The idea of an airbag for bike riders happened in 2005 after Sweden passed a law saying those under 15 had to wear a bike helmet. This started a public debate on mandatory helmets and whether the requirement should be extended to adult bikers. Two industrial design students in Lund began talking about this. Their discussions ultimately led to one burning question — regardless of whether helmets are required by law, is it be possible to design a cycle helmet that people would want to buy? If so, what would its appearance be like? Perhaps the most stylish helmet was one that could not even be seen.
For their thesis work the two developed a brand new idea of an airbag for cyclists. They started out to make a helmet that wasn’t one but more of an airbag that is worn around the neck such as a collar. This groundbreaking concept and innovative design soon attracted immediate publicity.
In 2006, Hövding won Venture Cup, a competition that helps young designers transform their visions into viable business plans. Hövding Sverige AB was started the same year, and over the following seven years the concept progressed from an idea to an approved and certified product.
