See more objects with the tag transportation, protection, safety, wearable, make, access.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2009

  • Work on this object began.

2011

  • Work on this object ended.

2016

2024

  • You found it!

bePRO motor-taxi helmet

This is a Project. It was graphic design by Ivan Bargiye and designed by Design without Borders and the design director was Vanja Steinbru and collaborator: Richiencoy Services Ltd., Injury Control Center - Uganda, Makerere University, Technology Development and Transfer Centre and Norsk Form Foundation for Design and Architecture. It is dated 2009–11. Its medium is polyamide (nylon).

In Uganda, boda boda is the term for the accident-prone motorcycle taxis available throughout the country, and, while motorcycle-helmet use is mandatory by law, only half of drivers wear them. Certified helmets are expensive; they cover the ears, impeding drivers from hearing potential customers; and sharing raises hygienic issues. Industrial designer Vanja Steinbru, with other Norway-based Design Without Borders designers, developed a new helmet aimed to reduce injuries for boda boda riders. The bePRO helmet design includes integrated ventilation, holes for hearing, durable closures, a hairnet worn under-helmet, and exterior graphics by urban artists.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/420778897/ |title=bePRO motor-taxi helmet |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=23 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>