On the roads and especially on our motorcycles, safety is a top priority that we practise at all times. As technology changes and improves, we’re becoming ever more connected to everything.
How does that connectivity influence our driving when Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are becoming increasingly available on the market?
What This Article Covers:
Safety
Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are legal, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe.
As it stands, there isn’t enough evidence that can definitively say whether Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are an additional risk or not. Most likely it’s because these kinds of helmets haven’t been on the market for long enough to collect substantial data.
Being distracted is your worst enemy, and it’s a big concern for motorcyclists. The most common distraction among motorists is their cellphones, forcing motorcyclists to ride increasingly defensive.
According to one study, motorists using hands-free devices are only aware of half of the things going on around them. In other words, they’re missing pedestrians, stop signs, and motorcyclists half of the time.
Talking on the phone, hands-free or otherwise, had a negative result on motorists driving performance, as discussed in an article written by Cornell University. Listening to podcasts had the least effect on the drivers while doing complicated stuff like solving mathematical problems was more serious.
But who does mathematics while they’re in the car?
To me, and everyone else who rides, safety is a priority that’s second to none. Wearing the right gear at all times helps to prevent the worst of injuries from happening to you. That’s why a good helmet goes a long way. I’d have a look at one of these Bell motorcycle helmets NZ.
Helmet Safety Standards
Accidents happen when we least expect them to, and riders often fall off of their motorcycles. The first thing to hit the road is most likely your head, which is why the law requires us to wear a helmet at all times.
It can’t be any helmet either, it has to be an approved safety helmet. An approved helmet has a sticker on it that shows it meets an approved safety standard, DOT, ECE, or Snell.
Now that you’ve got the right helmet, you should also make sure of a few things:
- The helmet should be the appropriate size to fit snugly on your head. It’s not too tight or loose, it has to be just right.
- While you’re riding, the helmet should be fastened securely.
- Make sure it’s a brightly coloured helmet, using colours like white, yellow, red or orange.
- You also need to put some reflective tape on the back and sides of the helmet.
You should also keep in mind that there are a few things that could potentially compromise the safety of your helmet. Cracks, loose padding, exposed metal, worn-out straps, and any other kind of damage are signs that your helmet needs replacing.
A helmet that’s been dropped on the floor a few times is probably damaged in some way we can’t always see. I’d recommend staying away from second-hand helmets for that reason alone.
Bluetooth Helmet or Intercom Mounting System?
Can you add Bluetooth to a motorcycle helmet? Intercom mounting systems (IMS) also make use of Bluetooth technology.
However, the difference between an IMS and Bluetooth motorcycle helmet is that an intercom mounting system can be attached to any helmet. That is, if you know how to install an intercom in the motorcycle helmet.
They’re more adaptable than a Bluetooth helmet in that sense but the advantage of a Bluetooth helmet over an intercom system is that its control mechanics are much less complicated.
There’s also the option to use a wired intercom mounting system for the rider and passenger but it’s practically useless for communicating with other riders when you’re in a group.
You’re probably wondering what motorcycle helmets have Bluetooth, to which I say look no further than our catalogue of high-end and safe helmets.
Bluetooth Helmet Benefits & Drawbacks
Communication
A Bluetooth motorcycle helmet allows you to communicate with your passenger and other riders.
When I’m using a Bluetooth helmet, I can keep talking to my passenger, giving them clear instructions on how to shift their weight, adjust their grip or lean for a much safer and relaxed ride.
Communication is also important for riding in groups. A Bluetooth helmet helps me and other riders determine pull-offs, where the next stop is, and anything else important.
Some issues I’ve come across with Bluetooth helmets that are worth taking note of are the volume and signal.
A noise filtering technology that’s built into some Bluetooth helmets filters out certain noises like wind and other sounds. This technology can also cause human voices to be dampened as well. The issue comes up during higher speeds but can be managed by sticking close to the other riders.
The signal can get choppy on some roads that have a lot of curves and twists. Whenever this happens, I tend to depend more on the hand signals that another rider is showing me.
The issues are present at times but I find that these can be easily outweighed by what you get.
Music
There are times when I’ve gone on a longer trip than usual and I find that what I’m missing is my favourite tunes playing in the background. I’ve asked myself a few times already but can I listen to music while riding a motorcycle?
Maybe you’re out for a Sunday cruise and would enjoy a bit of music while you’re riding. Bluetooth helmets make it possible to stream music without extra things like earbuds or helmet speakers.
Since it’s a Bluetooth helmet, it’s hands-off at all times so there’s no need to mess around with a radio station while I’m riding.
As a bonus, it’s much more private than a motorcycle stereo system that plays music for you and everyone else on the road. The music is confined to the Bluetooth helmet, keeping the music in your ears only.
However, I’d have to say that if the music is the only thing you can hear then it can be more like a distraction. You still need to hear and be aware of things in your environment at all times, listening for important noises that could indicate some form of danger.
Navigation
When riding long distances or going to new and unfamiliar places, it’s useful to have some form of navigation with you. However, I don’t like the idea of checking my phone’s screen all the time.
With a Bluetooth helmet, I can listen to the navigational prompts from my phone without having to stop at the side of the road or slow down.
Often, these prompts can tell you the best ways to get to your destination while avoiding delays like traffic, road works, and others.
If you enjoyed this piece, consider checking out other blogs:
- Is It Legal to Wear Earbuds While Riding a Motorcycle?
- How to Listen to Music with a Motorcycle Helmet
- Are MIPS Bike Helmets Safer?
- Are Open-Face Motorcycle Helmets Safe
- Best and Safest Motorcycle Helmet
- How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet?
- How Long Do Motorcycle Helmets Last
- How to Check Motorcycle Helmet Expiry Date
- Highest Motorcycle Helmet Standard
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