EZ2B Seen - Bike Helmet Lighting

I am happy to say that due to the generosity of another company, I have hit blackjack when it comes to batteries used to power light related products when I ride.  That's right, thanks to the gentleman behind the EZ2B Seen NEON helmet light, I have hit 21 batteries.  My goal of being visible from space while I commute at night is a step closer to reality.  The following is from my first email exchange regarding this new product -

The NEON is a new patent pending lighted bicycle helmet cover that gets bicyclists seen by motorists when it’s dark outside.  The NEON produces a very bright “Neon” like light that is easily visible to drivers at night.  The NEON is one-size-fits-all, youth through adult and slips directly over a riders existing bicycle helmet.  It comes in 4 colors and weighs only 6.6 ounces including 2 AA batteries.

Here is what the NEON looks like out of the box (batteries not included).  I chose orange.

And here is what it looks like on my helmet.

Notice that I am one of those dorks who wears a helmet mirror and the two products can inhabit the same helmet without conflict.  The battery pack and associated wire connector fit in dual pockets in the back of the unit.

 

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The unit is turned on easily by depressing a button on the battery unit (easy to reach behind your head) and has three modes - steady, slow, and fast.  Here is mine in action -

 

As far as a review, I can say I am 100% satisfied.  Let me count the ways . . .

1. Easy to install - slips on the helmet very quickly.

2. Easy to turn on - if you can touch your nose with your finger you can turn this thing on or off with ease. 

3. It gets noticed - the first two times I road with it an oncoming cyclist yelled, "Nice helmet!"

4. Easy to power - 2 AA batteries make this thing easy to power.

I do have a couple of notes that curious readers might be interested in. First, the battery pack does make a slight high pitched whining noise.  The company is aware of this and has been working on it, but to no avail thus far.  The thing is, it does not matter when you are riding with it because with wind noise, and even without wind noise, it is impossible to notice.  The battery pack is at the rear, behind your ears, and even ambient "quiet" noise makes the whining imperceptible when I am wearing my helmet. 

Second, when first wearing the helmet with the NEON on it, it did take me a ride or two to get used to the weight in the batteries in the back.  It's no big deal, after 2 or 3 rides I did not even notice any longer, but like anything else, if you make a slight change to something you wear you are likely to notice if for a short time.

Third, the material the NEON is made out of is vented with holes so your head can breathe.  This is nice because the amount of heat that comes out of my head is quite copious. 

I am not sure how long one set of batteries will last as I have only been riding with it for about a week now, but my guess is that it will last quite a while.  All in all I give the product a five zip tie rating. For more information visit the EZ2BSeen web site. 

Comments

[John h]

Looks kinda like something from the "Tron" movies. =)

[Kim Laroux]

So. They stitched EL wires to a bag, slung a cheap battery powered EL wire power supply under it... and actually use the word "patented" as a marketing buzz word? Wait, they're asking 50$ for this thing?!?

I would be ashamed to be related in any way to a company doing this.

My point is, this is bike HACK. Most readers could create this thing in an afternoon from parts easily bought on the Internet. The best part? It would actually be cheaper. A lot cheaper: You can buy 9ft of EL wire for 8$ on Amazon, and it comes with the battery pack. That they charge 50$ for this thing is almost criminal.

Doing it yourself also allows you to forgo the whole cloth bag, as you can glue the EL wire and the battery pack directly to your helmet. It would be lighter, and probably look better.

I'd do it if only to prove my point, but I happen to be on the other side of the fence regarding bike helmets. Though this gave me idea for my next commuter...

[Matt]

Kim,

Awesome, sounds like you will be able to turn around your own version soon. We look forward to posting your result.

Matt