It’s great to see gadgets designed in the UK. It’s even better when it makes motorcycling safer.
UK-based startup Zona have designed a rear-view camera system designed to let you see what’s behind you via a mini in helmet Screen.
I know I know I can hear you thinking it – “Skully Helmets” the American based start-up tried something similar back in 2016.
The main difference was they opted to incorporate their system into their own helmet. Also the fact the company ceased operating before they could bring the product to market wasn’t great news.
The Zona is different its designed to fit into your existing motorcycle helmet. The flexible arm display can be positioned where it feels most comfortable inside the helmet, to remain in your peripheral vision. The flexible arm can be used on the either side of the helmet as the unit detects and rotates the screen appropriately.
See the official fitting guide here
The system also stores footage, should you want to view it after your ride if provided memory stick is attached. A small display on the end of a flexible arm fitted inside my helmet shows me what’s behind me.
Remember at school when the teacher said “I have eyes in the back of my head.” Well maybe they jumped in time and picked up a Zona ???
The camera is fitted with a standard camera mount which works with Zona’s mounting plate and any other action camera mounts , so you can place the camera wherever you like. The camera connects to the bike’s battery, while the receiver unit has a battery life of 10 hours and can be fully charge in two hours using a micro USB cable. If you ride multiple bikes Zona can supply additional fitting kits.
Zona have guaranteed the M100 will be delivered to anyone placing pre-orders on 30th June 2017, and are offering the unit at a discounted price of £195, compared to the normal price of £239.
We had a great time with the Zona we tried it both on a flip face HJC helmet and a Shoei full face. Its an additional view that makes you think “how did i cope with out this extra visual information.” we are working on the full review and will bring you more details after some longer use and see how it fits into our daily life.
@MiBandit
