Hövding Cycling Air Bag (video) review

Here is our review of the Hövding, an alternative to a conventional bike helmet which is worn around the neck. In the event of a crash, it deploys an airbag. We've been wearing it on our rides to see what it is like.

The Hövding. Note the popper strap on the front for 'arming' the device.
(Image credit: mike prior)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Hövding is cool gadget that offers in some ways a better solution to protection than a conventional cycling helmet. However, I found it to be not especially comfortable and rather heavy. I wouldn't recommend it for roadies and it is best suited to more urban/commuter riding.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Innovative new tech

  • +

    Impressive protection

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Heavy

  • -

    One use only (after deploying)

  • -

    Not especially comfortable

  • -

    Expensive

  • -

    Can go off when you don't want it to

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Hövding is an interesting product – it’s worn round the neck and is intended to replace a conventional bike helmet. Should you crash, the Hövding activates an airbag that encapsulates and protects your head. Having seen it go off multiple times, the technology is impressive and certainly works.

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Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.