$55,052 raised out of $8,000
Overview
Platform
Indiegogo
Backers
1
Start date
Jul 12, 2021
Close date
Jul 13, 2021
Concept

Reusable | Rechargeable | Easy to use | Reflective | Waterproof | Breathable

Story

 

Cycle in complete safety with this intelligent, autonomous jacket that combines technology, comfort and style. 

 

 

The CIRRUS airbag jacket automatically detects when its wearer suffers a fall or accident while cycling and releases its airbag in 0.08 seconds. It absorbs the impact and protects the four vital areas of the upper body: the neck, back, abdomen and thorax.

 

Specially designed for bikes and electric bikes, the Cirrus jacket offers protection all year round for everyday travel, weekend trips and outdoor adventures.

 

 

Pre-order today and find out why CIRRUS is the only jacket you need to cycle in cities and the countryside with complete peace of mind.

 

 

 

More and more of us cycle in cities and on country roads on a daily basis, which is great news!  ?

 

There were 12% more cyclists in France in 2020 and 67% more traffic on Paris’ cycle paths. Bike sales have gone through the roof in the US and Canada, with sales of classic bikes rising by 65% and electric bikes by 165% between 2019 and 2020!

 

 

And yet we all have to share the road with motorized vehicles that make us vulnerable:

And we are exposed to numerous hazards that increase the risk of falls and accidents and therefore injury:

And if we do have an accident, the only think that will protect us is the equipment we are wearing. Helmets are a key essential, but they’re not enough for more serious accidents:

 

 

We believe it is possible to reduce this vulnerability. That’s why we decided to create CIRRUS, the first airbag jacket for cyclists. 

 

 

CIRRUS is a smart airbag jacket designed for everyday use on bikes and electric bikes. The airbag is released automatically in the event of an accident or fall, inflating in 0.08 seconds to provide maximum protection to the vital parts of the upper body.

 

 

 

 

Cirrus analyzes the cyclist’s movements in real time. The system captures and analyzes their position over 100 times a second—that’s every 0.01 seconds! 

If it detects a fall or accident, the airbag inflates within 0.08 seconds. 

So, in the event of a fall or accident, the airbag will be operational in under 0.09 seconds—literally in the blink of an eye!

 

 

That speed ensures the airbag is released and operational before your body comes into contact with any external elements such as the ground, an obstacle or a car, offering you immediate protection, no matter how fast the accident happens.

 

 

Bike accidents and falls can happen quickly and without warning, leaving cyclists no time to react. 

CIRRUS detects falls and accidents completely autonomously and automatically.

 

1/ The system senses the cyclist’s movements

Accidents and falls are detected thanks to 2 built-in movement sensors, one on the bike and the other on the jacket:

 

 

These two sensors communicate via a radio proprietary protocole. They uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to track 400 times per secondes the movements and position of the system.

 

2/ The system analyzes the cyclist’s movements

The system uses a proprietary algorithm that identifies specific movements associated with cycling accidents and falls which took over two years to develop. Our design engineers studied hundreds of bicycle falls in simulations and crash tests and collected a vast amount of data.

 

 

Once complete, the entire system was trialled in crash-tests and real-life conditions by beta tester cyclists for several months.

The system was then certified in Europe (CE PPI Category II) and in the United States (FCCC, UL and IEC 62368-1).

 

3/ A system that detects ALL cycling falls and accidents

The algorithm identifies specific movements from the cyclist during all types of accidents and falls: 

. collision with a vehicle: whether from the front (car door or head-on collision), the side (failure to give way) and behind (sudden stop),

. collision between the bike and an urban hazard causing the cyclist to fall,

. loss of control of the bike (skids, uncontrolled braking, loss of balance, sun, etc.).

 

From all directions, from the side, front or back. 

Whatever direction the bike falls in, whether in the same direction as the cyclist, in the opposite direction, with the cyclist still seated or if they become separated from the bike. 

Whether or not the cyclist is moving, at both high speeds and a complete standstill.

 

Finally, because the algorithm was developed specifically to identify accidents and falls while on a bike, the airbag cannot be accidentally triggered by any other movement. It will not, for example, be triggered by movements of the body like bending over to pick up keys!

 

 

CIRRUS is designed to protect you from serious injuries that could put your life in danger and therefore offers maximum protection for the vital organs located in your chest: 

 

 

To ensure maximum protection, the CIRRUS airbag offers a large volume: 

. 17 litres / 4,4 gallons for XS to L models

. 28 litres / 6,5 gallons for XL to XXL models

This means the entire back is covered, from the back of the skull to the coccyx, and the entire chest area. 

 

The elasticated side straps ensure comfort and security when the airbag is inflated, without compressing the thorax.

