Skip to main content

Omne Eternal safety-first cycling helmet uses the power of light to charge up

Promotional image for Tech For Change. Person standing on solar panel looking at sunset.
This story is part of Tech for Change: an ongoing series in which we shine a spotlight on positive uses of technology, and showcase how they're helping to make the world a better place.

Cycling helmets with an integrated light are nothing new, but like all battery-powered devices, they were only ever useful if you remembered to charge them up before heading out. Not so with the POC Sports Omne Eternal, a cycling helmet with a built-in LED light that never needs to be plugged in or have a battery replaced in order for it to work.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Omne Eternal is the result of a partnership between POC — a Swedish cycling accessory maker — and solar power experts Exeger, and is being billed as one of the world’s first “self-powered” cycling helmets. By integrating Exeger’s special Powerfoyle solar cells into the structure of the helmet, it constantly pulls in light from any source, indoor or outdoor, to power up the LED on the back of the helmet. Sensors inside the helmet recognize when you put the helmet on, and activate the light for you. Take the helmet off, and the light goes out.

Recommended Videos

That’s right, the helmet doesn’t need charging, and has no batteries to replace, no proprietary charging cables to lose, and no on/off switch. It’s simply always ready to go. POC’s experience with cycling safely equipment means that despite the integrated electronics, protection has not been compromised, the ventilation is effective, and it’s still light enough to wear for long periods. The wear sensors are designed to work even if you’re wearing a hat under the helmet.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s recommended that the helmet is exposed to some kind of light source for an hour each day, and the sensors are weatherproof, so it can be worn in bright sunshine or the freezing cold. While they’re unaffected by rain, snow, and even scratches, they just need to be kept clean. That’s about all the general upkeep the Omne Eternal requires, making it easy to live with.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Designed to increase rider visibility in difficult conditions, in traffic, or at night, the Omne Eternal has a single LED light on the back, which flashes to attract further attention. It’s quite small, though, and of course should not be considered a replacement for bike lights or reflective clothing. It’s not quite as smart as some of the alternatives out there either, such as the Lumos range of cycling helmets, but the convenience factor makes it stand out.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The Omne Eternal will arrive in Europe in May on POC Sports’s website and cost 250 euros, or about $300 U.S. It’ll go on to be available globally at the end of the year. The first versions will meet European Union safety and consumer electronic standards, and the global version will meet further local market standards as well.

Andy Boxall
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
How to remove watch links from the strap on your new watch
how to remove watch links fossil q explorist

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all smartwatch. If your wrists are on the smaller size, then you may find that your new smartwatch is dangling from your wrist and sliding up your forearm. No need to worry — it's a common problem. Chances are there are at least one too many chain links on the strap, but adjusting a metal-link smartwatch band isn't as difficult as you might think — and doesn't usually require a trip to the jewelers.

We'll take you through everything you need to know and the tools you'll need handy to remove links from your smartwatch so it fits snugly on your wrist.

Read more
Best Cyber Monday Deals 2022: Laptops, TVs, AirPods, and more
Best Cyber Monday Deals 2022

Cyber Week is here! With some truly epic deals out there, this is the best time of year to buy a new tech gadget. If you slept through the Black Friday sales, then the Cyber Monday sales, you better grab what you need during this week of slowly diminishing deals. From tablets to air fryers, laptops to smartwatches, we've rounded up the best Cyber Monday deals across a range of categories, and you'll find them all below.
Cyber Monday sales: Quick links

Amazon: Huge discounts on laptops, Echo devices, and tablets
Best Buy: Your destination for sales on super-sized TVs
Dell: Unbeatable discounts on gaming laptops, monitors, and more
Gamestop: Cheap video games, console accessories and monitors
HP: Gaming PCs, laptops, monitors, and printers from $129
Kohl's: Home decor, clothing and kitchen appliance steals
Lowe’s: Up to 60% off appliances like refrigerators and decor
Staples: Save big on laptops, home office hardware and supplies
Target: Tons of cheap kitchen appliances and stocking-fillers
Walmart: Great for laptops, and is restocking PS5 and Xbox Series X

Read more
Best Cyber Monday Smartwatch Deals: Apple Watch, Fitbit, Galaxy Watch
Best Cyber Monday Smartwatch Deals

Cyber Monday may be over, but the best Cyber Monday deals have still stuck around. Some of the other deals we've seen  have sold out fast over the weekend, so if you spot something you like below, snap it up fast. We've rounded up some of the best Cyber Monday smartwatch deals on brands like Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin. We've even collected some Apple deals, but if you want to read about them specifically, be sure to check out our list of the best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals.
Best Cyber Monday Smartwatch Deals
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) -- $149, was $279

When the first-generation Apple Watch SE was released in 2020, we described it as the best Apple Watch for most people. While a lot of things have changed since then, including the launch of the second-generation Apple Watch SE, the original budget Apple Watch remains a worthwhile purchase in the Cyber Monday smartwatch deals for iPhone owners who want to try what it's like to own a wearable device. The smartwatch offers comprehensive health-tracking features and responsive performance, while also providing you with notifications from your iPhone.

Read more