With increasing speeds and the diversification of urban uses — electric bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, or rollerblades — the question of head protection becomes more strategic than ever. Today, safety is no longer limited to absorbing a frontal impact: it must also consider rotational forces, often responsible for severe traumatic brain injuries.
It is in this context that Mips® (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology comes into play, integrated into Virgo Move helmets (some models) as part of a comprehensive approach to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Why are rotational impacts so dangerous?
In a real fall, the impact is almost never perfectly vertical. The head hits the ground at an angle, generating a brutal rotational movement of the brain inside the skull. These rotational forces can cause:
- concussions,
- axonal lesions,
- sometimes invisible but lasting trauma.
Traditional safety standards primarily focus 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 precisely to address this type of impact. It is based on a simple but effective principle: allowing a slight relative movement between the helmet and the head during an oblique impact.
Specifically, a thin, low-friction liner is integrated into the helmet. During an angled impact, this system allows the helmet to slide a few millimeters relative to the head, thereby reducing the rotational forces transmitted to the brain.
How does a Mips® helmet work?
During an oblique impact:
- The helmet makes contact with the ground.
- The Mips® system allows for micro-movement in multiple directions.
- A portion of the rotational energy is dissipated.
- Stress on the brain is reduced.
This biomechanical approach is directly inspired by the natural functioning of the brain, already protected by cerebrospinal fluid, which allows for slight movement in the event of an impact.
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® into its 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 design office DMO, specialized in sports and protection equipment, we designed our helmets around several pillars:
- compliance with international standards,
- integration of recognized technologies,
- rigorous laboratory testing,
- continuous improvement based on real-world use.
Mips®: an asset for urban and electric uses
New urban mobilities expose users to complex situations: unpredictable surfaces, obstacles, interactions with traffic, and variable speeds.
In this context, the probability of oblique impacts is high. Mips technology provides a relevant solution for urban cyclists, electric scooter users, and board sports enthusiasts.
Is a Mips® helmet essential?
No helmet can guarantee zero risk. However, increasing levels of protection significantly reduces the risk of serious injury.
A helmet incorporating high-performance materials (ABS, EPS), strict certifications, and rotational force reduction technology currently represents one of the most advanced approaches.
How to choose a Mips® helmet adapted to your practice?
Before buying your helmet, ask yourself the right questions:
- Do you primarily ride in road traffic?
- Do you use an electric bike or a speed pedelec?
- Is the helmet certified and adapted to your actual use?
> For intensive, fast, or exposed uses, a Virgo Move helmet equipped with Mips® provides an additional layer of safety.
To conclude: Virgo Mips® helmet vs Virgo Access helmet
| Comparison Criterion | Virgo Move Mips® Helmet | Virgo Move Access Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | ABS shell + EPS liner + low-friction Mips liner | ABS shell + EPS liner |
| Overall Protection | Enhanced protection, designed for high speeds and road use | High protection for urban and versatile uses |
| Recommended Use | E-bikes, speed pedelecs, road traffic, high-level board sports | E-bikes / Commuting, electric scooters, skateboards, rollerblades |
| Impact Protection | Linear impact absorption + rotational force reduction | Linear impact absorption only |
| Road Safety | Proven reduction of brain injury risk from oblique impacts | Effective protection but limited against rotational impacts |
