SPARKY kids helmet: making safety fun, one ride at a time

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While ‘safety first’ is the mantra for many parents, the kids care more about having fun. That’s why getting them to wear a bike helmet before heading off on a ride can sometimes be a struggle. The best solution would surely be to make safety itself fun, right?

That’s exactly the idea behind SPARKY: a brand new smart bike helmet for kids from UNIT 1, a safety-tech brand on a mission to make cities safer for cyclists of all ages.

Launching today, SPARKY is designed to keep kids safe and excited about riding their bikes, thanks to the bright lights, playful colours, fun inserts and clever features that help take the fuss out of helmet-putting-on time.

Could SPARKY be one of the best bike helmets for kids? Here’s a more in-depth look at what’s on offer.

Meet SPARKY, the smart helmet for kids

SPARKY is UNIT 1’s first kids’ bike helmet and it’s packed with fun features that are sure to appeal to youngsters. From the built-in multi-coloured rear light with fun animations, to swappable silicone inserts, your Cycle Sprog can personalise their helmet and make it their own.

It’s designed to fit kids aged 3 to 9, or head sizes from 49-53cm, thanks to a wide-range comfortable and adjustable fitting system, while the lightweight design won’t weigh them down.

And for parents’ peace of mind, it’s fully certified for safety (EN 1078:2012+A1:2012 and CPSC 1203), plus it even includes a built-in NFC chip, allowing you to store emergency contact and medical information that can be accessed via the UNIT 1 app, this also allows for helping reunite your little one with their helmet in the off chance that it gets left behind.

And while the kids are having fun with lights and customisation, parents can rest easy knowing SPARKY is designed with safety at the forefront, helping children to cycle more, stay visible in low light conditions, and develop good helmet habits early on.

SPARKY retails at £79.90 and is available to buy now at the UNIT 1 website, available in four eye-catching colours.

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Who is UNIT 1?

UNIT 1 is a company about more than helmets: it’s about changing the way people move through cities. Founded on the belief that visibility saves lives, the brand has been building a smart ecosystem of safety gear designed to help cyclists of all ages stay seen, stay safe, and ride on the roads with confidence.

Their adult helmets — AURA and FARO — set the tone for what smart, design-led protective wear can look like. AURA is a lightweight, super ventilated option, ideal for cyclists who want that extra airflow without compromising on safety features. FARO is their flagship commuter helmet, combining sleek design with powerful lighting, crash detection and MIPS impact protection.

What makes UNIT 1 stand out is their commitment to what they call “Active Safety”. Their gear is designed to work before, during and after a crash, with smart features that improve visibility and predictability, provide best-in-class impact protection, and even alert emergency contacts if a crash is detected (in adult models).

It’s all part of a wider vision to create a connected ecosystem of helmets, lights, and gear that work together to make everyday cycling safer, smarter, and more fun.

One for the grown-ups, one for the kids

What’s especially clever about the launch of SPARKY is how it ties into UNIT 1’s wider range. Parents who already wear (or are considering) a smart helmet like Aura or Faro can now match their child’s helmet in design, which might just give younger riders that extra bit of excitement about wearing theirs.

After all, if your helmet lights up, has animations, and looks just like Mum or Dad’s, why wouldn’t you want to wear it?

Whether you're commuting to work, heading out on a family ride, or teaching your child to pedal for the first time, UNIT 1’s smart helmets offer more than just protection: they give families the confidence to ride together, safely and in style.

What Cycle Sprog thinks

Having spent some hands-on time with the SPARKY helmet, we’re really impressed with the quality of the design and materials. The helmet feels robust yet lightweight, and the Fidlock magnetic buckle is a particularly nice touch - it’s secure, easy for parents to fasten, and sits comfortably under the chin with no risk of skin pinches.

The customisable inserts and animated lights really help SPARKY stand out from the crowd, and we can see these fun features being a real hit with kids, especially those who are a bit reluctant to wear a helmet. The visibility features are genuinely useful for low-light riding, and the added reassurance of the NFC safety ID is a welcome bonus.

From a family cycling perspective, we also love the idea of parents and kids having matching helmets! Not only does it look great, but it can make the whole helmet-wearing conversation much easier, especially for younger children who want to feel more grown-up.

We’ve seen a lot of kids’ helmets in our time, and SPARKY manages to strike a rare balance between fun and functionality. It’s unique, sleek, thoughtfully designed, and packed with impressive features.

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