Kids Ride Shotgun - Helmet
Inspiring the next generation of mountain bikers with the first dedicated kids MTB helmet design that grows with your child as they develop.
Project Information
Client Kids Ride Shotgun
Industry Consumer Products, Soft Goods & Sporting Equipment
Services New Product Development
Key Outcomes
New product definition
Designed new helmet concepts
Developed form and product language
Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
Overview
The goal of this project was to develop a rad helmet and first touch point for children coming into the ‘MTB with parents' space, that can be sold alongside the KRS bike seats. KRS saw a gap in the helmet category for a “go-to” first helmet for shotgunners and balance bikers alike. The ambition was to develop a helmet platform, for kids from 10 months to 5 years of age (where there are few if any real MTB helmet options in this age range), to create safety and trust in the KRS brand.
Frame
Having built the new category of kids’ mountain bike seats, KRS were looking to grow and expand its product offering. Having engaged us to help develop their KRS brand story and communication system, we soon began discussing their new product roadmap. When customers buy their KRS child bike seat, often it's their child’s first biking experience, and they may not already own a helmet for their child. The purpose of this project was to explore offering a complete solution that supports the child into their journey of riding bikes.
Kids develop significantly during their first 5 years, and we wanted to support their journey from co-riding with their parents - to riding solo. Because helmets are a key item when children are first introduced to riding, we wanted to design a very positive and rewarding experience for all.
Product language and form for the modern mountain biking aesthetic was important, as well as delivering safety, security, and a strong point of difference. We knew weight, fit, usability, and anthropometric considerations would be very important.
Our Approach
We began with user and technical research, to deeply understand the needs and requirements to design a better wearer experience. We wanted to understand how good are the status quo hard rigid structural EPS cycle helmets for kids learning to ride bicycles; how often do kids drop and damage without realising they are compromising these EPS helmets; and could kids helmets dissipate the lower speed impact energy better, preventing energy transferring to the young growing brain?
Our team investigated a range of existing technologies including MIPs brain protection, dial fit systems, height adjustment, detachable sun visors, hearing enhancement, side impact protection, certification, impact testing, ventilation, construction and manufacturing.
Concept design generated a range of new ideas to extended more of a helmet’s geometry over and around the back and sides of the head. This included a double in-mold monocoque construction to reduce energy transfer to the neck in the event of a crash, as well as extended side impact coverings, and a chin guard. Conventional helmets force a child’s head forward when in a bucket seat, creating an unsafe posture. We designed this out.
We also wanted to enhance the riding experience for the parent. When riding with a child on your bike, your child’s helmet is often tucked in just under your chin. Often your chin collides with the back of their helmet. This direct rider insight led us to develop a unique bump pad around the rear of the child’s helmet (a bit like a rear visor), a first when it comes to helmet design when ‘riding shotgun’. This pad also extends the life of the helmet by protecting it from common accidental drops on the ground.
Outcome
The first child-specific mountain biking helmet for first time MTB riders that develops with their riding journey. For KRS, this helmet cements its position as a leader brand in the kid’s mountain biking category and completing the trio of core kit for kids (with seats, helmets and bikes). Given the age range and significant child developmental growth through the first five years of life, this helmet is novel because it grows and transforms with the child as they develop. From riding in a bucket seat, to advancing into a shotgun seat, and then onto balance biking for themselves, this helmet protects dirt hero’s with an amazing MTB experience – getting kids stoked for life on 2 wheels!
