This is a question we get a lot, so we thought it might be a good idea to lay it all out. While some integrated systems offer turn signals on their brake lights, we don’t—but there are a few reasons for that.
We're always working on ways to improve Brake Free. While our initial focus was on visibility through brake detection (which we think we've got handled quite nicely), turn signals are definitely something we'd like to add to our units in the future.
With our focus on visibility, however—we decided to stick to a narrower scope to create an effective solution to the problem. That's why Brake Free, in it's current iteration, only offers brake detection. Here's why we (and how) we chose to focus on visibility first and foremost.
Simplicity and Ease of Use
When we designed Brake Free, we had ease of use in mind. That’s why there are no apps, no wires, and no connectivity of any kind required.
Brake Free is designed to operate entirely on its own, with no additional hardware or software necessary. The addition of integrated turn signals typically requires either app connectivity or splicing wires on your bike to communicate with the unit, which would tie it to a specific bike, or depend on the use of your phone with an app that’s also connected to your bike.
So rather than add that level of complication, we kept it simple. Our built-in sensors and proprietary algorithm detects all braking events and ignores head checks and other non-braking events completely on its own—and incredibly effectively.
Additionally, we wanted Brake Free to be easily swappable between helmets. Often, we (and other folks) use different helmets for different bikes. For example, those of us with a street bike and a dual sport typically have different helmets for different use cases. In this scenario, neither bike needs to have anything hard-wired into it, nor do you need to drain the battery life on your phone by running an app simultaneously while you’re riding for functionality.
Just pop it on, turn it on, and you’re good to go.
Being Seen is the First Step
That’s the endgame here—being seen. Motorcycle taillights often go unnoticed because of placement, which is why we went with a helmet mounted solution.
Our feeling is that, when a driver has already registered your presence (particularly when that presence is slowing down in front of them), they’ll often become more aware of your movements afterwards. Visibility is a driving factor behind motorcycle crashes, with many drivers suggesting they didn’t see the bike in front of them for whatever reason.
So Brake Free acts as a first step in capturing the attention of drivers (and riders) behind you—and once they’ve realized that you’re there, that acts as the first line of defense in accident prevention. Add this point to the aforementioned, and you’ve got a simple—yet effective—device that increases your visibility and decreases your chances of being involved in an accident with drivers behind you.
The first step is being seen, as it is. And that’s what we aim to do—to help you be seen on the road.
Get Out and Ride With an Added Layer of Safety
Once again—it’s as easy as popping your Brake Free on with the included mount, turning it on, and getting going. You’ve got extra helmets or a passenger that rides with you regularly? Just grab a few extra mounts, and your unit can swap between lids in seconds.
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