Newton-Rider-Team /Blogbeiträge

Understanding Concussions: Causes and Implications

Concussions pose a grave risk in bike accidents, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and neurological issues that greatly impact an individual's quality of life.

Research by Lloyd and Conidi reveals that traditional bike helmets provide limited protection against concussions, supported by the findings of Benson et al. However, it is essential to note that helmets still play a vital role in reducing the risk of head, brain, and severe brain injuries. Addressing this concern, the Newton-Rider N1 helmet has been ingeniously designed to offer enhanced protection against concussions.

The Science Behind Concussions: How They Occur

To comprehend how the Newton-rider N1 helmet prevents concussions, it is crucial to understand the mechanics behind them. During a bike crash, the head undergoes rapid deceleration or rotation, causing the brain to collide with the skull. This impact can result in the brain bouncing within the skull, leading to the stretching and tearing of neural fibers. Consequently, normal brain function is disrupted, causing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, confusion, and cognitive impairment. 

The Role of Helmet Design in Concussion Prevention 

Conventional helmets are composed of hard and rigid EPS, primarily designed to safeguard against skull fractures and severe head injuries. While they offer a certain degree of protection, their efficacy in preventing concussions remains uncertain. However, the Newton-rider N1 helmet takes a novel approach by focusing specifically on preventing concussions with its semi-soft helmet design. 

Newton-rider N1 Helmet: A Breakthrough in Helmet Design

The Newton-rider N1 helmet signifies a paradigm shift in helmet design. By incorporating cutting-edge materials and technologies, the Newton-Rider N1 helmet utilises semi-soft pads comprising a three-layer impact protection system. This groundbreaking design aims to minimise the forces transmitted to the brain during a crash, while the linear protection capability of the semi-soft pads, combined with the proprietary fit system, ensures a secure and proper fit on the rider's head, significantly reducing the risk of concussions in most accidents.

The helmet's semi-soft pads not only enhance protection but also enhance comfort, making it a delight to wear. Additionally, its ability to fold for easy storage during commuting further showcases the innovative engineering and design of the Newton-Rider N1 helmet, setting a new benchmark for bicycle helmets in the modern era.

A major shift is altering the transport scene within the delicate urban network of prominent European cities: the prioritisation of cycling. A harmonic fusion of urban planning and sustainable mobility has given birth to "The Unbearable Lightness of Commute," mirroring Milan Kundera's investigation of life's ambiguities.

Urban planners are gradually embracing a scientific technique to build bicycle infrastructure that not only promotes environmentally friendly mobility but also enhances the urban experience. Dedicated bike lanes weave their way across cityscapes, creating a seamless network that allows commuters to negotiate busy thoroughfares with remarkable ease.

The statistics speaks for itself in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and elsewhere. During peak hours, cyclists frequently outpace motor cars, gliding down traffic-free thoroughfares. Traffic signal synchronisation allows bikers to keep a continuous rhythm, transforming the city into a symphony of coordinated movement.

According to research, the benefits are multifaceted. Reduced traffic congestion results in lower emissions, which contribute to cleaner air. Noise pollution in European towns has decreased as the buzz of engines gives way to the pleasant whir of spinning wheels. The health benefit is also significant, with research showing that cycling improves cardiovascular fitness and mental well-being.

The popularity of electric bicycles fuels this tendency even further. The easy glide made possible by pedal-assist technology overcomes difficult inclines and broadens travel radii. Hilly terrains that used to discourage cycling adoption are now conquered with a smile.

Every biker understands the importance of wearing a helmet. Safety is of the utmost importance, and so is usability. Newton-Rider is at the forefront of this. The Newton-Rider N1, their signature folding helmet, combines compact convenience with advanced engineering such as "Linear Protection" to help avoid concussions in smaller accidents and "Multi Impact" technology, which allows the helmet to withstand multiple impacts without losing its protective abilities, making it an essential companion for the urban e-bike cyclist.

A qualitative revolution is taking place beyond the quantifiable. Cyclists have reclaimed their urban surroundings. Quaint cafés, historic landmarks, and bustling markets develop as vital components of the commute, promoting a stronger sense of connectedness to the surroundings.

