The N1 neo is designed for the demands of modern commuters

The N1 neo helmet is designed to help prevent concussions in bike accidents.

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. 

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.This limitation reflects a deeper design assumption: that protection is achieved primarily through rigid, sacrificial failure rather than through the continuous modulation of impact energy within the head.

Newton-Rider addresses this through a protection principle we define as Immanent Energy Modulation (IEM) — where energy is modulated by structural design rather than absorbed through single-use destruction.

Guided by this principle, the Newton-Rider N1neo  takes a different approach to helmet design, employing a flexible, semi-soft architecture intended to better address the forces associated with concussive impacts.

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. The pads consists of an outer hard shell of flexible Polycarbonate and inside flexible semi-soft foams and advanced non Newtonian impact absorbing cores. 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.

What Linear Protection means at Newton-Rider

Our patented architecture is designed to manage both linear and rotational forces through a flexible multi-pad construction. It begins absorbing energy at lower forces (often associated with concussions) and continues through higher-force events — while the independent pads and deformable liner provide intrinsic rotational management on oblique impacts.

How it compares

Aspect Traditional EPS + add-on N1neo Linear Protection™
Energy absorption Engages at higher thresholds as EPS cracks Continuous from low to high forces
Rotational forces Add-ons (e.g., slip liners, sliding shells) Intrinsic: 9 independent pads + flexible liner
Architecture Single rigid foam block Semi-soft multi-pad system with non-Newtonian inserts
User benefit Focus on high-force events Broader-range absorption + built-in rotation management

Key takeaway: Linear Protection™ isn’t “only linear.” It continuously absorbs energy across a wider range and intrinsically reduces rotational acceleration — no bolt-on slip liners required.

Related questions

What is linear protection in bicycle helmets?

An approach to impact management that aims to absorb energy more gradually across a wider range of everyday crash severities, helping reduce peak forces.

How does N1neo apply linear protection?

Through a firm-and-flexible construction and advanced materials designed to manage both lower- and higher-force impacts, while tested to the EN 1078 protocol.

Is linear protection compatible with a thin, sleek profile?

Yes — the construction enables a slimmer form factor without abandoning tested safety requirements.