Headlokt

The world’s first cycling helmet with an integrated cable lock.

"Cobalt is an amazing team to work with. They are impeccably thorough".

Headlokt’s founder Lisa Cotton came to us with an important insight. Cyclists in Australia, including kids, have had helmet safety so well drilled in and legislated that it’s rare to forget to leave home without one. But the same cannot be said for bike locks though. Especially for nipping to the shops, or to meet a friend for a smoothie.

So, the simple conclusion is to add a lock to the helmet. But of course, the bulk, weight, function and safety of the helmet would likely be compromised.

Our team’s approach: to be uncompromising. We created a helmet that not only looks stylish – the lock integrates with the helmet's contours – but both lock and helmet functions are world-class. The locking mechanism was checked, checked again, and optimised - and with the helmet passing the stringent AS/NZS, US and EU safety standards, the proof is in the pudding.

Or even sweeter, is the recent successful launch using Cobalt’s animated video and rendered imagery, and a subsequent 2023 Australian Good Design Award.

headlokt cobalt work product 1060x1060 2309

2023 Good Design Award

Focus Areas

Industrial Design
Product Engineering
CAD Modelling
CG Visualisation
Animation and Product Visualisation
Prototyping
Regulatory Compliance
Testing and Evaluation
Tooling Liaison and Management
Production Support
Marketing Support

Year

2023

Client

Headlokt

Design Outcomes

Comfortable

Safe

Stylish

Affordable

Peace of Mind

Weight is important for helmets. Putting additional weight onto one significantly compromises the user experience. We found opportunities to reduce weight in both the helmet and lock mechanism itself, while optimising the weight balance for a comfortable fit. All this, without compromising the safety features of the helmet, and the functionality of the lock.

Ultimately, this needs to work as a cranium-saving device before saving anything else, even a bike. At all points of the process, this was our priority. In the end, we’ve ended up with a helmet that passes global standards and locks bikes easily and effectively.

The design builds on the successful shape and style of traditional skate helmets – visually appealing to users of different ages, genders, and preferences. Through Cobalt’s unique commitment to design-engineering, we focused on streamlining every mm of unnecessary bulk when integrating the helmet. We also incorporated elements of the brand identity with the shape of the helmet vents and lock buttons.

Headlokt is designed for everyone, in function, usability and affordability. Thanks to Cobalt’s careful consideration for parts, materials and ongoing costing audits, Headlokt were able to launch a high-quality and durable product - yet at an ultra-competitive price point.

Headlokt is targeted at riders (and parents of riders) who want to minimise their risk of opportunistic theft. To further increase peace of mind for parents, it features a tracker holder so seamless with the helmet’s design, it's practically hidden.