UNIT 1 Helmets Earn 5-Star Safety Ratings from Virginia Tech, the Only Smart Helmets to Do So
UNIT 1, a young company redefining urban safety through smart technology, has achieved top results in the latest Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Ratings. Both its AURA and NEON helmets earned 5-star ratings, the highest possible score, placing them among the Top 30 safest helmets out of 282 models evaluated.
The UNIT 1 AURA achieved a STAR Value Score of 9.01, ranking #17, while the UNIT 1 NEON achieved 9.53, ranking #28. In Virginia Tech’s rating system, lower scores indicate better protection, and any helmet scoring below 10.10 earns a coveted 5-star rating, a distinction held by only 45 of the 282 helmets tested.
These results make UNIT 1 the brand with the Top 2 Smart Helmets ever tested by Virginia Tech, outperforming many traditional helmets from long-established cycling brands, including POC, Canyon, FOX, Sweet Protection, and Specialized.
“We’re proud of what this means for the future of urban safety,” said Juan García Mansilla, Co-Founder & CEO of UNIT 1. “Seeing a young company like ours ranked among brands that have been leading the industry for decades shows that real innovation still has room to push the limits.”
About The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), independently tests and rates helmets using its STAR evaluation system. The program measures each helmet’s ability to reduce both linear acceleration and rotational velocity during impact scenarios that replicate real world bicycle crashes.
Helmets with more stars are associated with a lower risk of concussion. Virginia Tech recommends choosing helmets rated 4 or 5 stars, a category that now includes both UNIT 1 AURA and NEON.
“This achievement isn’t just about ratings, it’s about the process behind them,” said Javier Bertani, Co-Founder & Head of Product at UNIT 1. “From day one, we built a team of engineers and designers obsessed with merging smart technology and real safety. That meant choosing manufacturing partners who build for top-tier global brands, and earning their trust to build something new."
Both helmets include integrated smart lighting, brake and turn signals, crash detection, and app connectivity, raising the standard for visibility and protection in urban commuting.
A New Benchmark For Helmet Safety
By earning two Top 30 positions in Virginia Tech’s independent rankings, UNIT 1 strengthens its position as a new leader in the smart safety category, proving that innovation, design, and real world protection can go hand in hand.
These results come from one of the most respected independent testing programs in the world, underscoring UNIT 1’s commitment to transparency and performance that’s validated beyond marketing claims.
Eden Hudson
About UNIT 1
UNIT 1 creates smart gear for urban mobility, combining advanced technology, design, and safety. From award winning helmets to connected accessories, UNIT 1 helps riders move through cities with confidence, visibility, and style.
About Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is one of the world’s leading independent testing institutions for helmet safety. Through extensive impact testing and data analysis, the lab provides unbiased safety ratings across multiple sports and mobility categories. Its STAR rating system helps consumers make informed choices by evaluating helmets based on their ability to reduce concussion risk in real world scenarios.