The "Unbearable Lightness of Commute" does not come without its difficulties. It needs extensive urban planning, financial allocation, and a shift in cultural perceptions. Nonetheless, as we see European towns turn into bike havens, the evidence demonstrates the efficacy of such initiatives.

The concept of commuting is being reinvented as city planners seek to develop bike infrastructure and integrate it into larger transit networks. The concept of "unbearable lightness" as defined by Milan Kundera takes on a new meaning: the simultaneous lightness of the environmental burden and the augmentation of the urban experience. The bicycle's development as a revered means of transportation in top European cities is more than simply a trend; it's a concrete representation of sustainable progress in motion.

Greetings, fellow seekers of the road less traveled! Today, we embark on a journey of wit, wisdom, and a dash of irony as we unravel the peculiar fascination that our American cousins seem to have with their big, heavy, and old-fashioned SUVs. 

As European cyclists, we may raise an eyebrow at this automotive obsession, but fear not, for we shall explore the heart of this matter with open minds and hearts, while pedalling our way towards sustainable transportation glory!

The Great American SUV: A Love Affair with 'Cool' and 'Big'

Ah, the American SUV, a true icon of the open roads and vast landscapes. To be fair, there's no denying the sheer might and presence these behemoths exude as they rumble down the highways. It's almost as if they are declaring, "I'm king of the road, and no one can stop me!" 

But, let's admit it, dear readers, there's a touch of irony in their pursuit of "coolness."

The undeniable allure of American SUVs lies in their sheer size and the feeling of safety they offer. They become a cocoon of comfort amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. From transporting groceries to family trips, these four-wheeled giants have got it all covered, which probably makes them hard to resist.

The Cargo-Bike Revolution: Europeans' Ecological Elegance

Now, let us shift gears and hop over here to the charming continent of Europe. Here, we embrace a different approach to mobility—a blend of elegance, practicality, and environmental awareness. Enter the cargo-bike, a two or three-wheeled marvel designed to carry not only goods but also the weight of a conscious conscience.

Imagine gliding through quaint cobbled streets, carrying your groceries, or even your adorable little ones, all while reducing your carbon footprint. It's a sight to behold, and a sensation that goes beyond the superficial realm of "coolness." 

Europeans have tapped into the secret of true wisdom: choosing to make a positive impact, one pedal stroke at a time.

The Irony Unraveled: When 'Cool' Clashes with Climate

Here's the twist in the tale, friends! While Americans may think their SUVs are the epitome of coolness, we must ponder upon the inconvenient truth that their love affair with these gas-guzzlers or battery-heavy, significantly impacts the climate. The sheer emissions, resource consumption, and environmental footprint leave a trail that's hard to ignore.

On the other hand, Europeans have embraced the cargo-bike revolution, embodying both style and eco-consciousness. The irony lies in how an SUV, a symbol of perceived greatness, may inadvertently contribute to a not-so-great future for the planet, while a cargo-bike, a humble yet elegant ride, symbolises a brighter, greener path ahead.

Breaking the Myth: Why Size Doesn't Always Matter

Let's delve deeper into the psyche behind the SUV syndrome. There's a certain allure to basking in the glory of "bigger is better," and for some, it becomes an extension of their identity. But dear readers, allow me to share a nugget of wisdom with a pinch of humour: size doesn't always matter!

The true essence of "coolness" lies in making conscious choices that empower both us and the “hot” planet we reside on. Europeans have long understood that smaller, lighter, and greener can be the new definition of cool. By choosing a cargo-bike, we embrace a lifestyle that is not only sustainable but also healthy, efficient, and enjoyable.

Breaking Stereotypes: Unveiling the Real "Smartness"

Now, let's talk about "smartness." Europeans don't ride cargo-bikes just to show off their eco-savvy credentials; they do so because it's genuinely intelligent. Imagine zipping through traffic with ease, bypassing congested streets, and effortlessly parking in the tightest of spots—now that's what I call "smart!"

While American SUVs may come equipped with the latest technology, let's pause and reconsider what "smart" really means. Is it about fancy gadgets or rather the wisdom to make choices that benefit not just ourselves but the collective future of humanity? Food for thought, indeed!

