Whether you’re a rider who wants to make calls, listen to music, or communicate with other motorists on the road, Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are an appealing new technology for many people. But how do they work, and how can you use them? In this post, we will answer this question and many other questions you may have so that you have all the information you need when it comes to Bluetooth helmets.
You can buy bluetooth helmets as retrofit kits for an existing helmet, or integrated helmets with Bluetooth pre-installed. They work by pairing with any Bluetooth enabled device. The Bluetooth speaker technology is inside the helmet near the rider’s ears. The control pad is located on the outside of the helmet for easy access. This setup allows riders to use their devices - a smartphone or an MP3 player - without taking their eyes off the road.
We know this is a lot of information to take in, and you probably still have a lot of questions. Thankfully, we have researched this topic in-depth and can provide you with all of the answers you need to know! Keep reading, as we’ll explain all the ins and outs of Bluetooth helmets.
Bluetooth Helmet Basics: What Should You Know?
In this section, we will provide you with all of the essential information when it comes to Bluetooth helmets, how they work, the different varieties available, and how they can be installed and fixed.
How Do Bluetooth Helmets Work?
Just like any Bluetooth enabled device, Bluetooth helmets allow their users to access a variety of functions without the necessity of inconvenient cords and wires getting in the way. The Bluetooth device in your helmet functions the same as any Bluetooth speaker through low-powered radio waves.
Bluetooth helmet systems consist of 1-2 speakers, located on the inside of the helmet near a rider’s ears. These systems connect to the Bluetooth control pad placed externally on the left side of the helmet.
The convenient placement allows your right hand to remain on the throttle. If you’re someone who would prefer to keep both hands on the handlebars, remote control devices can be purchased and fitted to your handlebars, or even worn on your wrist.
Bluetooth users do not usually have to worry about interference, or that their signal might be stolen, as the short-range of Bluetooth connection allows only the closest device to partner with it. Also, Bluetooth signal is quite strong, allowing for high-quality audio, whether you are listening to music, or communicating with other Bluetooth helmet users.
When deciding on Bluetooth helmets, there are two options to consider: retrofit kits for pre-existing helmets or integrated Bluetooth helmets.
Can You Add Bluetooth to Any Helmet?
Yes, you can! You do not have to purchase an expensive new high-tech helmet. To add Bluetooth to any helmet, you need something called a retrofit Bluetooth kit. These kits come in several varieties, but they all mostly function in the same way.
If you buy a retrofit helmet kit, you will be receiving two speakers connected to the Bluetooth control panel by wires, which you can install easily into your pre-owned helmet. Prices for these retrofit kits can range from $40 to upwards of $800, so it is certainly possible to find whatever you are looking for.
What Are Integrated Bluetooth Helmets?
The other option for Bluetooth helmets come in the form of integrated Bluetooth helmets. An integrated solution has the Bluetooth capabilities pre-programmed into a new helmet.
These helmets certainly require less effort, as they come pre-installed and ready to use; however, they also tend to be more pricey, ranging anywhere from $100 to nearly $4,000. Integrated Bluetooth helmets also come in a variety of styles and shapes to suit whatever preference you may have.
How Do You Set Up a Bluetooth Helmet?
While the installation of a retrofit Bluetooth kit into a current helmet might seem daunting, it is a pretty straightforward process that can take as little as 15 minutes to install.
In most models, the Bluetooth control pad clamps on to the outer left side of the helmet. The speakers and microphone are connected to the control pad by two wires, which can be easily snaked under the edge of the helmet and stuck to the inside of the helmet via a Velcro or sticky pad. From there, you just connect the Bluetooth helmet attachments to any Bluetooth enabled device through that device’s Bluetooth settings.
If you buy an integrated helmet, it’s much more straightforward. All you need to do is connect the helmet to your Bluetooth enabled device through that device’s Bluetooth settings, and you are good to go!
How Do You Fix a Bluetooth Helmet?
It is always scary to think about investing in new technology without knowing how it works or understanding how to problem shoot if things go wrong. Say you decide to invest in a Bluetooth helmet system, and it doesn’t seem to be working? It can seem like a big deal, but in reality, most Bluetooth problems are as easy as turning the device off and on again.
If that simple fix doesn’t do the trick, you could try repairing your devices by selecting to “forget” your Bluetooth helmet from remembered Bluetooth connections and then reconnecting. You can try these, and several other simple solutions to fix your Bluetooth helmet connectivity problems. More often than not, these simple fixes are the solution!
For What Can I Use My Bluetooth Helmet?
Besides protecting you while riding, Bluetooth helmets provide riders with a multitude of convenient functions to utilize when they are on the road. This section will answer any questions you may have about what a Bluetooth helmet can or cannot do.
Can Bluetooth Helmets Play Music?
Yes absolutely! With Bluetooth helmets, you can listen to any music, podcast, or Youtube video that you have set up on any Bluetooth enabled phone or MP3 player. You can also listen to the radio via your helmet. If you have a passenger who also has a Bluetooth enabled helmet, you can share audio from your helmet to their helmet, allowing them to listen to the same thing at the same time.
Can I Make Phone Calls With My Bluetooth Helmet?
Not only can you make phone calls with a Bluetooth helmet, but you can also use it to communicate with others you may be riding with. If other riders or passengers also have Bluetooth enabled helmets, you will be able to talk to them with ease.
Can I Use GPS With My Bluetooth Helmet?
Yes! If you put your route into your preferred GPS before you start riding, you can receive GPS voice navigation guides right to your helmet, allowing for greater convenience in whatever travels you might be taking.
Can I Answer Texts and Emails On My Bluetooth Helmet?
Through enabling voice command on your device, your text messages and emails can be read to you, and you can use voice command to reply to them with ease. This setup saves you the inconvenience of having to pull over to answer any urgent emails or text messages.
Concerns About Bluetooth Helmets
While there is no denying that Bluetooth helmets have many rewarding features, there are always several concerns when it comes to new technology. In this section, we will attempt to address some of the concerns you may have about Bluetooth helmets.
Is it OK to Listen to Music While Riding a Motorcycle?
Every state has its own rules and regulations regarding li music on motorcycles and helmet usage. However, because Bluetooth helmets utilize two speaker systems rather than in-ear headphones, they are, in fact, legal to use in almost all states!
Are Bluetooth Helmets Safe?
There is not much concrete data on whether a Bluetooth helmet user is any more/less safe than a regular helmet user. Still, one thing is for sure: a Bluetooth helmet user is safer than a non-helmet user, who may be forgoing a helmet to listen to music on the radio with ease or communicate with other riders and passengers.
Users of Bluetooth helmets have testified for their ability to hear both environmental noises and their music adequately. The use of a Bluetooth helmet also lowers the noise pollution from a loud motorcycle stereo, which may distract other drivers and harm the rider’s ears.
Additionally, some Bluetooth helmets come with an emergency alert system that can detect a crash and quickly reach out to emergency services (for example, see the UCLEAR motion infinity model).
Happy Riding!
We hope this post provided you with all the information you needed on Bluetooth helmets! Whether you choose to invest in a Bluetooth helmet system or not, we hope you always enjoy your ride and stay safe on the road.