A nod to safety: Gamel’s helmets have indicators that are activated by head tilts

Helmets with indicators built in are nothing new, in fact they’ve been around for a number of years, but they’ve traditionally been operated via a control on the handlebars. Gamel, a French brand, has decided to do things a little differently through its Remarkable helmets which have indicators that are activated by the nod of a head.

When we say nod, it’s actually more of a tilt of the head to the left or right that will set off an indicator at both the front and rear of the helmet. Once activated, the helmet lets out a beeping noise to notify the rider, which it then replicates after eight seconds when the indicator turns off. It’s also possible to flick straight from one indicator to the other, for any quick-fire turns, by tilting the head in one direction while the indicator for the opposite direction is still active.

This most obviously raises the issue of accidentally triggering the indicators through normal head movements, but Gamel says the helmet is designed to avoid this scenario by only registering head tilts that are specifically between 15 to 30 degrees.

“If you make a sudden movement, there is no risk of the turn signals being engaged or activated,” Gamel co-founder Romain de Bascher explains in a YouTube video. “Only the nod of the head from 15 to 30 degrees allows you to activate the turn signals.”

Read more: ‘Turning sound into safety’: Lazer’s new Verde KinetiCore helmet is made from recycled CDs

It’s a unique design and one that is Remarkable in name and in nature, at least if Gamel’s claims that the helmets “reinvent urban security” are anything to go by.

© Gamel

The helmets also have automatic brake lights

The idea was originally developed in 2023 when Gamel launched a crowdfunding campaign, which surpassed the €10,000 goal through the €13,190 raised. Its helmets have since been made available to the public and there are currently four colour variations available, including cream, blue, black and khaki.

Each option is packed with the same safety features which, in addition to the indicators, includes an automatic brake light. This, Gamel says, “adapts the intensity of its rear lighting to your decelerations.” The helmet contains an accelerometric sensor so it knows when you’re slowing down, and this then triggers the changed intensity to the light.

Gamel’s Remarkable helmets are certainly unique, so it’s not too surprising that they retail for more than the average helmet. The helmets are currently available on the company’s website for €249.

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