Unit 1 Aura Smart Bike Helmet - Some Initial Frustrations

The Unit 1 Aura Smart Bike Helmet promised to set the bar high for what a class 3 e-bike helmet with NTA 8776 rating could look like with integrated lights, removable visors, and crash detection. I have some huge frustrations and hope they are a defect.

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[IlyaBasin]

Thank you for your review. Wanted to buy the helmet but now will hold off.

[BrunoAlves-uysl]

Thanks for showing how to test a helmet before buying it 😅

[keyoske]

I appreciate your review and discount code. I purchased the Remote, Aura Blackbird Helmet, Bug Net, Photochromic Speed Visor, Torch Backpack, Water Bottle, Smart Light Mounting kit, Smart Light Dual Pro + an extra smart light for a total of 3 . I bought it all to use with my Apollo Pro Scooter and EGO Mini Bike. What's so awesome about all of this, is that you can include full automotive active lighting to a vehicle that does not come equipped with it. I agree that the Unit 1 Remote needs to have audible cues for turn signals. Maybe one day, they'll release a Remote Pro model with audio cues and a bigger battery. I also find that all of the Smart Lights and Aura Helmet on/off buttons are hard to press, but have a solid switch for on/off power states. At the same time, it doesn't really matter if they are hard to press because you can press the center button on the Unit 1 Remote to wirelessly turn everything paired on or off. I love that feature. All in all, I really am glad I ran into the Facebook ad and your review! Thanks again :)

[timryansmith]

If you purchase the turn signal module you can turn on helmet using it 😜

[thomasruhmann]

Got mine today. Contacted the support regarding the switch problem. It’s really hard to turn it on and off. Fortunately now with the new firmware update you can switch it on/off with the remote unit. Much easier. The software is really a crap from an end user perspective. Hard to understand and to customize. Hope this will get more comfortable in future. Will see how it works on the bike.

[aznsushi]

I was sent a dud nav remote (won't turn on or charge), got them to replace it, now I can't pair it. Will call them tomorrow.

[BlairAir]

I agree on the helmet button spring strength. Mine is exactly the same. Feels like 25 lbs of pressure. I understand avoiding accidental on/off but its not even in a touch area. Imagine doing 8x taps to reset (Its difficult) REMEMBER: You can Turn helmet/lights on/off pushing bpth remote buttons together. Much easier.

MY biggest disappointment is FIT. My Giro Ethos is more comfortable and feels like ike a custom made unit. This is FAR from that, but acceptable. Just not sure it's worth the strep price - they claim retail for the set is $499.

PS. The marketing on the sight says the "hold position" for the visor and sheild is ONLY TO CARRY THE HELMET, and NOT to ride with the shield inverted/stored on top. That is NUTS. The magnets either need to be stronger OR SOMETHING changed. I repeat $499 retail.

[RickGarcia-kz]

I have the same issue, they called me and they said unfortunately they would not replace my helmet because it’s already used and it works using the remote!

[DarkDeejay]

Received mine today!I just love it!I have no problem with the on button just have to push it on the right spot and don’t have to push really hard!?when you push right, you hear a click and that’s it, or start everything with the remote, so easy!Best helmet I ever saw and have!I had the Lumos ultra e bike but the aura is much more for me!Slick design, looks very cool, less weight, easy to use and handle!Also love the accessories of the aura, the smart lights and remote and the app!So happy with it!

[minivipers]

These feedbacks should improve the production of unit 1 company if they consider it...i really liked the design and i think i would wait for version 2...

[anesthrea]

I fully agree about the issues you raised on. I add that the App Unit1 is troubleshooting and that the remote nav I received doesn't work !!!

[mateobarnstone]

The button is stiff, no doubt. That being said, the remote works very well. The other complaints are a little ridic.

The audible is totally unnecessary, I can easily see if the lights are on. No idea why that is necessary. If you have any question, just hold your hand in front of the helmet and it will light up if it's on.

The magnates are perfectly strong, never once come off in use.

Why would I take off the visor mid-ride?

[scubalibre]

I'm 6'4, 300 lbs and need to press down my thumb with my other thumb to turn it on. Its crazy. Otherwise I love the helmet so its really disappointing!

[GummyBearsandChemicals]

I have a hard time with the button as well. Once it's on, it's fine. The biggest thing is sizing. I got a large, my head is oval shaped and 60cm but it's slides all over. I have a specialized helmet with mips, nowhere near the sliding.

[CoastalEddieUSA]

I like my Aura 1 system overall but like many others that dang power button requires finger tips of steel. If you're having trouble pairing your light bar try the reset function. Turn off the light bar then turn it back on then press the power button 8 times in quick secession. The light bar will flash green if i remember to notify a successful reset. Now retry pairing the light bar and controller.

[yazzmatazz]

Thanks for your review. I am also disappointed with mine and don't enjoy using it. I have the same issue with ALL the buttons: on the helmet and all the smart lights (I have 4 total). It takes a very hard and very long press. To turn on the helmet I have to use my entire hand: my thumb to press and the other four fingers on the bottom of the helmet for leverage. I also find the app to be a disappointment. Comfort wise, I think the retention strap is not at the same level of some of my favourite $100 helmets. Most of the pressure is localized to a single spot on the back of my head instead of being evenly distributed. I haven't had issues with my visor yet. I bought the transition glasses but it doesn't get as dark as the marketing suggests. I would leave a review on their website but I don't think that would have an impact. Overall, given how much I paid for this helmet and all the accessories, I feel the company oversold and under delivered. I had a bad experience with a Lumos smart helmet as well. I am definitely no longer purchasing helmets online. In fact, this product has put me off backing projects on kickstarter.

[Shortcuttravels]

You are not alone.. I just got my helmet and I had to Google how to turn on and found your video lol 😮
I have to dig my nail in..

[strongs]

OMG! Thank you for validating what I thought was just my inability to get the button popped on!!! Love the fit of the helmet but this button is a S-show!

[GrossmeisterT]

Got mine a few weeks ago. The button is indeed a bit stiff but I don't have problems using it. I usually use the remote to turn it on anyway.
I love this helmet and I enjoy using it. A problem for me is that there is not much space for the visor: I wear glasses and the visor fits quite tight, even when it is attached to the brim.
All in all this item is a great choice for speed pedelec pilots like me.❤

[BlairAir]

You... you.... 🤨 - I was in NY for a family thing, abd hurried back to FINALLY have monaural "ALL In" plus some extras I ordered through their crowdfund campaign. In NOVEMBER... I tease. I'm glad you got yours, and your review will easily outstrip my efforts. It's a great "bit of kit" as our UK Friends say. I suspect that, as usual, the iPhone application got more attention and is more fleshed out. I would like the ability to modify COLORS, since the center section LEDs are RGB addressable. My eBike has frame lights that are similar size. My goal is to sync everything up. I admit I like the... Chalk Helmet collor, I considered the Orca (B&W) but stuck with Blackbird. Nice gear. I think my Giro Ethos MIPs is more comfortable, but each has it's own pros and cons.