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After a drink or two, many people face the same situation. You are about to leave a restaurant, a party, or a friend’s place, and one question comes to mind. Am I safe to drive? Most of the time, the answer is based on feeling, not facts. That guesswork is where the real problem begins. The issue is not a lack of awareness. It is the lack of a simple and practical way to check alcohol levels in everyday life.
Breathalyzers do exist, and they are a proven solution. Police and professionals use them all the time. But for regular people, breathalyzers are not practical. They are bulky, need blowing, and feel awkward to use in social settings. Most people do not carry one in their pocket when they go out for dinner, a party, or a casual drink with friends.
This gap between awareness and usability is the real issue. People know the risks of drinking and driving, but the tools do not fit real life. That is where EthyloKey is trying to do something different.
What is EthyloKey
EthyloKey is a small, touch-based alcohol awareness device developed by French startup Ethylowheel. Instead of blowing into a mouthpiece, users simply place a finger on the device. Within seconds, it gives a clear color-based indication of alcohol presence. Green shows lower levels, orange means elevated, red signals high presence, and blue appears if the test cannot be completed.
What makes EthyloKey different is how it works. After drinking alcohol, small traces of ethanol are released through the skin. EthyloKey detects these vapors using patented sensors and software algorithms. The result is quick, indicative feedback designed to help people pause and think before driving.
The goal is not to replace certified breathalyzers. Ethylowheel positions EthyloKey as an awareness and prevention tool. It is meant to help people pause and think before driving, not to act as an enforcement or medical device.
According to the company, laboratory testing against certified breathalyzers has shown consistent correlation patterns, with a short detection delay compared to breath-based methods. This allows EthyloKey to provide useful guidance in real-world situations.
Ethylowheel believes alcohol awareness should feel as natural as checking the time. No mouthpieces. No forced blowing. No awkward gestures in front of others. Just a quick touch before making a decision.
The device also connects to a mobile app on Android and iOS. The app adds context with alcohol history, estimated alcohol curves, safety reminders, and location-based reference limits. This makes the experience more useful without making it complicated. The app supports multiple user profiles which makes it useful in social settings.
EthyloKey is really compact and built for everyday carry. It measures around 40 mm in diameter, weighs about 20 to 30 grams, and uses an aluminum body with stainless steel and polycarbonate parts. It charges wirelessly using a rechargeable coin-cell battery and has no exposed ports. The device will be available in Space Grey and Rose Gold.
In many countries, alcohol is estimated to be involved in a considerable number of fatal road accidents. Despite high numbers, voluntary use of personal breathalyzers remains extremely low outside professional or enforcement settings. But people can adapt if a device is compact. People are more likely to use a tool that fits naturally into their daily routine. EthyloKey also removes friction, embarrassment, and complexity.
EthyloKey launched on Kickstarter on January 8, 2026, with pricing starting at $159.
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