United by Wheels: A Call to Action

Dear American friends, this isn't a battle of wheels; it's a call to unite our approaches to transportation. While we appreciate the allure of your SUVs, we also invite you to consider a more sustainable and enlightened path. Just imagine, pedal power could be your superpower!

Fellow Europeans, let us continue to lead the way, not with arrogance but with open hearts and a willingness to share the joy of cargo-biking. Encourage your friends and family to join the revolution, one cargo-bike at a time, for the collective good of our beloved planet.

In Conclusion: Choose Your Path Wisely

In this journey of words, we've laughed at irony, explored the essence of coolness, and discovered the true meaning of smartness. Whether you choose the American SUV or the European cargo-bike, remember that it's not just about wheels; it's about the legacy we leave behind for generations to come.

So, dear readers, let's come together, embrace the diversity of our choices, and pave a new path—one that blends the American spirit of adventure with the European wisdom of sustainability. Let's pedal towards a future where coolness and smartness find common ground, and our wheels become emissaries of positive change.

Hop on your trusty cargo-bike or rev up that SUV with newfound consciousness, and let's embark on a journey towards a brighter, greener, and united world!

Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about the road we take to get there. Choose wisely, ride joyfully, and let's shape a future where wheels roll in harmony with the heartbeat of the planet.

Safe travels, fellow adventurers! May the wind be at your back and the sun upon your face as you pedal—or drive—towards a better tomorrow.

Pedal On, Drive Mindful, and Embrace the Ride! 🚴‍♂️🚗

A proud cyclist in Europe

(Note: My views and comparisons presented in this blog post are for illustrative purposes, aiming to entertain but surely also to inspire. I encourages respectful discussion and appreciates the diversity of transportation choices worldwide as long as it makes sense ;)

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Once upon a time, a transformation was taking place in the bustling streets of a city. People were ecstatic and anticipatory as they observed the beginning of a new era in urban mobility. The city had adopted the cyclist's point of view, opening the stage for a future in which bicycles would reign supreme.

Cars used to govern the roads, wasting valuable space and suffocating the city's vibrancy. Instead, large bike lanes lined the streets, enabling people to ride their way across the cityscape. The city had become a refuge for those looking for a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation.

The steady sound of bicycle tyres filled the streets as the sun rose each day. Commuters, who had previously been locked in their metal boxes, could now feel the wind in their hair and the freedom beneath their feet. They sped through traffic, navigating the city's diverse boroughs as if they were part of a choreographed dance.

The advantages of this paradigm change were numerous. The air, which had before been contaminated by exhaust fumes, now felt crisp and pleasant. The beautiful tinkling of bicycle bells and the laughter of children pedalling alongside their parents replaced the noises of honking horns and screeching brakes. The metropolis has turned into a human-powered movement symphony.

Individuals recovered their health and well-being with each pedal stroke. Sedentism, which had afflicted so many people, was now a thing of the past. Obesity rates have dropped, and the city's citizens were full of energy. Cycling had become a daily routine, a pleasurable method of connecting with nature and with one another.

The city's landscape also witnessed a transformation. Previously congested roadways have been turned into beautiful boulevards decorated with flowers and greenery. Parks and public spaces grew in popularity, replacing the concrete jungles that had previously dominated the metropolis. Families picnicked, friends met for coffee at charming pavement cafés, and the city transformed into a tapestry of human connection.

The cyclist's perspective not only brought new vitality to the city, but it also paved the door for innovation. Bike-sharing programmes prospered, making bicycles available to those who did not own them. Cycling applications directed riders across the city, providing real-time route and traffic updates. Entrepreneurs established businesses that catered to the requirements of bikers, from stylish bike stores to creative accessories that enhanced the cycling experience.

This dramatic transition was not without its difficulties. Sceptics and sceptics emerged, seeking for the comfort and familiarity of their car-centric existence. But the city's citizens remained steadfast in their belief that a future centred on cyclists was worth fighting for. They recognised that embracing cycling meant reclaiming their streets, building community, and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.

As a result, the city continued to evolve, creating a precedent for others to follow. People came from all over to experience the cyclist's paradise, their hearts full with hope for a future when cities were not synonymous with traffic and pollution.

