Smart Motorcycle Helmets to Up Your Biking Game

Jake Robison - February 27, 2024

Smart Motorcycle Helmets to Up Your Biking Game

 

Motorcycle safety gear has come a long way from the standard helmet and leather jacket. Today's high-tech equipment integrates cutting-edge features to actively prevent accidents while providing maximum protection in the event of a collision. Smart helmets in particular utilize a range of sensors and connectivity to enhance the riding experience. With built-in communication systems, heads-up displays, and even automatic emergency notifications in crashes, they provide an entirely new level of safety and control. As the market expands, riders have their pick of integrated smart models from top brands to best complement their bike and riding style. Ultimately, the modern rider has more options than ever when upgrading their motorcycle gear with protective technology designed to keep them safer while on the open road.

What is a Smart Helmet?

Smart helmets are motorcycle helmets designed for the future. They take advantage of the latest in safety and technology to provide advanced protection and more. These helmets can pair with smartphones and apps and can include a variety of features like visibility enhancements and communication systems. They can also provide alerts if there is an accident, helping riders get medical attention faster if anything happens. There are numerous

Who Makes Smart Helmets?

Many brands are starting to offer smart helmets with an amazing array of features. If you’re looking for a smart helmet from a brand you already know and love, check out the smart Harley helmets available now. Their best-selling smart helmet is the Outrush R Modular Bluetooth Helmet. It has the protection of a modular helmet with plenty of communication technology, too, allowing up to four riders to communicate while riding. It’s easy to connect with a smartphone and listen to music and it’s designed to be as light as possible while riding so it’s more comfortable to wear.

Features to Check Out

Smart helmets offer a range of features, with the exact ones varying by which helmet you purchase. Some of the most common features avaialble today include the following.

Hearing Protection

Both motorcycles and roads are loud, which can lead to hearing loss over time. Most helmets will struggle to combat this, but the smart helmets available today use noise-canceling technology to reduce the sounds of the road.

Voice Command Systems

Talk to the helmet for hands-free assistance when you’re on the road. Adjustments to visors, communication, navigation, and more are done with voice commands, so you don’t have to stop riding to make changes.

Heads-up Displays

Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can lead to tragedy on a motorcycle. Yet riders still need navigation prompts, speed indicators, and other critical data on display while in motion. An innovative solution is a helmet-mounted heads-up display (HUD) system. Integrating a small transparent screen inside the visor, it projects directions, bike telemetry and entertainment controls within the line of sight. This allows access to useful information without the distraction and danger of glancing away. HUD technology now enables bikers to monitor directions, mileage, tire pressure and more with just the flick of the eyes. Stay focused ahead with data visible where it counts - on the road ahead.

Integrated Communication Systems

For many bikers, riding is first and foremost a social activity, whether cruising in a small group or joining a mass rally. But wind, engine noise and helmet barriers make conversation a challenge on the move. Integrated motorcycle communication systems finally offer a solution with rider-to-rider intercom networks. The latest models allow seamless, paired connections for up to 4 riders at near 1,000-foot ranges. Group intercom configurations enable crystal-clear, voice-activated chat in real-time across bike formations. Systems also facilitate conference call connections with off-site numbers, hands-free mobile access, and Bluetooth integration with smartphones and audio devices. With reliable communications that cut through riding distraction, bike packs can finally focus on the ride while staying immersed in camaraderie on the open highway.

Cameras and Monitoring

Riding a motorcycle demands complete, 360-degree situational awareness - a near impossible feat with standard equipment. Blind spots, poor rear visibility and glancing over the shoulders for traffic all pose threats to attentive riding. Modern smart helmets address these challenges through integrated technology for enhanced visibility. Features like rear-facing cameras give a wide-angle view behind the bike displayed right on an inner visor. Meanwhile, blind spot monitoring sensors alert riders to vehicles occupying difficult-to-see areas. With real-time visual data supplemented by alerts, smart helmets grant bikers total visibility of the road around them. Now riders can fully focus ahead, confident they have the complete picture on all sides for confident, safety-first travel.

Health Monitoring

A smart helmet may be able to monitor your health in real time through sensors that can track your heart rate and body temperature. They can even detect fatigue and provide you with information through the heads-up display. This can help prevent accidents by making you aware of potential medical issues or exhaustion while riding.

Emergency Response

If there is an emergency, the helmet may be able to automatically send your GPS location and medical information to emergency services, reducing the amount of time it takes for you to get help. This could save your life in an emergency.

Concerns to Consider

It is important to be aware of the potential downsides to smart helmets. Though they don’t detract from the benefits, knowing what to be aware of allows you to be better prepared when buying one for the first time.

  • Complexity – Smart helmets, by their nature, are more complex than the standard helmet. It may take some time to get used to all of the features available. Plan for this before using it while riding for the first time.
  • Maintenance – Smart helmets may need to be charged and could require maintenance like software updates to keep everything working properly. Neglecting this can cause issues with the helmet.
  • Privacy and Security – Since the helmets are connected with technology, they do store data. Know what is being stored and how it’s being used. Always opt for reputable brands to minimize the potential risks to privacy and security.

The Cost of a Smart Helmet

It's no secret that smart helmets come at a premium cost compared to their standard counterparts. But factoring life-saving technology and injury prevention into the equation, they deliver unparalleled value for riders. For motorcyclists shopping on a budget, it's wise to allocate funds toward the most critical safety components first. Rather than overspending on bike aesthetics, performance or accessories, consider purchasing used motorcycles to open up budget for a high-tech helmet. Used motorcycles still provide exciting rides with huge savings - savings better directed toward safety gear that could prevent severe injury in the event of an accident. With a plethora of more affordable, reliable bike options on the market, riders can equip themselves with the latest protection while still finding an optimal ride at the right price point.

Safety should be at the front of your mind every time you ride a motorcycle. With today’s latest smart helmets, it’s even easier to stay safe on the road. Plus, there are other features like communication that make it easier for you to enjoy the ride with friends. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or you’re getting ready for a group ride, take a look at the options available and find the perfect helmet for your needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Jake Robison

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Jake Robison has operated powersports dealerships since 2003.  With an extensive background in the motorcycle industry including sales, service, parts, finance, management and powersports training, he covers all things motorcycles and enjoys sharing valuable information to newcomers on two-wheels

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