
Best of Austrian Design
The history of the bicycle helmet is characterised by constant innovation and a growing awareness of safety in road traffic – from the simple leather caps of early racing cyclists to foam helmets and the high-tech models of today. Over the last fifty years, materials such as hard plastic and expanded polystyrene foam have been the dominant standards. But with the evolution of urban mobility and a focus on comfort, functionality and design, helmet technology is entering a new era.
Ventete is setting a revolutionary milestone with the VENTETE aH-1: the inflatable, micro-foldable helmet represents the first significant departure from conventional helmet materials in around fifty years and has been awarded the Red Dot: Luminary in 2024, the highest distinction in the Red Dot Award: Design Concept.
VENTETE aH-1 is based on a pneumatic structural system and can be folded to less than 3.5 cm. The air is released by unscrewing and pressing the valve nozzle while simultaneously compressing the helmet, allowing the air to escape. A compact USB-C pump inflates the helmet in 30 seconds. This makes the helmet easy to store and just as quick to get ready to use again.
The helmet’s chamber design rests lightly on the head and promotes continuous air circulation. Unlike foam helmets, heat is efficiently dissipated. The cooling capacity of the VENTETE aH-1 is equivalent to the cooling effect of riding without a helmet.
The helmet’s liner was developed in collaboration with RHEON™ Labs and is made from a non-Newtonian superpolymer: this material moulds to the wearer’s head for maximum comfort. In the event of an impact, it stiffens to disperse the energy, providing enhanced rotational protection – a crucial factor in reducing traumatic brain injuries.
The Red Dot Award: Design Concept offers a professional and valuable platform for design projects ranging from concepts and prototypes to almost or fully developed products ready for market, paving the way for the great products of tomorrow. The Red Dot Jury was impressed by the VENTETE aH-1 and awarded the bicycle helmet with the competition’s highest distinction, the Red Dot: Luminary. The recognition honours the ten years of hard work by Ventete, which has led the helmet from the original idea – a bicycle helmet that can be folded like an origami – to a market-ready product.
The bicycle helmet has evolved from a purely safety-related object to an important part of urban mobility culture. Despite ongoing debates about the need for mandatory helmet use in some countries, it remains a symbol of responsible cycling. The VENTETE aH-1 combines advanced technology, thermal comfort and the highest safety standards. The radical redesign of the helmet transforms the bicycle helmet from a mere safety product into a fashionable, practical accessory that overcomes the typical expectations of bulky and functional products, in line with the motto “Ultimate protection. Perfectly portable”.