LIVALL EVO21 Smart Cycle Helmet with Smart Lighting, 360 Degree Visibility, Fall Detection and SOS Alert

First of all, this is a brilliant helmet, I didn't realise how uncomfortable and restrictive the old one was until I tried this one, I would never go back. I have a large head but although this helmet seems quite small, it is extremely strong and comfortable and fits perfectly. It never slides out of position either, my vision is much improved.The other stand-out feature is the fact it lights up and you can charge it. The only person who can't see the lights is you though! I have no idea whether it is showing me breaking and indicating, as I cycle on my own, so I still end up doing hand signals and pressing the indicator if I remember. It's a nice idea and something I will persevere with but the indicator lights and SOS signals for me are a non-essential feature that's basically a bonus if it works. I am happy with the fact it makes me more visible and it's a great helmet.

disappointing

So what's in the box? The helmet, a soft carrying pouch for helmet, a remote control unit (with removeable 500 hour battery) plus carrying pouch, a proprietary charging lead (although replacements are available at livall.co.uk for £9.99 and other replacement parts are also available like the remote, sensor, padding and adjustable fit system), a 7-page Quick Start guide and an 11 page manual (in 5 languages).Set-up. Before you use the helmet you'll need to charge it up using the charging cable supplied. It's USB Type-A at one end and a proprietary magnetic connector at the other, a bit like the old Mac MagSafe. The cable is around 3½ ft long which is quite handy. While the accompanying smartphone app isn't required for using this helmet, to get the extra features like fall detection and SOS as well as community chat, you'll need to use the LIVALL Riding app and log in to it. The iOS version of the app lets you sign up with either your phone number or email. Just enter your email address and request a verification code which they email to you which you then enter into the app. Once signed up you enter some basic info about yourself (height, weight, gender, DOB). Pairing the app with your helmet is simple, just hold the ON/OFF button on the helmet and place it near your smartphone then after a couple of seconds there's a chirp and you're done. The app lets you do things like set the LED light pattern (flow, flash, and slow flick), set ambient light detection (the lights only illuminate when it's dark), and so on, plus there's also a user guide built into the app. The app can also interface with the remote controller, and do things like calculate cadence and heart rate (compatible heart rate monitor required) and interface with certain e-scooters. The app also includes a social platform for interacting with other LIVALL app users. The app will also allow you to track things like distance cycled so you can build up a history of your trips which is nice. There are also things like playlist integration if you're into listening to music while you ride (that's through your own headphones as there's no speaker in the helmet). A smartphone holder is available separately if you'd prefer not to carry your phone in a pocket.If you don't want to use the app you can simply switch the helmet lights on and off and cycle through the different LED patterns using the button on the back of the helmet. The button and charging socket on the helmet are sealed so look to be showerproof and they're pretty straightforward to use. The helmet itself is an attractive design available in different colours (I have the 'Mint' version), and lightweight at a mere 350g although the helmet feels pretty robust despite its lightweight. There is a fitment adjuster at the back of the helmet which alters the interior length of the helmet to get a comfortable fit and there are (removable/replaceable) soft pads for further comfort. The chin strap is the typical push/click fastener that is quick to do up/undo and the chin strap itself is nicely padded. In place you barely feel the helmet is there!The helmet is 'smart' in that it has an ambient light sensor to detect daylight/darkness although you can disable this through the app. It also has a motion sensor so the lights will switch off when you remove the helmet and put it down (to save battery). Also if you're using the app you can employ fall detection which will notify your specified contact if there's a problem. The rear (red) LED is a large wing shape and is visible from quite a distance, helped by the various flashing patterns. The front (white) LED is smaller at just 6 inches across and is more for helping you to be seen rather than lighting your way (you'd need a proper cycle lamp for that).There's also a remote control unit that can be attached to your handle-bars using the clip supplied. It replicates a subset of the app and helmet button controls and is also waterproof and it contains a replaceable battery good for 500 hours.Overall for the price I think this is a very stylish and useful helmet and the integrated lighting is a really nice feature. The LIVALL app unlocks extra features and for any keen casual cyclist (like me) I'd say it's definitely worth using. It's 5 stars from me and I would certainly recommend it.