About
The UNIT 1 AURA is a premium smart helmet designed for e-bike riders and urban cyclists who refuse to compromise on safety, visibility, or connectivity. Certified to the NTA 8776 e-bike standard and independently awarded a Virginia Tech 5-star safety rating, it incorporates MIPS technology to help reduce rotational forces during angled impacts — one of the most common causes of brain injury in cycling accidents. Integrated front and rear LED lights dramatically increase rider visibility in all conditions, day or night. An optional handlebar-mounted UNIT 1 Remote activates turn signals and an automatic brake light, allowing riders to communicate clearly with traffic without taking their hands off the bars. The helmet's standout smart feature is Crash Alert SOS: upon detecting a hard impact, the system triggers a countdown and, if the rider is unresponsive, automatically sends an emergency SOS with location data to a designated contact via the UNIT 1 App. All functionality — lighting modes, crash detection sensitivity, and signal preferences — is fully customizable through the app. Available in six colors across three sizes, with interchangeable clear, tinted, or photochromic visors and optional accessories including a winter liner and bug net. Recognized with both the iF Design Award and Red Dot Award for product design, the AURA balances aesthetics with serious protective engineering. Rated 4.7/5 from over 604 verified reviews and ranked the #1 smart helmet across more than 282 competitors.
Key Features
- Crash Alert SOS: Automatically detects hard impacts and sends an emergency SOS with location to a designated contact via the UNIT 1 App if the rider is unresponsive.
- Integrated LED Lighting: Built-in front and rear LED lights maximize rider visibility in all lighting conditions, day or night, without requiring separate clip-on lights.
- Turn Signals & Automatic Brake Light: Handlebar-mounted UNIT 1 Remote activates left/right turn signals and an automatic brake light, keeping hands safely on the bars at all times.
- Virginia Tech 5-Star + MIPS Protection: Independently tested and rated 5 stars by Virginia Tech; MIPS liner helps reduce rotational forces transmitted to the brain during angled impacts.
- NTA 8776 E-Bike Certification: Certified to the NTA 8776 standard, ensuring the helmet meets the higher-speed impact requirements specific to e-bike riding.
Use Cases
- Daily urban commuting on an e-bike where high-speed safety certification (NTA 8776) and traffic visibility are critical
- Night and low-light cycling where integrated front/rear LED lights replace the need for separate clip-on lighting accessories
- Solo long-distance rides where Crash Alert SOS provides peace of mind by automatically notifying emergency contacts after an unresponsive impact
- City cycling in heavy traffic where handlebar-activated turn signals and automatic brake light communicate intentions without removing hands from bars
- Riders seeking a single, award-winning helmet that eliminates the need for multiple separate safety and lighting accessories
Pros
- Top-tier independent safety rating: Virginia Tech 5-star rating combined with MIPS and NTA 8776 e-bike certification provides verified, multi-standard protection trusted by safety researchers.
- All-in-one smart connectivity: Crash Alert, integrated lights, turn signals, and brake light are all controlled through a single app and remote, eliminating the need for multiple accessories.
- Award-winning design: iF Design Award and Red Dot Award recognition means the helmet looks as good as it performs, with a sleek aesthetic suitable for urban commuting.
Cons
- Premium price point: The AURA's smart features and certifications come at a higher cost than standard cycling helmets, making it a significant investment for budget-conscious riders.
- Turn signals require separate remote purchase: The handlebar UNIT 1 Remote needed to activate turn signals and brake light is sold separately, adding to the total cost.
- Size L visor rest position limitation: The visor cannot be stored in the rest position on the Large size, which may be inconvenient for riders who frequently switch between visor-on and visor-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the AURA different from a regular cycling helmet?
The AURA integrates smart technology — including LED lights, turn signals, automatic brake light, and Crash Alert SOS — directly into the helmet shell. It also holds a Virginia Tech 5-star safety rating and NTA 8776 e-bike certification, standards not met by most conventional helmets.
How does Crash Alert SOS work?
The helmet's sensors detect a hard impact. If the rider does not respond to a prompt within a set countdown, the UNIT 1 App automatically sends an SOS message with the rider's location to a pre-configured emergency contact.
Do I need the UNIT 1 Remote to use the turn signals?
Yes, the handlebar-mounted UNIT 1 Remote (sold separately for $39.90) is required to activate turn signals and automatic brake lights while riding.
Which visor option should I choose?
Clear visors are best for low-light or night riding, tinted visors suit bright sunny conditions, and photochromic visors automatically adjust to any lighting — ideal if you ride in varying conditions throughout the day.
Is the AURA compatible with both iOS and Android?
Yes, the UNIT 1 App is available for both iOS and Android, allowing full customization of lighting modes, crash detection settings, and emergency contact configuration.
