Thousand® and Smiley® Launch Limited-Edition Heritage 2.0 Helmet, Bringing Iconic Optimism to Everyday Riding

April 28, 2026

Los Angeles, CA (April 28, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Urban mobility brand Thousand® has partnered with globally-recognized design and lifestyle company Smiley® to debut a limited-edition adult helmet that blends safety, style and cultural symbolism. The collaboration reimagines Thousand’s signature Heritage 2.0 with a refined, design-led interpretation of the iconic Smiley.

Led by Thousand’s Creative Director Brennan Groh, the helmet’s graphic art reflects a minimalist approach to one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, balancing visual impact with everyday wearability.

“The world asks a lot of you — pace, attention, noise — and while riding doesn’t remove those demands, it can shift how they feel. This helmet is about creating a lighter state of mind,” said Groh. “By pairing the inherent joy of Smiley’s iconic brand with our timeless aesthetics, we created something that feels like optimism in motion. The helmet is both subtle and meaningful, elevated yet playful. The lasting message for our community is simple: enjoy the ride.”

The collaboration channels Smiley’s legacy of positivity through Thousand’s modern, human-centered design language to allow for self-expression on wheels. The limited-edition style is built on Thousand’s best-selling Heritage 2.0 adult helmet, which includes technical, rider-focused safety and performance features:

• MIPS Integration: Multi-directional Impact Protection System for added rotational safety
• Secret PopLock: Patented anti-theft feature allowing riders to secure the helmet with their bike lock
• Magnetic Buckle: One-handed fastener designed to prevent pinching
• Dial Fit System: Adjustable fit system for a secure, personalized feel
• Active Ventilation: Strategically placed vents for airflow during city rides
• Premium Finishes: Matte shell with subtle, thoughtfully placed Smiley graphics
• Vegan Leather Straps: Durable, comfortable, and elevated in feel
• Safety Certified: Meets U.S. CPSC and ASTM standards for bicycle helmets

“Smiley was built on the belief that optimism is a powerful force in everyday life, and our partnership with Thousand gives that a beautiful new context. Together we’ve translated the universally recognised icon of happiness into something riders can carry with them on every journey,” said Janet Martin, Chief Product Officer for Lifestyle Consumer Products, The Smiley Company.

The Thousand | Smiley® Heritage 2.0 helmet will be available in limited quantities at explorethousand.com and select global retailers.

Please direct Thousand media inquiries to New Local PR Founder and Account Director Anna Avery at anna@newlocalpr.com or Chris Brinkworth, Global Trade Marketing Manager at The Smiley Company at chris@smiley.com.

About Thousand®

Thousand was founded in 2015 after a friend of CEO, and founder Gloria Hwang passed away from a bicycle accident. The mission behind the sustainable, vintage-inspired helmet brand was to make safety seamless. Hwang wanted riders to have a helmet that could provide safety as well as compliment style. In 2025, after a decade of growing its community globally, Thousand celebrated its namesake accomplishment of helping to save over 1,000 cyclists’ lives. The Los Angeles-based brand is the top choice for modern urban cyclists and continues to expand its product offerings to include adult, teen, child and toddler helmet options, innovative lights, locks and multi-functional bags.

About The Smiley® Company:

The Smiley Company is a global leader in licensing, renowned for its iconic Smiley brand that spreads positivity and happiness across various products and collaborations. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, The Smiley Company continues to inspire joy in the hearts of consumers worldwide through its diverse range of licensed offerings.

In 1996 Nicolas Loufrani, son of Franklin, took over the helm, steering Smiley into the digital revolution. Creating a whole new way of communicating, he added a variety of facial expressions to the original Smiley – his emoticons are now sent around the world infinitely.

Continuing to influence modern culture, Smiley is one of the world’s top global licensing enterprises collaborating on high-profile activities spanning fashion, art, homeware, food and beverage. Major partnerships have included Loewe, Moschino, Raf Simons, Eastpak and LA-based Market, who produce the Market Smiley Basketball – a cultural icon.