VENFLO Helmet Dryer

Helmets protect commuters, skiers and riders, but long sessions leave liners soaked with sweat. A damp interior can encourage bacteria, odor and mold, and pulling a still-wet helmet back on is uncomfortable. VENFLO Helmet Dryer is pitched as a dedicated fix for that routine problem.

UV-C cleaning inside the shell

The maker says the dryer has a built-in UV-C light intended to target the odor-causing bacteria that thrive in a helmet's warm, humid interior, and to help prevent mold. Because prolonged UV-C exposure can harm eyes and skin, the light is designed to sit inside the helmet, which the maker says keeps user exposure to a minimum.

Two airflow modes

• Heated dry mode: gentle warm air for liners, pads and the inner shell, which the maker says dries sweat-soaked helmets in a short time. A brief run can also pre-warm a helmet in cold weather.
• Cool mode: room-temperature or slightly cooled air for heat-sensitive helmets, such as those with built-in electronics or leather liners. The maker notes it uses less power than the heated mode.

Power and fit

Power comes over USB-C, so according to the campaign it can run from a phone charger, a power bank or a car's USB port. Despite its compact size, the maker says it is designed to fit all types of helmets, from cycling to motorcycle and ski models. The styling is simple and modern; the campaign states backers will be sent a survey after it ends to choose a color.