 

 

CIRRUS can be turned on and off in a single click:

CIRRUS couldn’t be easier to use. Simply press the only button inside the jacket three times and a green light will go on. Zip the jacket up to chest height and you’re ready to go! 

To switch it off, simply press the same button three more times.

 

CIRRUS goes into standby mode automatically: 

To conserve battery power, CIRRUS automatically goes into standby mode after 30 seconds of inactivity. It reactivates automatically at the slightest movement.

 

CIRRUS communicates with you: 

. The light turns orange when only two hours of batter power remain.

. If the system has not been properly reconnected after washing or if the cartridge has not been replaced after being triggered, the light will turn red and a beeping sound will indicate that the airbag is not operational.

 

 

 

The airbag for the CIRRUS jacket is reusable. If the airbag has been deployed, simply wait ten minutes for it to naturally deflate. Then replace the used gas cartridge with a new one. 

The gas cartridge is easy to reach via the side zip opening inside the jacket.

CIRRUS was made to come with you day after day, during all your rides and to help you overcome any obstacle. 

 

 

CIRRUS lasts approximately 25 hours between charges, the equivalent of one week’s use on average.

The light turns orange when only two hours of batter power remain.

 

 Then simply remove the sensor from the jacket via the inside side zip and recharge it using the charger provided. The battery will be fully charged in just three hours.

 

 

 

 

CIRRUS is equipped with reflective, stretchy Rainbow Impact® fabric:

 

That technology-infused fabric features an iridescent coating of glass micro-beads that reflect light from sources up to 500 feet away (150 m).

 

This fabric uses millions of glace beads 65 micron in diameter backed by a vaporized aluminium coating. The net effect of the beads is that regardless of where you are in relation to the light source, a number of glace spheres are pointed at it and will reflect its light.  

When you wear this jacket, you will be visible at night to anyone with a source of light.

 

Because it’s so stretchy, the airbag can deploy, and the fabric will shrink back to its original shape once it deflates.

Rainbow Impact® fabric is iridescent, producing an array of shades from blue to violet that make every Cirrus jacket unique.

 

 

CIRRUS was designed to protect you even in bad weather, meaning you can still cycle in the depths of winter and heavy rain.

 

. 10,000 mm Schmerber waterproof and windproof membrane 

CIRRUS is equipped with a micro-perforated membrane that creates a waterproof barrier to rain and wind. It offers optimum waterproofing of 10,000 mm Schmerber (ISO 811 standard).

 

. Durable water-repellent treatment

This water-resistant treatment creates a protective layer preventing water from penetrating fibres, causing it to slide off the surface of the fabric without being absorbed. It performs at level 4 out of 5 in the Spray Test (NF EN ISO 4920 standard).

 

. Thermofused stitching

Seams can create breaks in the membrane’s waterproof barrier, that’s why all the seams in the CIRRUS jacket have been heat-sealed. 

This involves placing heat-activated waterproof tape over the seam, before heating it between two rollers. Once cooled, a solid bond forms between the tape and the seams, prevented water from entering.

 

. Waterproof zippers 

 

 

CIRRUS is designed for everyday cycling, especially the daily commute. That’s why it needed to be breathable and well-ventilated.

 

. Breathable membrane:

CIRRUS fabric allows water vapour to be evacuated while remaining waterproof, meaning you’ll never be left damp by transpiration while cycling. 

The micro-perforated membrane allows water to pass through at a moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) of 5,000 g/m²/day.

 

. Three venting zips:

Depending on the size and number of hills on your route, these can help increase the ability to evacuate the moisture released by the body.

CIRRUS is equipped with four zip openings so you can choose your preferred level of ventilation.

 

CIRRUS is so versatile it can be used both in the depths of winter and the hottest parts of autumn and spring.

 

 

CIRRUS offers comfort and protection in every situation you might face as a frequent cyclist:

 

1/ SMART POCKETS

Carry all your essentials with you, keeping them within easy reach thanks to the 5 specialized pockets:

 . A secret pocket at the top of the sleeve for your keys or bank card.

 . A touchscreen smartphone pocket so you can see your phone when using it in GPS mode.

 . A zip-up chest pocket for easy access to your wallet.

 . Two side pockets for storing a book, hat or other item!

 

 

2/ MULTIFUNCTION HOOD

The Cirrus hood is particularly versatile and can be adjusted to fit all protective headgear. It’s ergonomic and the height and depth can be adjusted to fit your physiognomy perfectly, adapting to your head’s movements and offering perfect visibility

When not in use, it can be removed or stored in the pocket on the neck.

