Lumenus, a Los Angeles-based designer of LED illuminated apparel and accessories for cyclists, runners, pedestrians and motorcyclists, has unveiled its first products on Kickstarter. The Kickstarter collection includes: two jackets, a vest, and a backpack featuring embedded LEDs designed to save lives.
The products are available exclusively to Kickstarter backers at a US$150 to US$100 discount for supporting the brand’s final development and initial production run.
The patent pending Lumenus app, built on top of the Google Maps API, acts as the brains of the system.
Brake lights automatically engage as the user decelerates to prevent rear end collisions, indicator lights flash amber as the wearer approaches their turn, and the items go into strobe mode to further alert vehicles while crossing intersections. Additionally, the user can input their desired pace and the on-garment performance meter changes colours to provide constant visual feedback.
The Lumenus ZeroUI design interacts via Bluetooth Low Energy allowing the user to focus on their surroundings while the garment optimizes visibility. This interaction also enables Lumenus to ‘Future Proof’ the line by allowing early adopters access to subsequent releases and additional features through app updates.
Lumenus was formed in January 2015 when Jeremy Wall, the brand’s innovator, joined forces with the founding team of Outdoor Tech to launch a new brand into the market with the intent of delivering products designed to save lives.
With a background in fashion development, Wall’s design process is human-centric and focuses on style, fit and performance. When the LED lights aren’t in use, they’re hidden so the product maintains a casual athletic appearance.
“As a commuter cyclist I have felt unsafe for years on the roads, especially during the early morning hours or after sunset. When the sun goes down, my guard has to come up,” Wall said.
“While reflective elements are essential, they require direct light to illuminate them, which is often too late. Lumenus blends smart active lighting and 3M Scotchlite reflective, creating maximum visibility in all conditions. Existing safety gear just isn’t cool, so creating pieces that fit your lifestyle off the road, while saving your life on it, is at the heart of Lumenus.”
The four initial pieces have an expected retail price point from US$200 to US$350, and are available for pre-order through Kickstarter from 29 October to 29 December 29 – for up to US$150 to US$100 off SRP in exchange for helping fund the brand’s final development and initial production run.
The entire line will be presented at CES 2016 and will be available through leading cycling, running, moto, and outdoor retailers beginning June 2016.
