Connected bike helmet: intercom, indicators, SOS

What does a connected bike helmet bring?

It's a bike helmet that comes with a battery, a Bluetooth module and, depending on the model, speakers, a microphone or lights. Connected to a smartphone or to a remote control attached to the handlebars, it allows you to talk to your companions, hear navigation instructions or signal a turn without letting go of the handlebars.

Bluetooth or Mesh intercom: talking while riding

At Sena, the R1 and R2 use a Bluetooth intercom that connects up to four cyclists, up to 900 m in open terrain. The R2 Evo, S1 and U1 switch to Mesh: the number of participants becomes practically unlimited depending on the brand, and on the R2 Evo the range can extend to 3.6 km between six users. Its speakers are positioned above the ears, so you can still hear the traffic.

Rear light, indicators and fall alert

The Sena R2 and R2 Evo include an LED rear light; that of the S1 switches to continuous lighting when a deceleration is detected. The Livall BH60SE adds indicators and a brake light controlled from the handlebars, as well as a fall detection: a text message with your GPS location is sent to your emergency contacts after 90 seconds.

Size, weight and charging: making the right choice

Measure your head circumference above your eyebrows and refer to the size chart for the model: the R2 Evo ranges from 50 to 63 cm in three sizes. The electronics add weight: 380 g in size M for the Sena R1, 320 g for the Livall BH60SE according to the brands. For simple integrated lighting, see the light helmets; without electronics, the road bike helmets and the urban helmets. End-of-line models go to the clearance, while recent models are listed as new arrivals.

Which brands of connected helmets should you choose?

Sena, known for its motorcycle intercoms, offers a range of bike helmets: R1, R2, R2 Evo and S1 for the road, U1 for urban style for electric bikes and Rumba, designed for both bikes and scooters or rollerblades.

Livall operates its helmets from the handlebars: the BH60SE, made for both road and mountain biking, combines indicators, speakers, walkie-talkie and fall detection patented by the brand.

BBB Cycling created the District for the city on electric bike: ABS shell, 12 LEDs at the front and 10 at the back, transparent visor high enough to wear glasses.

Frequently asked questions

Does a connected helmet protect as well as a standard helmet?

Sold for cycling, it must meet the same standard: Sena indicates EN 1078 certification for its R1, R2, R2 Evo and Rumba, Livall for the BH60SE. The electronics are added to the shell without replacing it. Check the standard on the model's specification sheet.

Can you listen to music with a connected bike helmet?

Bluetooth models stream music, calls, and navigation through built-in speakers, without earphones. Wearing a device that emits sound in your ear is not allowed for the rider in traffic (Highway Code, article R412-6-1): check the law before riding with music and keep a volume level that allows you to hear traffic.

Can a Mesh helmet communicate with a Bluetooth helmet?

Mesh connects helmets equipped with this system, like the R2 Evo, S1 and U1, while the Bluetooth intercom of the R1 and R2 operates among up to four cyclists. Before equipping a group, check that all helmets share the same system.

How does the fall detection work?

Sensors in the helmet detect a fall, then the paired phone notifies your loved ones. Enter your contacts before your first ride and keep the phone connected to the helmet.

What battery life can you expect from a connected helmet?

It depends on the functions used: on the Sena R2, using the rear light affects battery life. Livall claims around ten hours for the BH60SE. On the BBB District, the lighting switches to flashing mode when the battery is low, which adds more than four hours according to the brand.