Biking means the world to me. I can talk for ages about why I’m so in love with it. It’s not just a weekend hobby – I use my bike every day for all sorts of things. Whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or just leisurely exploring the city on weekends, my bike is my trusty sidekick.
Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet
Now, since I often bike at night after my work hours, it’s super important to make the right choice when it comes to my bike gear. My trusty ride is equipped with all the necessary accessories and safety gear to keep me safe on the road, especially in the dark. But there’s one item that stands out as a must-have: a reliable bike helmet.
When I say a “good” helmet, I’m not just talking about any old helmet with lights on it. I’m looking for something smarter, something that not only keeps me safe on the road at night but also adds some extra excitement and comfort to my biking adventures.
The good news is, I’ve stumbled upon the perfect solution, and it goes by the name of the Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet. This gem of a helmet was recommended to me by a colleague at the office, and I’ve been using it for quite some time now. In fact, I’ve been so impressed with it that I decided it’s time to share my honest review with fellow biking enthusiasts. So, if you’re as passionate about biking as I am, you’ll definitely want to stick around for the full story.
My First Impression
The first thing that caught my eye when I laid eyes on the Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet was its design. It has this sleek and sturdy appearance that instantly appeals to anyone who values style and safety. For me, the Titanium Grey color was a no-brainer choice because it’s versatile and matches any outfit or occasion. But if you’re someone who likes to have options, you’re in luck because the Lumos Ultra E-Bike Smart Helmet comes in a variety of colors, including Emerald Green, Space Blue, Onyx Black, Bullish Red, and Electric Lime. You’ll definitely find a color that suits your taste.
Unboxing the helmet was a delightful experience. The package included the Lumos helmet itself, a USB-C Charging Cable, Silicone Bands, a Remote Lite, and four handy getting started cards. It was evident that a lot of care had gone into the packaging. The box was securely sealed when it arrived at my doorstep, and each item was neatly organized, ensuring that the helmet was in pristine condition.
As soon as I unboxed the package, my first task was to confirm that all the components were there and in good working order. My eagerness to explore the helmet’s integrated LED lights was hard to contain, especially since I often find myself biking at night.
The Lumos Ultra helmet doesn’t disappoint in this department. It features a front-facing light and two rear lights, giving you complete 360-degree visibility. I was pleased to discover that these LED lights are impressively bright. Not only do they make you more visible to other vehicles, especially in heavy traffic, but they also provide a strong sense of security during your rides.
Personal Experience Using the Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet
When it comes to sizing, the Lumos Ultra helmet comes in three options: S (51 – 55 cm), M (54 – 61 cm), and L (61 – 65 cm). I opted for the L size, and it fits me comfortably. Slipping the helmet on and securing the buckle is a breeze. You just need to give it a slight pinch to release it when you’re done with your ride.
While the Lumos Ultra helmet is designed for convenience and safety, I recommend measuring your head carefully before making a purchase. It’s a simple process – just grab a measuring tape and place it slightly above your ears to get an accurate measurement.
1. It’s Remarkably Lightweight
Once I had the Lumos Ultra helmet on my head, I was genuinely surprised by how lightweight it felt. In the world of smart helmets, this is one of the lightest options I’ve ever encountered. I used it for my daily commute to work and back, and it proved to be exceptionally comfortable for those longer rides. What’s more, the helmet boasts 22 vents and inner pads that keep your head cool and prevent sweat buildup, which is a real blessing during hot weather.
The Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet not only looks great but also offers fantastic features, making it an excellent choice for bikers. It provides an extra layer of safety with its LED lights and combines style with comfort. If you’re as enthusiastic about biking as I am, you’ll want to consider this impressive helmet for your rides.
Battery Performance
When it comes to the batteries, I charged the helmet for approximately two hours, and it powered my bike rides for almost two hours, with the lights shining for half of that time. While exploring online, I found that with a 2-hour charge, the helmet can last anywhere from 4 to 10 hours depending on how you use it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the helmet’s battery is not replaceable, which is a drawback in my opinion.
2. Compatibility with Android and iOS
This smart helmet offers some really cool features, and one of my favorites is the automatic turn signals. All you need to do is download the Lumos companion app and connect it to your smartphone. The good news is, it’s compatible with both Android and iOS.
However, I should mention that the gesture recognition feature currently works with the Apple Watch. It’s pretty smooth in its operation, but it did take me a few days to get used to the whole ‘gesture’ thing. Let’s hope it can work with Android-based watches in the near future.
Design and Build Quality
Design plays a big role for me when selecting a bike helmet, and the Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet ticks all the right boxes. It boasts a sleek and modern design, plus it comes in elegant colors. It fits me perfectly because I took the time to choose the right size, ensuring I can wear it comfortably on all my rides. Plus, you don’t have to break a sweat measuring your head size to avoid any regrets later, right?
This helmet is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at only 0.82 lbs or around 370 grams, making it one of the lightest smart helmets available. You also have the option to upgrade the helmet with MIPS (Multi-Impact Protection System), which adds an extra layer of protection for your brain, especially against angled or rotational impacts.
No need to fret about riding in the rain either because this helmet can withstand all kinds of weather, thanks to its weatherproof and sealed construction. As a daily commuter, this helmet suits me just fine, and perhaps that’s why my friend recommended it in the first place. I’ve already tested it in the rain, and the smart features worked flawlessly even in wet conditions.
