Ola helmet detection system under development

- Likely to be used for its upcoming electric scooters

- To work in tandem with the Vehicle Control Unit

- Doesn’t allow the scooter to switch to ride mode if no helmet is detected

Ola Electric has recently filed a trademark for its helmet detection technology. The application is being developed and could be introduced in future EV offerings. Here’s what we know about the new system. 

In a bid to increase riders’ safety, Ola is developing a new system that refrains the vehicle from being switched to ride mode if it doesn’t detect the rider with a helmet. From the leaked information, we’ve learned that the overall process is quite direct. When the rider turns the bike/scooter on, it is generally in park mode. This is when the system detects whether the rider is wearing a helmet. If they are, it sends a signal to the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) to switch from park to ride mode and get going. If not, then the vehicle would go back or stay in park mode until it detects a helmet and allows any further process. 

If this feature makes it to the real world, Ola will likely employ it on future models, only owing to the need for software and hardware updates. In March, Ola also teased a probable ADAS system on the S1 electric scooter. We think one of these could be debuted in the coming months. 

Currently, the S1 Pro is Ola’s flagship product and it comes with features like cruise control, ride modes, reverse mode, CBS, hill hold, proximity unlock, and more. The brand has also teased a new product for July. However, we think there could be more than just one launch in the coming month as Ola could have a few tricks up their sleeves.