Mips® Helmet Understanding rotational protection and its importance for modern mobility

With increasing speeds and the diversification of urban uses—electric bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, or rollerblades—the question of head protection has become more strategic than ever. Today, safety is no longer limited to absorbing a frontal impact: it must also take into account rotational forces , which are often responsible for severe head injuries.

It is in this context that Mips® (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology comes into play , integrated into Virgo Move helmets (certain models) as part of a comprehensive approach to safety, innovation and continuous improvement.

Why are rotational shocks so dangerous?

In a real fall, the impact is almost never perfectly vertical. The head hits the ground at an angle , generating a sudden rotational movement of the brain inside the skull. These rotational forces can cause:

• concussions,
• axonal lesions,
• traumas that are sometimes invisible but lasting.

Traditional safety standards focus primarily on linear impact . However, scientific studies show that the majority of accidents involve a significant rotational component .

What is Mips® technology ? ?

Mips® technology was developed to specifically address this type of impact. It is based on a simple but effective principle: allowing slight relative movement between the helmet and the head during an oblique impact .

In practical terms, a thin, low-friction liner is integrated inside the helmet. During an angled impact, this system allows the helmet to slide a few millimeters relative to the head, thus reducing the rotational forces transmitted to the brain.

How does a Mips® headset work? ?

During an oblique impact:

• The helmet makes contact with the ground.
• The Mips® system allows for multidirectional micro-movement.
• Part of the rotational energy is dissipated.
• The stresses placed on the brain are reduced.

This biomechanical approach is directly inspired by the natural functioning of the brain, already protected by cerebrospinal fluid, which allows slight movement in case of shock.

Mips ® and safety standards: a complementary approach

It is essential to understand that MIPS® is not a standard , but a complementary technology . It reinforces existing certifications such as:

• EN 1078 (Europe),
• NTA-8776 (electric bicycles up to 45 km/h),
• CPSC (United States and Canada).

Our Virgo Move helmets are first designed to meet the most demanding standards , then enhanced with innovative technologies like Mips to go beyond regulatory requirements.

Why Virgo Move chose to integrate Mips® to his helmets

The development of Virgo Move helmets is based on a strong conviction: safety must evolve at the same pace as electric mobility .

With our DMO design office , specializing in sports and protective equipment, we designed our helmets around several key principles:

• compliance with international standards
• integration of recognized technologies,
• rigorous laboratory tests
• continuous improvement based on actual usage.

The integration of Mips is a natural part of this approach, to offer more complete protection , without compromising on comfort or ventilation.

Mips ® : an asset for urban and electrical uses

New forms of urban mobility expose users to complex situations:

• unpredictable surfaces,
• urban obstacles,
• interactions with traffic,
• variable speeds.

In this context, the probability of oblique impacts is high. MIPS technology provides a relevant solution for:

• urban cyclists and e-bikers,
• electric scooter users,
• skateboarders and rollerbladers.

A Mips® helmet Is it indispensable?

No helmet can guarantee zero risk. However, increasing the levels of protection significantly reduces the risk of serious injury.

A helmet incorporating:

• high-performance materials ( ABS, EPS),
• strict certifications ,
• a technology for reducing rotational forces ,

today constitutes one of the most advanced approaches to head protection.

How to choose a Mips® helmet adapted to your practice?

Before buying your helmet, ask yourself the right questions:

• Do you mainly drive in road traffic ?
• Do you use an electric bike or a speed pedelec ?
• Does your practice involve high speeds or frequent interactions with traffic?
• Is the helmet certified and suitable for your actual use?

For intensive, fast or exposed use, a Virgo Move helmet equipped with Mips® provides an additional layer of safety.

For moderate and versatile urban uses (bike, electric scooter, skateboard, rollerblades), a Virgo Move access helmet , certified and well fitted, already offers an excellent level of protection.

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Finally: Virgo Mips® helmet vs. Virgo Access helmet