Transformable Helmet Design for Micro-Mobility

Background Under the Road Traffic Act amendment enacted in 2021, all road users aged 14 and over must wear helmets when using micro-mobility vehicles such as E-scooters and E-bikes. However, it is still difficult to find micro-mobility users who wear helmets on the road. In this study, we investigate the design factors for developing a transformable helmet that can maximize portability to promote more micro-mobility users carrying the helmet. This study aims to explore the material, structure, and morphological features of commercially available transformable helmets and obtain design considerations by observing micro-mobility user behavior. Methods This study investigated road safety rules and regulations related to helmets for micro-mobility. By conducting a survey, we examined users' willingness to wear a helmet when using micro-mobility and identified the factors influencing their helmet choice. From this, the study confirmed the needs and requirements for transformable helmet design. In addition, this study has extensively explored commercially available transformable helmets that may suit the user of micro-mobility. All reviewed helmets were categorized by folding structure, weight, and materials related to the design of transformability and analyzed according to their structural features. Results This study first identifies that various factors could influence a micro-mobility user's perception in relation to road safety and helmet use. The study explored the characteristics of helmets in various forms by examining the transformable helmets in the domestic and overseas markets. As a result, this study was able to classify transformable helmets into five groups: transformable helmets that reduce width or thickness through a folding structure, collapsible helmets that reduce space by layering flexible materials, flippable helmets that reduce thickness by using a rotating hinge, stretchable helmets that reduce the size by spacing units apart, and blowable helmets that inflate. Conclusions This study identified the advantages, disadvantages, and usability features of each design type of transformable helmet and provided suggestions and considerations during the product designing stages. In addition, this study identified the need to establish KC(Korea Certification) safety standards for transformable helmets.