 

 

3/ VERSATILE JACKET FOR ALL SEASONS 

 Every details counts to make CIRRUS an efficient day to day bike jacket: 

 

 

CIRRUS allows you to carry your belongings and use your phone safely and comfortably while cycling.

 

 

Daily biking in the city means dirt related to pollution. It can even decrease the reflective property of the jacket over the long term. 

This is why the jacket part of CIRRUS if fully machine washable. 

 

 

The Cirrus jacket was designed to make removing and reattaching the airbag system easy. The device is hidden in the lining of the jacket and can be accessed via a hidden zip in the jacket’s bottom hem.

Once the device has been removed, the jacket can be washed at 30° or in cold water and left to air-dry.

 

 

Love the jacket’s style and features but aren’t ready for the airbag?

CIRRUS is also available in a light version that doesn’t include the airbag: it is the CIRRUS JACKET LIGHT. 

 

 

You will still be able to buy the airbag separately and install it in the jacket later if you wish. 

Rainbow Impact® fabric is iridescent, producing an array of shades from blue to violet that make every CIRRUS jacket unique.

 

 

The personal protection airbag won the CES Innovation Award 2019 in the category “wearable technology”, as well as the 2019 French Road Safety Innovation Award in the category “two-wheeled assistance”.

 

 

European certification: 

. CE-certified as PPE by the Alienor Certification laboratory (Zone du Sanital, 21 Rue Albert Einstein CHATELLERAULT – France – notified organization no. 2754), using the protocol CRITT-SL no. ACDE-001: 10/2019, in accordance with the regulation EU 2016/425.

American certifications: 

. FCC Certification for radio, telecommunications and electronic equipment.

 . UL Certification, equivalent to CE certification, for potential risk of fire, electric shock and mechanical hazards. 

 . IEC 62368-1 safety certification.

 

 

Up to 4 years’ warranty:

Cirrus’s airbag system is covered by a two-year warranty. You can extend that warranty to four years by registering your jacket’s airbag system on our partner Helite’s website. 

CIRRUS has been designed for long-term use for all trips and any falls.

 

The CIRRUS jacket is slightly slim fitting while remaining comfortable and has been designed especially for cycling positions:

 

The CIRRUS cut is unisex, so make sure to get the right size for you!

For women, if you prefer a more fitted style, choose a size below your usual size. For a more comfortable fit, choose your normal size.

For men, if you prefer a fitted style, choose size your usual size. For a more comfortable fit, choose a size above your normal size.

 

 

We plan on producing a small quantity of additional sizes so you can ask for an exchange if you’re unhappy with the jacket’s size once it arrives.

Free return for France 

 

 

Weight: Jacket : 0.8kg – 1.76 Lb // Airbag system : 1kg – 2.2 Lb

 

Composition: 

. The exterior of the jacket is 100% polyester.

. The lining is 100% polyamide, and the interior netting is 100% polyester.

. The airbag’s casing is 100% nylon.

 

 

The CIRRUS airbag jacket includes:

. the CIRRUS jacket and pre-installed airbag system

. the pre-installed jacket sensor and charging cable

. the saddle sensor and mounting kit (three mounting rings, three screws nuts, three Allen keys and one magnet for checking the sensor)

. one gas cartridge pre-installed in the jacket

. instructions for the jacket and airbag system

 

 

 

The CIRRUS airbag jacket is the fruit of collaboration between two French businesses, both leaders in their sector: 

 . Urban Circus, a leading supplier of high-visibility clothing for cyclists since 2016 

 . Helite, a leading supplier of personal personal protection airbags since 2002

 

 

Urban Circus is a French business founded in 2016, specializing in high-visibility clothing. We want to show that safety can go hand-in-hand with style and dream of a world where soft transport dominates the road. 

Years of research and innovative products quickly led us to become a leading reference for reflective technical clothing.

 

Helite is a Dijon-based company founded in 2002, specializing in personal protection airbags. Helite has developed its technology for several sectors, creating airbags for motorcyling and horseriding, as well as protective equipment for elderly persons at risk of falls in the home. Today the business have moved into the world of cycling and soft transport. 

With over 120,000 airbags sold worldwide, Helite is now the leader in portable airbag systems.

 

 

We hope you love cycling as much as we do and that you will back the CIRRUS airbag jacket!

 

SPECIAL THANKS

We would like to thank Ygal and Marie, as well as all the team at Pomelo, Gregory at Gogoro and Cycle Sport Urbain!

Special thanks to Khadeeja, Boris, Benjamin, Jessica and Noémie ! 

We’d also like to thank the entire Urban Circus community for their unfailing support since the start of the adventure!

Please share this project with as many people as possible—friends, family and colleagues… But most importantly with those who want to feel safer on the road, because we all deserve our own place there!

 

Urban Circus & Helite teams

 

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