In this story, the city's streets were more than just thoroughfares; they were a blank canvas on which a vision for the future was created. The cyclist's point of view reinvigorated the urban environment, bringing joy, health, and sustainability to every corner. It was a narrative of transformation, of dreams coming true, and of the power of embracing change for the greater good.

As word spread about the city's bike revolution, cities all over the world were motivated to follow suit. They, too, desired the freedom, connection, and vigour that riding provided. And in their pursuit for a brighter future, they discovered the answers by peddling forward, one revolution at a time.

Rev your engines, folks, because a transportation revolution is underway! Picture this: sleek electric bikes whizzing through the city streets, zipping past those old-fashioned gas-guzzlers, and leaving a trail of eco-friendly stardust in their wake. Yes, my friends, the time has come for e-bikes to take center stage in urban transportation. Buckle up (or should I say, pedal up) as we dive into this thrilling trend that's transforming how we get around.

Saving the Planet, One Pedal at a Time

Forget fumes and smog; it's time to breathe in the fresh, crisp air of change. E-bikes are the green warriors of the road, emitting zero emissions and giving Mother Nature a big high-five. By choosing e-bikes over cars, we're reducing air pollution, slashing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a cleaner, greener world for generations to come. It's time to pedal our way to a brighter, more sustainable future!

Outsmarting Traffic with Style

Who needs traffic jams when you can effortlessly weave through the city like a nimble urban ninja? E-bikes are the ultimate traffic-busters, slicing through congested streets with ease. No more road rage or impatient honking; just pure, uninterrupted freedom on two wheels. Say goodbye to endless commutes and hello to stress-free travel, my friends!

Powering Up Your Health and Happiness

Exercise, fresh air, and a dash of adventure—e-bikes offer it all! Don't let that electric motor fool you; you're still getting a healthy dose of exercise while cruising in style. With every pedal, you're boosting your cardiovascular fitness, strengthening those legs, and enjoying the endorphin rush that comes from an active lifestyle. Plus, who can resist the thrill of exploring your city from a whole new perspective?

Building a Bicycle-Friendly Future

As e-bikes take the lead, our cities need to buckle up and adapt. Dedicated bike lanes, charging stations, and bike-friendly infrastructure are the road signs to a brighter tomorrow. Let's create a cityscape that welcomes cyclists, ensuring their safety and convenience. From revamped parking facilities to innovative safety measures, our urban spaces will evolve to embrace this two-wheeled revolution. 

Riding Towards Inclusivity and Affordability

E-bikes are not just for the few; they're for the many. By replacing cars with more affordable and accessible e-bikes, we open up a world of mobility for everyone. It's a game-changer for those who can't afford car ownership or rely on costly public transportation. With e-bikes, transportation becomes a breeze, a joyride accessible to all, regardless of age, income, or physical ability.

The future is here, and it's electric! E-bikes have swooped in, capturing our hearts and transforming the urban transportation landscape. From their eco-friendly nature to their traffic-busting powers, e-bikes are empowering us to reimagine our cities and our lives. So, let's embrace this exhilarating change, swap our car keys for handlebars, and pedal our way towards a brighter, cleaner, and happier urban future. Join the e-bike revolution and let the wind in your hair be the soundtrack of your journey!

Here is why regular bicycle helmets, to some, make them feel look “dorky.”

The polystyrene EPS (expanded polystyrene) helmet was invented in the 70s and today more or less is still the same; a bulky, rock-hard, and rigid device that can protect your head in bike crashes.

However, today, convincing cyclists to ride with helmets is no small feat as we have become much more aware of how we look and appear to our friends and social circle.

To become looking like a dork from riding with a big and clunky polystyrene helmet is, to many, not an actable tradeoff for the sensible thing it simply is riding with a helmet.

So why is it polystyrene helmets always will make you look like you are wearing a too-big helmet.

First of all, polystyrene needs a certain thickness of approx 30 mm to be able to protect your head in the event of a crash.

