Unit 1 Aura Mips Helmet Review: A Smart, Safety-First E-Bike Option

The Unit 1 Aura Mips smart helmet is designed for e-bike riders with protection as its primary focus. The helmet earned a top 5/5 score from the Virginia Tech testing lab and holds the Dutch NTA 8776 safety certification, which is awarded to e-bike helmets tested to withstand higher-speed collisions. Constructed with a polycarbonate hard shell surrounding an EPS liner, the Aura also incorporates the MIPS system to offer enhanced protection during angled impacts.

A key highlight of the Unit 1 Aura is its array of integrated smart technology. It features front and rear LED lights delivering 350 lumens of visibility, rechargeable via a USB-C port, with a run time ranging from 3 to 30 hours depending on the light mode. Users can control and customize light settings through the Unit 1 smartphone app. The helmet also includes a Crash Alert system that detects severe impacts and sends a notification to designated emergency contacts unless canceled within a 15-second grace period.

In terms of physical features, the Aura is equipped with 14 ventilation channels for airflow, a Fidlock magnetic buckle, and a magnetically attached visor. Riders can pair the helmet with an optional handlebar-mounted remote to utilize turn indicators and an automatic brake light system. The helmet is priced at £200 ($270 / €230), or £230 when bundled with the indicator remote in the Ride Pack. Despite its advanced functionality, the helmet's main drawbacks are its heavy weight of 610g for a size large and its premium price tag.