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What is a Bluetooth® Helmet?
A Bluetooth® helmet is a helmet that includes a wireless earpiece and microphone so that motorcyclists can talk when while riding. In an age of instant communication, before the invention of the Bluetooth® helmet, motorcyclists were at a disadvantage. Often, riding on a motorcycle meant that there was no chance for communication by mobile phone until a person was stopped for a break. However, in addition to phone communications, there are other advantages offered by the Bluetooth® helmet.
The Bluetooth® helmet also allows riders to talk to each other when in close proximity. Many riders travel together in groups, but the engine noise makes talking between bikes nearly impossible, especially at higher speeds. Bluetooth® helmet models make this limitation obsolete. In these cases, it may be possible to communicate without having a cell phone connection as the Bluetooth® devices interconnect directly with each other.
For this rider-to-rider communication, the Bluetooth® helmet can accommodate many different riders on the same system. In fact, all riders with a Bluetooth® helmet should be able to hear the conversation. Should a rider decide to place a cell phone call, that rider will, in most cases, be kicked off the network and allowed to talk privately.
In some cases, additional features may also be added to the Bluetooth® helmet, such as the ability to receive driving directions from a GPS navigation system, or the ability to listen to music. These features are not included on every model so if they are important considerations, check the features list carefully. These additional elements show just how versatile a Bluetooth® helmet can be.
In some cases, Bluetooth® helmets may be offered that do not actually have any transmission capabilities built in, but rather can accommodate a Bluetooth® headset. To achieve communication in such cases, additional equipment will be needed. Some Bluetooth® devices are made specifically for use in helmets, but are not integrated into the helmet. Therefore, it is important to understand what you are purchasing before buying a Bluetooth® helmet. In most cases, however, Bluetooth® helmets are assumed to have have transmission capability built-in.
Bluetooth® helmets can cover a wide range of prices, depending on the model and the features desired. Prices for a low-end unit start at approximately $200 US Dollars (USD) and go up from there. These helmets are usually available for sale at a local bike shop or can be found from many online vendors.
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Discussion Comments
My sister rides a motorcycle, and she got a discount motorcycle helmet that came with Bluetooth. She likes it because it lets her answer her phone while she's riding, but she told me awhile ago that the GPS feature is really useful too.
When you're riding a motorcycle, you can't look at your phone like you can in a car. You need both hands on the handlebars! So having a Bluetooth headset that let's you hear the GPS directions is a lifesaver. My sister has a very poor sense of direction, and if she didn't have a Bluetooth helmet, I don't know how she would ever get anywhere.
I doubt I'm going to get a motorcycle anytime soon, but if I did, I would definitely get a Bluetooth helmet that could get signals from my GPS.
@JessicaLynn - Motorcycles can be dangerous, and I can see why you would worry. I think it makes sense for anyone who rides a motorcycle to have a Bluetooth helmet so their families and friends can stay in touch with them. I don't think it's that important for the Bluetooth helmet to have helmet radio built in, as long as it can take phone calls.
I don't think $200 is that much to spend on something so useful, provided that the helmet lasts awhile and doesn't break down. Also, I bet you could find some good deals on something like this online.
My mom and my stepfather have a motorcycle and like to take cross-country motorcycle trips on a regular basis. Meanwhile, I'm scared of motorcycles and I'm a nervous wreck the whole time they're gone.
I used to get especially anxious because it was so hard to get in touch with them. I would call them, and not hear back for hours because they hadn't stopped, or they'd forgotten to check their cell phones when they did stop.
I convinced them a few months ago to trade their regular motorcycle helmets for Bluetooth helmets, so I can actually get in touch with them. Now I feel a lot less anxious when they're gone.
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