Secondly, by nature, the EPS materials used in bicycle helmets are rock-hard and stiff. There is no flexibility or comfort in a naked bike helmet. This becomes a problem when various human skulls have to fit in. No two head shapes are the same, even if we look at only heads of the same size/circumference. This is simply the beauty of us humans; we are all unique and special.

The only way to solve this when different head shapes fit into a stiff helmet is to make the helmet larger and do all. 

Third, because of the hard and stiff polystyrene, there needs to be some soft padding added here and there inside the helmet to ensure a minimum of comfort and to make up for the different head shapes that now have to fit in the rigid polystyrene shape.

All this is why a head of, say approx 57 cm circumference ends up with an outside circumference of some 77 cm when wearing an EPS helmet!

This is one of the reasons why Newton-Rider has reinvented the bicycle helmet as we know it. 

We have developed the N1 helmet using new materials with the same protective abilities as EPS but ~40% thinner. The N1 is also semi-soft and adapts automatically to different head shapes and thus does not need extra padding.

The N1 helmet design creates a much sleeker profile on one's head with an outside circumference of only about 68 cm.

The above animation illustrates the considerable difference between the two concepts. The red presents an EPS helmet, and the green represents the N1 helmet and how it adapts to different head shapes because of its semi-soft pads and the flexible soft liner.

Last but not least, the N1 can fold to fit into a bag to further adapt to the lifestyle of modern urban commuters.

/the Newton-Rider team

A scientific study in 2020 made it evident that regular bicycle helmets, as we know them, do not help avoid concussions in less severe crashes.                      

In a scientific US research from 2020, with 906 patients evaluated of which 701 were riding with, and 205 were riding without a helmet; the leading injury was a concussion. 

The research concludes that people involved in bicycle crashes wearing helmets are less likely to sustain severe head injuries than riders without helmets! – but helmets do not prevent concussions after bicycle rider crashes. Interestingly or more frightening, there was no significant difference in the number of people who suffered a concussion between riders with or without helmets. 

The research does not state the protective material used in the helmets, but it is safe to conclude it’s polystyrene (EPS) since 99% of helmets today use this material.

On the positive side, however, it is evident from the research that it makes total sense to ride with a helmet, no matter what!

The science behind EPS bicycle helmets is well described and well-known —an outer shell of polycarbonate with an inner core of polystyrene. In the event of a severe crash, the polystyrene compresses and cracks, thereby absorbing most of the impact force. Polystyrene, needs a certain thickness of 30-35mm to help protect your brain effectively. This 40-year-old concept has proved its efficiency; thus, today polystyrene is the most common material used in bicycle helmets. 

But given the problem described in the study, with concussions leading in most crashes, it may wonder why the EPS helmet has not undergone any serious development since the seventies to better protect against concussions, especially given the rising popularity of micromobility and thus the bike lanes getting crowded by ever more cyclists, e-bikes and e-scooters. The regular EPS bicycle helmet is still rigid, hard and a rather clumsy device.

A problem sensible to try to solve

Newton-Rider set out to try to solve this problem and began the development of the N1 helmet in 2020 with the specific objective of creating a helmet that better reflects the demands of modern bicyclists of today. 

Riders today have more nuanced expectations of bicycle helmets besides protecting in severe crashes but also demand they shall look stylish and modern, be comfortable to wear and designed for multimodal transportation modes and obviously also provide a design that can help protect against concussions in minor accidents -a complex task, to be honest.

The pat.pend N1 we ended up with is a sleek, thin, semi-soft, and foldable helmet not yet seen in the cycling world. 

Making the helmet thinner than any EPS helmet was a must as to make it more stylish and much less clumsy, especially a demand by younger consumers. This again forced us to develop a novel protective system, our semi-soft pads of only 16mm thickness compared to the regular helmets of 30-35mm. 

The semi-soft nature of our pads made the helmet more comfortable to wear; still, we wanted it also to be foldable, and we invented a flexible liner to which the individual pads were bonded. Again, this also had the advantage that the helmet became flexible and does adapt to any head shape and form, resulting in a better fit.

Getting back to the problem with concussions –the side gain we had by developing our N1 semi-soft helmet is that it has a linear protection concept in that the semi-soft nature of our pads starts absorbing impact in also minor crashes — a linear mode of absorption.

