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A study by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) showed that more and more cyclists are wearing cycle helmets in 2020. Across all age groups, the figure is 26 per cent, or just around a quarter of cyclists. Why are these relatively few? Doesn't the head need special protection? The German Road Safety Association is not the only one to ask this question, given the fact that around 91 per cent of Germans protect their mobile phone with a more or less sturdy cover. Perhaps a cycle helmet promises too little safety, or is it simply uncool and uncomfortable? Yet the bicycle helmet has long since found its way from pure head protection to a stylish accessory. Today, there is a suitable helmet for almost every type or style.
New electronics on the helmet
And for urban cyclists, e-bikers and digital natives in particular, bike helmets are now also packed with electronics. A smart helmet has its target group, especially if you can use it to make phone calls while cycling or follow voice navigation without taking your hands off the handlebars. Safety-oriented cyclists will be delighted with bright LED lights, which can also have a flashing and brake light function. However, all these functions can only be used when the batteries are charged. And depending on the intensity of use, this must be done daily.
What's more, technical innovations don't just have positive aspects. Unfortunately, the overload of electronics on your head can also have the opposite effect, especially when it comes to safety. The ADFC is not alone in fearing that, especially in city traffic, using the phone and listening to music can distract cyclists too much, increasing the risk of accidents. In addition, many cyclists rely too much on the lights on their helmets, which in no way replace good lighting on the bike and hand signals for changing direction.
We tried out five smart helmet models. Four of them impressed us "heavily". Whereby heavy refers in particular to the high weight. The additional electronics add a lot of extra grams to the scales. And that means less comfort, especially for sporty touring cyclists and commuters. In terms of safety, however, all helmets fulfil the mandatory European standard EN 1078.
No smart helmet without an app
A modern smart helmet for cyclists can only offer its many functions with the help of a smartphone or smartwatch. Depending on the helmet brand, you download the free app from the App Store or Google Play Store and connect your mobile phone to the bike helmet via Bluetooth. Depending on the equipment, the app then enables the helmet to flash, the brake light to light up, you can listen to music, make phone calls or follow the voice navigation.
What can the different smart helmet models do?
Cratoni Smartride - the most expensive helmet in the test
The look of the Cratoni Smartride, the most expensive smart helmet in the range, is somewhat reminiscent of a motorbike helmet with its shape and attachable visor. No wonder, as it is also approved for fast S-pedelecs, which are categorised as motorbikes and for which helmets are mandatory. The S-pedelec standard requires greater stability and break resistance than conventional bicycle helmets. The helmet shell is pulled far back into the neck and offers good, high-quality all-round protection. The clip-on visor can also be adjusted for spectacle wearers, although it is a little awkward. If it gets too warm under the rather heavy smart helmet - which does happen - you can get more air at the top using a slider. The lights and indicators can be switched on using the remote control on the handlebars. However, this must first be connected to the helmet via the Cratoni app and Bluetooth.
In an emergency, the app and a crash sensor can be used to send a message with the rider's coordinates to a previously entered emergency contact. The app also records the personal tour data and establishes contact with the individual music collection on the smartphone so that you can listen to music on the go. If several cyclists in a group are travelling with the Cratoni Smartride, they can connect via a Walkie-talkie function if they don't cycle too far apart.
Details of the smart helmet
- Price: 349,95 Euro
- Weight: 560 grammes
- Sizes: S/M 54 - 58 cm, M/L 58 - 61 cm
- Features/equipment: Helmet bag, removable visor (suitable for spectacle wearers), adjustable ventilation opening, reflective strap, LED indicators, rear light, micro USB charging cable, remote control for handlebars, Cratoni app, accident sensor with SOS emergency call, integrated microphone and loudspeaker, walkie-talkie function
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Good workmanship, clearly visible rear and indicator lights, adjustable ventilation, attachable visor, approved for S-pedelecs
- Minus: Very heavy, expensive
Conclusion on the smart helmet from Cratoni
An expensive, extremely heavy but robust helmet for tech-savvy e-bikers and S-pedelec riders.
Livall BH51 M Neo - integrated speakers and microphone
The Livall BH51 M Neo is one of the heavyweights among bicycle helmets and weighs around twice as much as a good racing bike helmet. Many cyclists, including e-bikers, find almost a pound of weight on their heads comfortable on short journeys at best, even if the smart helmet looks chic and modern. However, this model scores more with its functions: For example, LED lighting at the front and rear with indicators. The rear light lights up when braking thanks to a speed sensor. Via Bluetooth and integrated loudspeaker and microphone you can make phone calls and listen to music while cycling with mediocre sound quality. In the event of a fall, a text message is sent to an emergency contact. And if a fellow cyclist is also wearing a Livall helmet, you can communicate with them using the intercom function, provided they are no more than 500 metres away.
