With this protection, even when highlighted against a white wall by a rapidly approaching SUV, the Stealth Bike is unrecognizable. The outside is a heavy steel shell that protects a cyclist on all sides down to the neck. The steel has been especially hardened to resist 10,000 pounds of pressure, high velocity rifle fire, and a fall of 50 feet. Inside the helmet are several layers of foam, with the densest layer next to the steel. Due to the weight of the helmet, it is necessary for the cyclist to be strapped to the bike and for the helmet to be bolted to a seatpost extension.
Mirrors attached to the helmet allow the cyclist to see to the sides, rear, and front.
Plans are already underway to make this helmet mandatory. Work is also in progress towards developing a full armored suit to go with this helmet. Problems have arisen in pedaling and steering while wearing the armor, but the delay is considered temporary. The manufactures would like to see the new body armor become mandatory also, and their lobbyists have told them that getting the law passed is very likely to proceed quicker than getting the armor into production. The much smaller BATO unit is designed to boost a bicycle over the next or any hill.