Reevu creates helmet with rearview mirror

Helmet accessories used to consist of a few stickers and clumps of bug splatter, but these days modern motorcycle helmets are becoming increasingly advanced.

Not long ago we looked at Lazer's new superskin helmets that help reduce the risk of rotational neck injuries, and today we're looking at the Reevu helmet which integrates a complex array of mirrors to give riders clear rearward vision.

The Reevu RV MSX1 helmet has been in development for around seven years but until now it has been unable to pass European standards testing. With that hurdle out of the way, the innovative helmet and the mirror technology it employs could become a top selling item.

How does it work? Well, most townsfolk put it down to some sort of arcane magic, but scientific types will tell you the Reevu helmet uses a rear-facing panel that can be seen at the top of the riders field of vision (see second image), and this panel or 'optic' is fed reflections via a number of polycarbonate mirrors that curve the light around the head. The polycarbonate mirrors are lighter than glass and are shock resistant to boot.

The end result is a clear image of the road behind, with no cameras, no batteries and no ongoing maintenance.

Reports suggest the effect is similar to looking in a car's rear view mirror, in that you just shift your gaze upward momentarily to get a partial view of what's behind you. The system is expected to have blind spots however and won't replace head-checks, but it will provide riders with improved awareness.

Obviously the system won't work as well when riding two-up, but the idea has massive potential. Depending on price, the new Reevu RV MSX1 helmet could well be a sales success, as this is the first product of its kind to be homologated for road use.

Indeed, it's quite possible that the new mirror technology could change the helmet industry forever.

"Early prototypes were met with absolute astonishment. It is so stunningly apparent from the first moment a Reevu helmet is worn that it will really make a huge difference to the safety of the wearer on our roads," explains Reevu.

Having passed European ECE-ONU 22-05 homologation testing, the Reevu helmet should have no trouble passing international safety standards and could be on sale in Australia by 2011 if it finds an importer.

It is unclear whether other major helmet manufacturers will attempt to incorporate Reevu's patented technology into their own products, or whether they will try to develop their own high-tech mirror technology.

Check out Reevu.com for more details.