In terms of materials, it features EPS foam to absorb impact and a 4-piece polycarbonate shell that holds everything together. It’s a pretty good combination in my book. I also noticed that the commercial mentioned crash certifications, stating that it’s certified to CPCC-C, EN1078, and AS2063 standards. Honestly, I purchased the non-MIPS version, which is sufficient for me at the moment. But as someone who’s on the road daily with a bike, I’m definitely considering getting the MIPS version for that extra layer of safety.
What About Its Safety Features?
Lumos has been in the business of creating smart helmets for a while now, and this latest offering strikes a perfect balance between being tech-savvy and easy on the wallet. When it comes to the tech side, the built-in LED lights are a game-changer, particularly for ensuring you’re seen on the road, especially when you’re out biking in the dark.
Not to mention, it also includes integrated turn signals, which significantly ramp up your safety when you’re navigating through traffic. Personally, I’m still getting the hang of using these turn signals, but I can see the potential for enhancing my safety.
While you can activate these signals using a remote that you can easily mount, those fortunate enough to own an Apple Watch have a bit of an advantage. They can employ gesture control to trigger the turn signals, which adds a touch of convenience to the mix.
In addition to the integrated LED lights and turn signals, this bike helmet also offers an optional feature: auto brake lights. It’s an extra that comes at a small cost, but in my view, it’s a worthy investment for improved safety. These brake lights play a crucial role on the road because they alert other drivers, especially those behind you, when you’re stopping, slowing down, or making a turn.
I must admit that the basic package Lumos offers is pretty comprehensive, and it doesn’t break the bank. It already provides a strong level of safety with its integrated LED lights, turn signals, and the durable materials it’s made from. This helmet is an excellent choice for safety, and it’s especially well-suited for folks like me who use it for daily commuting, where safety is a top priority. So, it’s a win-win situation – you get advanced features without burning a hole in your pocket.
How to Utilize Lumos Ultra’s Smart Features
This smart cycling helmet comes with its very own Lumos mobile app, making your rides safer and smarter. With this app, you can easily keep an eye on your helmet’s performance while you’re out on the road. It’s not just about checking the battery life; the app goes above and beyond the basics. It boasts a user-friendly interface, allowing you to tweak and personalize the LED light patterns to your liking. Plus, it has the nifty ability to sync with both Strava and Apple Health, making it a handy tool for those who want to keep tabs on their daily health.
The best part is that this app works seamlessly with both Android and , and it’s a breeze to install on your smartphone. I found it to be super user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to customize your helmet’s features right from your palm. It’s a simple and straightforward process. And if there’s a firmware update available, the app will notify you.
As I mentioned earlier, the app can sync with your Strava and Apple Health accounts, but I didn’t mention one more thing it can do – it can track your rides. As soon as you turn on the helmet, the app starts tracking your ride. Even cooler, you can upload all this ride data to both your Strava and Apple Health accounts. How convenient is that? It’s a fantastic way to keep an eye on your cycling progress and health in one place.
Should You Consider Buying or Recommending the Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet?
Let’s get straight to the point – there are more reasons to love this product than to dislike it. Sure, it has a few downsides, but overall, it’s a stylish and intelligent bike helmet that’ll help keep you safe on the road. And, by the way, it looks pretty great on you!
When it comes to the price, which I still think is reasonable, this helmet could even make a fantastic gift. In fact, my friend, who initially recommended this helmet to me, bought an extra one for his wife, and she was thrilled with it. So, the Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet is a solid choice if you’re thinking about gifting it to a fellow biking enthusiast.
1. Price and Availability
You can pick up the basic helmet package on Amazon for $119.95 and at . It’s also available on the official Lumos website, where you might find some tempting discounts from time to time. At the time of writing this review, there was a 10% discount available on their website. If you’re looking for a little extra, there’s the MIPS-bundle package for $189.95.
When it comes to price, compared to similar products in the market, the Lumos helmet is a bit on the higher side. For example, the Livall EVO21, which is also packed with features and comes with a remote control for added comfort and safety, is currently on sale for $119 on Amazon, while the Lumos Ultra is slightly pricier at $149.95. However, when you weigh in the features and the overall look, the Lumos helmet takes the lead.
2. What I Love the Most (Pros)
- Impressive smart features and simple connectivity.
- Sleek and contemporary design with a wide range of color options.
- The Lumos companion app is fantastic.
3. What I’m Not So Crazy About (Cons)
- The battery isn’t replaceable.
Conclusion
From what I’ve experienced personally, there are plenty of reasons to appreciate this product, and very few reasons not to. The Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet is a wise pick for bikers who want added visibility and safety, no matter the weather. What’s more, it’s a great option for those bikers who value style because it’s incredibly sleek and modern.
Though it’s worth noting that the battery can’t be replaced, that’s not a deal-breaker. Once it’s fully charged, it can keep you going for up to a maximum of 10 hours, which is pretty impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the Lumos Ultra bike helmet make biking safer compared to regular helmets?
The Lumos Ultra helmet offers clever safety features that enhance your visibility to other drivers, especially during nighttime rides. It includes convenient features like automatic turn signals, which you can activate using a remote control that you mount on your bike or through gesture control with an iWatch.
2. Is the Lumos Ultra helmet easy to use, and how long does it take to get the hang of its features?
This helmet is designed with user-friendliness in mind, and most of its features are easily controlled through the Lumos companion app. You can download this app on both iOS and Android smartphones for a hassle-free experience.
3. How does the price of the Lumos Ultra compare to other bike helmets, and what makes its advanced features worthwhile?
When you consider the price, the Lumos Ultra helmet remains competitive and budget-friendly compared to similar bike helmets on the market. It provides excellent value by offering intelligent features that enhance your safety during your rides.