This Motorcycle Helmet Leverages Tech for Safety, Bridges Comms on a Worldwide Level
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By: Cristian Curmei, autoevolution
Safety is of the utmost importance whenever you're riding a vehicle of any kind, be it a scooter, bicycle, motorcycle, ATV, or whatever. That said, we'll be exploring Livall's MC1 Pro, a rather neat addition to the active rider's lifestyle, one that leverages technology to heighten our riding experience.
Folks, Livall is a brand and manufacturer of one of the world's most important pieces of gear: helmets. As a rider of just about anything with wheels for years, I can honestly say that if I hadn't worn a helmet on numerous occasions, we wouldn't be here talking today. So, in the spirit of literal life, I've decided to bring to light the MC1 Pro, a brain bucket that makes use of advancements in technology to give the rider not only added safety for protecting the most important organ in the body but to also bridge communication gaps, record rides, and even alert authorities in the case of an accident, to name a few. In short, the MC1 Pro is a smart helmet, so let's dive in.
As mentioned, Livall is the crew behind the Pro, and if this name sounds familiar, it's because they're responsible for a number of helmet models floating around the world. However, until the Pro, they mostly focused on cycling. Heck, they even have an e-bike conversion kit dubbed the PikaBoost, so naturally, I was intrigued to see a motorcycle helmet come out from under this crew's umbrella.
As mentioned, Livall is the crew behind the Pro, and if this name sounds familiar, it's because they're responsible for a number of helmet models floating around the world. However, until the Pro, they mostly focused on cycling. Heck, they even have an e-bike conversion kit dubbed the PikaBoost, so naturally, I was intrigued to see a motorcycle helmet come out from under this crew's umbrella.
Now, kicking things off for the MC1 Pro, allow me to point out that according to the manufacturer's website, the Pro is DOT and ECE06 certified, the latter of which is said to be a bit more rigorous than DOT certification. Just be aware that the certification process is interesting, as manufacturers test their helmets under instructions and guidelines and approve them if they pass. In short, they "self-certify" that their product is up to par, and this is true for countless brands, even the ones you probably own already.
From here, we arrive at the all-essential electronics integrated into this helmet. First and foremost, lighting is part of the magic here, with white LEDs visible on the brow of the helmet and, at the rear, a large red LED strip for visibility. While the rear strip doesn't show whoever is behind what direction you're headed in—it's not made to signal turns—it does detect slowdowns and flashes to alert the drivers or riders behind you.
Also at the front of the helmet, Livall adds a 1080p camera right between the two LED strips. With a 120-degree FOV, GoPro may have some serious competition. It can also record in 720p, which is rather helpful considering there's only a 32 GB capacity for video storage and nothing about making it bigger. It also requires a click-to-record feature and isn't always running in the background.
Sure, a permanent camera is nice, but what else can we expect the Pro to do? One ability that Livall is very proud of is this helmet's ability to bridge the communication gap between riders and sources. It's designed with integrated communications systems to keep you in touch with other riders or family and does so without you ever needing to raise your hands off the handlebar; there's a handlebar-mounted controller for all this.
From here, we arrive at the all-essential electronics integrated into this helmet. First and foremost, lighting is part of the magic here, with white LEDs visible on the brow of the helmet and, at the rear, a large red LED strip for visibility. While the rear strip doesn't show whoever is behind what direction you're headed in—it's not made to signal turns—it does detect slowdowns and flashes to alert the drivers or riders behind you.
Also at the front of the helmet, Livall adds a 1080p camera right between the two LED strips. With a 120-degree FOV, GoPro may have some serious competition. It can also record in 720p, which is rather helpful considering there's only a 32 GB capacity for video storage and nothing about making it bigger. It also requires a click-to-record feature and isn't always running in the background.
Sure, a permanent camera is nice, but what else can we expect the Pro to do? One ability that Livall is very proud of is this helmet's ability to bridge the communication gap between riders and sources. It's designed with integrated communications systems to keep you in touch with other riders or family and does so without you ever needing to raise your hands off the handlebar; there's a handlebar-mounted controller for all this.
The first communication method available to riders with a Pro on their heads is a Bluetooth intercom, and with it, up to five riders can link their MC1 Pros and keep in constant contact up to 1,000 meters or 1 km. The second is a pretty standard method of just answering and making calls, the latter of which even includes voice commands, but my favorite is Livall's Riding app, a software that allows users to communicate without ever needing to use their minutes and anywhere in the friggin' world! I'm loving that one. Noise cancellation are also part of the magic of a Pro, so you'll be able to hear everything in Hi-Fi stereo.
Last but not least, the SOS alert function and Fall Detection are two crucial elements that the Pro offers, and with them, in the case of a fall, the MC1 sends an alert to your emergency contacts, along with GPS location, after 90 seconds of inactivity. So, if you're knocked out, you will be found.
However, a battery integrated into the helmet controls all of these abilities. With it, up to 8 hours of recording is possible, and up to 10 hours of just listening to music and using the lights. Once drained, the 2000 mAh battery will take up to three hours to recharge.
Last but not least, the SOS alert function and Fall Detection are two crucial elements that the Pro offers, and with them, in the case of a fall, the MC1 sends an alert to your emergency contacts, along with GPS location, after 90 seconds of inactivity. So, if you're knocked out, you will be found.
However, a battery integrated into the helmet controls all of these abilities. With it, up to 8 hours of recording is possible, and up to 10 hours of just listening to music and using the lights. Once drained, the 2000 mAh battery will take up to three hours to recharge.
All this brings us to our very last and most important trait of the MC1 Pro: what it's built out of and how much it weighs. According to the manufacturer's website and all the advertising around this trinket states that good old carbon fiber has been called upon to keep your bits intact, which is also essential for keeping things light, considering that this thing is packed with electronics and systems. In all, 1,650 grams is what you'll be lugging around, no matter which of the two sizes you choose.
The question is, just how much is all this going to cost? According to Livall, you'll need $700 to get your very own MC1 Pro. But is it worth it? Customer reviews seem to say that yes, the helmet is a decent one and fits well, but there seems to be an issue: "No communication from this company, so forget any customer service." That's a user-dropped comment, so think about it and see if this MC1 Pro is for you.
Finally, I do need to point out that the MC1 Pro is only available in two sizes, and anyone outside of those sizes is out of luck. Sure, you can still wear it, but as you'd expect, it won't offer the full protection a helmet that fits properly offers. On that note, be sure to always wear a properly fitting helmet; it's definitely a safety thing.
The question is, just how much is all this going to cost? According to Livall, you'll need $700 to get your very own MC1 Pro. But is it worth it? Customer reviews seem to say that yes, the helmet is a decent one and fits well, but there seems to be an issue: "No communication from this company, so forget any customer service." That's a user-dropped comment, so think about it and see if this MC1 Pro is for you.
Finally, I do need to point out that the MC1 Pro is only available in two sizes, and anyone outside of those sizes is out of luck. Sure, you can still wear it, but as you'd expect, it won't offer the full protection a helmet that fits properly offers. On that note, be sure to always wear a properly fitting helmet; it's definitely a safety thing.
