campaign.
Post time: May-10-2025
