From Fitness Trackers to Safety Wearables
Safety wearables are connected devices designed to protect users from everyday risks such as traffic collisions, crime and harmful ultraviolet exposure, shifting focus from fitness metrics to real‑world personal safety. That change is visible in a new wave of products that prioritize prevention over performance stats. Instead of only tracking steps or heart rate, these devices aim to warn runners about approaching vehicles, or remind people when their skin has had enough sun for the day. A radar‑equipped running safety vest and a UV tracking necklace are early examples of this safety‑first mindset. Both are built to run in the background, collecting data and acting only when a risk is detected, turning wearables into subtle personal safety devices. As concerns about outdoor exercise and sun exposure grow, they signal a broader shift in what consumers now expect from wearable technology.
RunSafePro: A Running Safety Vest with Rear Radar
RunSafePro’s smart running safety vest combines rear radar, GPS alerts and adaptive lighting in a single garment aimed at people who feel unsafe when they run. Its built‑in radar detects vehicles or cyclists approaching from behind and alerts the runner using lights and vibration, helping them react sooner in traffic. If the wearer stops moving and does not respond to the vest’s check‑in, the system triggers an alarm and sends GPS coordinates to pre‑selected contacts, turning the vest into an automatic incident detector for potential hit‑and‑run situations. An app subscription starting at USD 0.99 (approx. RM4.60) per month supports emergency messaging and up to 50 contacts. The vest is designed to look like performance gear rather than high‑visibility equipment, so runners can wear it for regular training while gaining continuous safety monitoring without managing another gadget.
Addressing Runners’ Fear of Crime and Traffic
RunSafePro was shaped around the reality that many people feel unsafe running outdoors. A Gallup poll cited by the company found that 31% of Americans say fear of crime has at some point stopped them from jogging or running alone. Adidas research across nine countries reported a stark gap: 92% of women feel concerned for their safety on runs, compared with 28% of men. For many women, safety worries now dictate routes, times of day and whether they run alone at all. Co‑founder Peter Pompen notes that runners were already changing their behavior before workouts, avoiding certain areas or skipping sessions. The vest responds by embedding personal safety devices into routine gear, adding rear radar, visibility and automated alerts without needing a phone in hand. It repositions safety tech as part of the running experience, not a separate burden.
The Gem: A UV Tracking Necklace for Everyday Sun Safety
While runners look to traffic‑aware vests, The90’s Gem necklace focuses on a quieter but persistent risk: ultraviolet exposure. Created by former Fitbit executive Stacy Salvi, this UV tracking necklace measures both UVA and UVB radiation as wearers move between indoors, bright windows and outdoor environments. The pendant sends continuous readings to a companion app, which builds a personalized skin profile from each user’s exposure patterns. Based on that profile, the app provides tailored UV thresholds, reminders to apply sunscreen and suggestions for safer times to be outside. By turning UV monitoring into smart jewellery, the Gem targets people who want discreet health tech that fits their style. The90 plans to sell the necklace at USD 300 (approx. RM1,380), with an introductory price of USD 200 (approx. RM920), positioning it as a fashion‑forward alternative to clip‑on sensors or wrist gadgets.
A New Category of Personal Safety Devices
Together, RunSafePro and the Gem show how safety wearables are expanding beyond fitness dashboards into daily risk management. One addresses acute threats such as rear traffic and potential assaults during solo runs; the other tracks cumulative UV exposure linked to skin damage. Both rely on passive sensing and automated guidance, stepping in only when thresholds or danger conditions are met. They also illustrate a design shift: the vest looks like standard performance apparel, while the Gem hides its sensors in a pendant, reducing the stigma of overt safety gear. As awareness of crime and sun damage grows, consumers seem more willing to pay for products that cut anxiety rather than add more metrics. This creates a market opening for personal safety devices that blend into clothes and accessories, giving wearables a purpose that extends beyond counting steps.
