Aleck acquires smart bike helmet crash sensor Tocsen
Outdoor sport-focused wireless, Aleck, maker of wireless audio and communication systems, has acquired Tocsen, the German maker of intelligent smart bike helmet crash sensor.
Tocsen’s crash sensor is currently available as a single accessory or integrated in certain uvex, Alpina and EKOÏ helmet models. Connecting with a smartphone app, the sensor sends an SOS to registered numbers and nearby community – users who have made themselves available to intervene in an emergency. Tocsen crash sensors have been mounted on ski, bike and horse riding helmets.
Founded in 2018 by Stephen Catterson, Aleck’s helmet-integrated communication systems includes flagship product, the Aleck 006, delivering wireless Hi-Fi audio and comms to any compatible snow helmet and is driven by the free Aleck app. In North America the brand is an industry leader and is distributed – among others – in over 120 REI shops, the prestigious outdoor equipment retailer. The company also partnered with SMITH – a global helmet and eyewear manufacturer. The partnership led to the development of the co-branded ‘Smith x Aleck 006’ audio and comms system.
Tocsen was founded in 2019 by Alexander Schumacher, Andreas Botsch and Malte Buttjer after a close friend of the trio suffered a broken neck while biking alone and was found unconscious by hikers. The first Tocsen crash sensor was launched in Germany via crowdfunding campaign and is now used by over 30,000 cyclists and other outdoor athletes.
Tocsen HQ will remain in Freiburg, Germany and its management, product development, and administration teams will be integrated into the company. Aleck said it stands committed to continuing strong relations with Tocsen’s consumers and partners, including independent bike and snowsports retailers. Tocsen headquarters will remain in Freiburg, Germany.
“We are excited to welcome Tocsen and its team to Aleck,” said Stephen Catterson, founder and CEO of Aleck. “This is a brand we have watched with admiration as they’ve brought their visionary product technology and well-designed support app to an impressive community of users throughout Europe. With complementary products that align perfectly with Aleck’s mission, this is a perfect union, and we look forward to working together to bring more innovative technology to the outdoor sports market.”
Malte Buttjer Tocsen co-founder and new CTO added: “We are proud of what we’ve created with Tocsen and the community of first responders we’ve helped build to keep athletes safe. Joining Aleck is a natural next step for our growth, given their strong reputation in the outdoor sports market and established distribution channels throughout Europe and North America. The future looks bright, and we are excited to work with the Aleck team to bring our crash sensor technology to more users worldwide.”
Tocsen’s smart bike helmet crash sensor is amongst a growing number of technology-based solutions designed to boost cyclist safety. For commuters, Evoc produced the rucksack-style airbag that inflates when sensors detect a crash, not dissimilar in concept to Airbag protection system Hövding. Crash sensors have also been integrated into products like Hexagon’s camera-cum-indicator.