To be able to use the advanced functions of the BH51 M Neo, the helmet, remote control and app must be paired with each other. If the smart helmet is only to flash, the smartphone and app are not necessary; this also works via the remote control on the handlebars. The helmet battery takes two hours to charge using the magnetic USB cable, with an active operating time of up to ten hours. The button battery for the remote control should last up to two years. If you are only interested in the lighting, flashing function and fall sensor, the Livall BH51 T Neo model, which is 40 euros cheaper, is sufficient - same shell, less electronics.
Details of the smart helmet
- Price: 169,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 480 grammes (L)
- Sizes: M 54 - 58 cm, L 57 - 61 cm
- Features/equipment: Rear light, front LED light, brake light, indicators with beep sound, remote control including button battery for handlebars, magnetic USB charging cable, Livall riding app, loudspeaker, microphone, fall sensor with SOS alarm system, darkness sensor, walkie-talkie function
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Highly visible lights and indicators
- Minus: Very heavy, ventilation, special USB charging cable, app
Conclusion on the Smart helmet from Livall
Weighty smart helmet in an urban design. Plus points are the lighting equipment and flashing function.
Livall BH60 SE - Smart helmet also for longer tours
The Livall BH60 SE not only looks like a classic touring helmet; at 310 grams, it is also in a comfortable weight class compared to other Smart models. Unfortunately, the size selection is not up to date. With one size for head circumferences of 55 to 61 centimetres, the choice is somewhat limited, but the model still offers a comfortable fit for common head sizes. The safety of the helmet shell is confirmed by the European standard EN 1078. Other safety features include the eight LED rear lights and three flashing lights, which are operated via a remote control on the handlebars that is easy to install using a rubber band.
Other technical features include two loudspeakers and a microphone. If the smart helmet is paired with a smartphone via the Livall riding app, you can use it to receive phone calls, listen to music or follow the voice prompts of a sat nav app. And this even works relatively well, with the loudspeakers on the helmet positioned in such a way that the user can still hear the ambient noise well. In loud traffic noise, however, communication by phone reaches its limits. The crash sensor in the helmet is an interesting safety feature for cyclists. In the event of a collision, this notifies the registered emergency contact, but only if the cyclist is not in a dead zone. Charging the batteries takes around two hours and the battery life is eight to ten hours. However, this can be halved if someone listens to a lot of music and often rides with the lights on.
Details of the smart helmet
- Price: 139,99 Euro
- Weight: 310 grammes
- Sizes: 55 - 61 cm (One Size)
- Features/equipment: Remote control for the handlebars, USB cable, Livall riding app, 14 LED rear lights in different colours, 3 flashing lights per side, integrated microphone and speaker
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Comparatively light and inexpensive, good headset connection, ventilation
- Minus: Only one size fits all, cryptic app
Conclusion on the Livall smart helmet
Smart entry-level helmet with good wearing comfort at a relatively favourable price. Thanks to its low weight, the Livall BH60 SE is also suitable for longer tours. MYBIKE tip: Price/performance
Lumos Kickstart - the name says it all
At first glance, the shape and design of the Lumos Kickstart resembles a classic bicycle helmet. At second glance, the strips and areas with LED lights at the front and rear catch the eye. There are ten white LEDs at the front and eleven LEDs on the left and right at the rear. In terms of weight, the additional technology inside the Lumos Kickstart is noticeable. At 380 grams, it weighs around 80 to 100 grams more than a normal touring helmet without electronics in the shell, but this only proves to be uncomfortable on the head when worn for long periods. The indicator can be operated using large buttons on a Bluetooth remote control on the handlebars. The remote control can be attached quickly using rubber rings, but is therefore not theft-proof. When the indicator is switched on, an acoustic signal is also audible and the handlebar switch also flashes. The front LEDs also flash in the direction of travel.
Both the remote control and the smart helmet are charged in around two hours using a special USB cable with a magnetic connection. The battery life with full helmet lighting is around three hours, and up to twice as long in one of the three flashing modes. The Lumos Kickstart becomes really smart with the help of the Lumos app (IOS and Android). This primarily activates the speed sensors in the helmet. This means that the red rear light lights up as a brake light when braking. The app also shows the charge status of the helmet battery, and the auto-ride tracking function collects data on activities that can be forwarded to a health app or the Strava fitness app. The helmet can also be paired with the Apple Watch.
