It has been five years since Newton-Rider started taking deposits for their N1 helmet. Wait, is it really a “deposit” if the amount paid is the full price? No. So it has been five years since investors paid full price for a concept helmet that has yet to ship.
I tried to follow the N1’s progress (click here to read previous postings) but Newton-Rider announced in March of 2024 that they were no longer posting updates on Indiegogo. Instead, they would e-mail updates to backers. They did post one more update to Indiegogo about an investment firm adding Newton-Rider to their portfolio. It is not clear how that vague news impacts the company, their helmet development or their customers. That was last October.
A backer shared the last Newton-Rider update with Jimmy Mac On Two Wheels. The update came out the end of 2024 and it is not good news. The company says, “We did anticipate this summer that we would have started shipping by now but we had to do a change in the manufacturing as one essential part, the liner, simply did not meet our exacting specifications during final development.” They add that, “We anticipate shipping to begin in mid-Q1 2025.”
The word that jumps out to me is “development.” Development means Newton-Rider is still struggling with their helmet’s design and functionality. It means the helmet is in development, not production. Their anticipated shipping information seems unlikely for a product still in development and in need of certification. Just for reference, the company said “expect shipping to take place in April. Still in time to enjoy some spring time bike rides and enjoy your super sleek foldable helmet” That was in March of 2021.
What backers must find insulting and frustrating is the company’s continued boasting that “The N1 has proven itself to be unlike anything ever seen in the bicycle helmet industry.” And “You likely know very well, it’s the worlds (sic) only semi-soft and flexible helmet but it’s also the sleekest helmet ever seen.” One thing that backers know for sure, they do not have N1s to put on their heads no matter how revolutionary the product claims to be.
The final insult to backers has to be a video the company released (click here to watch). The video shows prototype helmet versions from 5 years ago.
GET YOURSELF A REAL HELMET
If you want a helmet to use and enjoy right now, go to your local bike shop. My rule of thumb is that if pitched on a product that requires a new, unproven technology or material, be wary. If it is offered by a company that has never made a product, be very wary. Finally, understand that crowd-funding sites are high-risk investments, not purchases.
