Shark have announced an expansion of their LED helmet range with the forthcoming Skwal iCup, a full-face helmet that combines a sportier design with the brand’s active visibility technology.
The headline feature is a vertical LED signature built into the rear spoiler. When switched off, the LED remains clear and discreet; once activated it glows red to create a distinctive light signature at the back of the helmet.
That lighting system is about more than appearance. Like the Skwal i3, the iCup uses an integrated accelerometer to detect deceleration and automatically activate a rear brake light, with no wiring or Bluetooth connection to the motorcycle.
The system offers three lighting modes - Position Lights, Smart Brake Lights and Flashing Lights - with battery life of up to approximately 12 hours in flashing mode. Charging takes around three hours.
Photography: Shark
Shark first introduced LEDs to its motorcycle helmets with the original Skwal in 2015, before taking the idea further in 2023 with the Skwal i3 and its automatic brake-light function. The Skwal iCup combines that technology with the sportier look of the Skwal Cup.
Underneath the lighting technology, the Skwal iCup is a full-face helmet approved to ECE 22.06. It uses a high-impact Lexan polycarbonate shell across two shell sizes, with a multi-density EPS liner underneath.
Ventilation comes from four air inlets and two extractors, while the main visor is Optical Class 1 and treated with a scratch-resistant coating. A Pinlock 70 insert is included, and Shark also fit the helmet with a scratch-resistant, anti-fog internal sun visor.
The interior lining is removable, and Shark’s Easy Fit system is included to make the helmet more glasses-friendly. It is also prepared for Sena for Shark intercom systems and uses a Double D-ring fastening.
For the UK, the Skwal iCUP will initially be available in a single Dark Shadow matt black colourway, priced at £299.99. A second dark-smoke visor is included in the box, alongside the standard visor.