Details of the smart helmet
- Price: 179,99 Euro
- Weight: 370 grammes
- Sizes: 54 - 61 cm (one size fits all)
- Features/equipment: USB charging cable, wireless Bluetooth remote control with handlebar mount, Lumos app, 10 white LEDs at the front, 11 orange and 16 red LEDs at the rear, indicators and automatic brake light, MIPS equipment (at an extra charge!)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Simple operation, good ventilation, good visibility in the dark
- Minus: One size only, no chin pad
Conclusion on the smart helmet from Lumos
The helmet is interesting for cyclists who want more perceived safety. The helmet light does not replace the bike lights, but you are better recognised as a road user in the dark.
Sena R1 Evo - Expertise in motorbike helmets
Sena specialises in motorbike accessories. And among motorcyclists, helmets with a built-in radio and intercom system are no longer an innovation. Sena is now transferring this expertise to the bicycle sector. In terms of weight, the Sena R1 Evo heavier than 400 grams towards the motorbike. On longer tours, the weight starts to put pressure on the head. Thanks to the adjustment options and the three model sizes, at least (almost) every cyclist will find the right shell. The padding and ventilation are certainly impressive. The Sena R1 Evo can also impress with its technical inner workings: In addition to loudspeakers and a microphone, the smart helmet also has an integrated FM radio that can be used after installing the Sena Cycling app. Up to ten stations can be searched for via the app or - somewhat fiddly - directly on the helmet.
However, the Bluetooth connection to the smartphone or GPS navigation device is much more interesting and useful. The voice announcements, for example from Komoot, are easy to understand via the built-in speakers without the whole neighbourhood being able to overhear. With the help of the hands-free system, you can also make phone calls on the move without the wind disturbing you too much. If you like to communicate with your fellow cyclists on the road, you can do so with the help of a radio intercom system. Provided the others are also wearing a Sena helmet. The range of the wireless connection is on average around 500 to 600 metres, depending on the surroundings. Setting up these technical features is well described in the manual, but is still a little tricky in practice. Charging the smart helmet battery via USB cable takes two to three hours. The operating time is up to twelve hours.
Details of the smart helmet
- Price: 199 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 430 grams (size M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Features/equipment: Helmet cover, sun visor, reflective straps, rear light, integrated microphone and loudspeaker, micro USB cable, button control on the helmet and voice control, Sena Cycling app
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Well ventilated, intercom system
- Minus: Heavy, small rear light, remote control for the handlebars only for purchase
Conclusion on the smart helmet from Sena
A smart helmet for cyclists who like to communicate while riding, either via smartphone or intercom.
Questions for Roland Huhn, ADFC Legal Officer
MYBIKE: LED lights, direction indicator, brake light, rear light, voice control, radio, voice navigation, emergency call in the event of a fall, etc. Can these high-tech models increase the helmet wear rate?
HUHN: Those who do not wear a helmet will have other reasons for this than a lack of additional functions. The next step is visual information on the helmet (head-up display). Jet pilots can cope with this flood of information without being distracted. However, they have been carefully selected and have trained for years.
Do these technical features make cyclists safer on the road?
Lights on bicycle helmets are also authorised in Germany, but the lighting system on the bicycle itself is strictly regulated. Red lights on the back of the helmet have been around for a long time. The helmet light does not replace the Mandatory bicycle lightsand red LEDs on the helmet often do not reach the brightness of an authorised bicycle rear light. Yellow indicators on the side of the helmet can support the hand signal in the dark, but they do not make the hand signal for signalling a turn superfluous. This is especially true during the day, as the flashing direction indicators are easy to miss in bright sunlight. And there is no guarantee that a brighter red light on the helmet will be interpreted as a brake light by following traffic.
Turn signals on the helmet do not replace the hand signal
Which functions on a smart helmet would you favour for additional safety?
Features that make it unnecessary to operate devices on the handlebars, such as voice control for smartphones or sat navs, can be useful. But be careful, because it's not just looking at the display that distracts you from the traffic. Tests have shown that listening to music on the bike increases reaction time. Phone calls unconsciously draw even more attention, even if you have both hands on the handlebars. Anyone who can access such functions at any time thanks to a smart helmet will perhaps use them more often than someone who has to put earplugs in their ears before every ride. This can be enough to negate the theoretical safety advantage. The automatic emergency call is of interest to mountain bikers and touring cyclists who fear falling off busy routes and in dead spots.