Newton-Rider is convinced that the novel N1 helmet can help avoid concussions in the most common minor bicycle accidents.

Commuters flock to the bike lanes, and we risk more bike2bike accidents than bike2car.

It's getting crowded right now.

Initially caused by the topic we are all getting so tired of, the Covid19 pandemic, but now also and more lasting, fuelled by the climate crisis, the energy crisis, and the "too little space in cities" crisis.

This has caused bike lanes to understandably become crowded with riders and their various vehicles.

Naturally, different people and their micromobility vehicles accelerate and travel at various speeds. Analog bicycles and young kids are the slowest, then we have e-scooters and e-bikes accelerating and riding faster, and then we have the ever more popular cargo bikes taking up much more space on the narrow bike lanes.

To ensure people can enjoy their commuting with no traffic jams and risk of bikes crashing each other, there is a need to rethink how bike lanes are designed …namely, wider.

Twenty years ago, there were no electric bikes, no cargo bikes, and the handlebar of an MTB bike was still within reach of your two hands. And lately, we have started to see the real elephants of the bike lanes, the commercial cargo bikes, a two-meter high and one-meter wide box on bicycle wheels, slow-moving and impossible to overtake.

Adding to the uptake in cycling is of course also that more and more car drivers start to find it super silly transporting themselves and one tonne of batteries to the city centre in their "sustainable" electric car and then going around for an hour to find a parking space having to a hefty parking fee. 

This is not and never will be the future of urban transportation. It's much more convenient to take their bicycle from their homes in the suburbs to the train or Metro station, bringing their bike with them on the train and again using it for the last mile ride to their workplace or destination. It simply makes sense.

However, one thing we should question right now is Speed pedelecs riding on the bike lanes. 

We cannot have people riding at 45 km/h on Speed pedelecs, mixing up among all the slower bicycles and not to forget, the many kids enjoying riding their bright coloured bikes. These Speed pedelec "e-bikes", which are no more than lightweight mopeds, should not be allowed onto the bicycle lanes in cities with higher speed limits than 30km/h; they belong on the street, where they will find enough space as there anyway will be fewer cars in the future.

Yes, it's all different now on the bike lanes.

The bicycle helmet, as we all know it, is decades old. It was invented back in the 70s and has not changed in principle since then.

These EPS helmets are basically a Polystyrene half-sphere core of some 30-35 mm thickness with a thin outer shell of either Polycarbonate or ABS plastic.
They are by nature hard and rigid and thus need various foam paddings and adjustment arrangements inside to make the helmet fit individual head shapes and forms.
Polystyrene used for bicycle helmets is quite hard, and they collapse or break at a particular impact to absorb the impact force. The material needs a thickness of approx. 30-35mm to protect the head from serious injury.
This makes EPS helmets, in general, quite bulky and uncomfortable to wear, when at the same time, they are hard to stove away when not used.
However, EPS helmets are due to the use of Polystyrene, a very cheap way to manufacture a helmet that actually protects the head very efficiently.
Newton-Rider decided back in 2020 to try to put some much needed new design, engineering and invention into the classic bicycle helmet.
The rising popularity of sustainable transportation modes such as micro-mobility and multi-modal transportation, combined with a heightened awareness of look and comfort, ensured the team that a modern bicycle helmet should be much thinner, much more connected to style and fashion.
Then also, a modern helmet should be soft and comfortable to wear, and last but not least, it should be foldable in an easy way.
To bring down the thickness from 30-35mm to the 16mm of the N1 helmet, we needed to invent new proprietary Non-Newtonian materials that were more effective in absorbing impact and thus did not need the same thickness.
The other benefit of this material is that the material is soft and bendable; combined with our flexible liner principle, we were able to provide a much more comfortable fit to the wearer.
Then finally, we designed the helmet in a very stylish way while at the same time allowing for it to fold in a pretty clever way.
We think we have achieved to create a bicycle helmet that genuinely is a helmet like no other.
The N1 is sleek, thin and stylish
The N1 is semi-soft
The N1 is foldable.
We are excited as a team to keep developing the N1 principles in the direction of even more sophisticated design and engineering.