Scala Rider adds Bluetooth to any motorcycle helmet

The idea of combining Bluetooth with a motorcycle helmet seems liked an obvious one; we don't think too many bikers opt for picking up a cellphone while on the road (at least we hope not), and wired headsets can be equally cumbersome and awkward. Unfortunately, helmets with built-in Bluetooth like the MOMO Fighter, can cost as much as a used bike. That's where the Scala Rider from Cardo Systems comes in. For just $150, the unit makes just about any helmet Bluetooth-capable. The company is also set to release a Bluetooth FM radio and a handle-bar remote.

[PapaSmurff @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Why is engadget censoring my comments? My last 2 messages were never sent to my email.

[iPod Todd @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Wonder if this would work with any of the bluetooth items coming out for th ipod.

[BadBatz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

That thing was not designed by a motorcycle rider, that�s for sure! Bike riders would be happy to have an integrated cell phone/mp3 player/FM radio solution and a wireless rider-to-rider and bike-to-bike communication system in one piece but BT is totally unsuitable for the latter. Besides, Look at that helmet...At highway speeds the wind noise will make any practical use impossible and any sound device used on a motorcycle in city traffic is a great aid in committing suicide.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

You'd be amazed at a microphone's ability to record at such a high speed.

http://untitledi.com/

[Jonathan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I love the concept. I love my BT Jabra earpiece for my BT Enabled phone. LOVE IT. I think the 'mockup' would need to be fine-tuned for the motorcycle market, but BT is a killer idea to remove the wires to the rider. Bluetooth to the 'brain' for the bike to bike comms, or radio/cellphone/etc interfaces.... perfect. Great concept. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes from it all.

[Wim Bonner @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I'm not sure I'd want to try to talk on the phone while riding, but there have been plenty of times that I'd like to have a quick response without taking my helmet off.

I may be more uncoordinated than some, but when I've got a ringing phone, gloves on my hands, a full face helmet held on with a strap through double d-rings. There's no chance I can answer the phone in time. And protecting my helmet from getting dropped always means that I'm slower to decide to make a call even when I'm just standing around.

I've tried using my jabra headset from inside my helmet, but the mouthpiece back by my ear doesn't work when there's foam against my jawline, and having it stuck in one ear while driving bothers me in the helmet. (I want side to side equal, or no loss of hearing with the helmet on)

[Greg Gorst @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

A great idea but would prefer the unit to have two speakers to enhance the sound. I find the in ear type are uncomfortable inside a helmet.

If the system were expanded for rider to pillion comms, bike to bike comms, mobile phone, music, GPS, and Speed camera detectors (much like the Autocom system) but all on bluetooth then that would be marvellous, I just shudder to think what it would all cost.

[L? @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

"Posted May 4, 2005, 4:26 PM ET by SlackerDX
Why would they want a helmet with a radio built into it? Isn't that illegal? I see kids on campus get tickets all the time because they ride their bikes with headphones on. I would hope that the same rule applies to motorcycles."

in response to this post. It never says anything about having headphones in. It's speakers in the helmet. and you're also alowed to legaly drive with 1 headphone in anyways with a car or a motorcycle. On a 3rd note if a cop tries to pull me over cause he notices that I have headphones in I wanna know where he got his xray goggles that let him see through my helmet anyways.


"I may be more uncoordinated than some, but when I've got a ringing phone, gloves on my hands, a full face helmet held on with a strap through double d-rings. There's no chance I can answer the phone in time. And protecting my helmet from getting dropped always means that I'm slower to decide to make a call even when I'm just standing around."

you might want to see if your phone has an automatic answer function. I ride with a bt headset and I have a function on my phone that makes it automaticly answers after the 3rd ring if I turn it on. I hope that helps solve your problem.

I think that if they use the chaterbox mic and speaker set up this would be an awesome product for freeway speeds. I'm interested in seeing if chatterbox tries to keep up with this by realeasing it's own BT equivilent

[marc @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

this link does not work! can someone fix it?

[motorcycle loans @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

these things will need basic training soon. when u have all your gps, mobile, pda, toothbrush all bluetoothed up to the helmet it will be a very distracting experience. :(

[Braddon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I'd love to have all of that (phone, iPod, bike2bike comms) in the helmet. Beats singing or humming to yourself on long rides. How about a weatherproof (bluetooth) control panel that has really big buttons (for gloved hands) and hangs from a breast pocket. Mode, Answer, Volume Up, Volume Down, Previous Track / Preset Station, Previous Track / Preset Station should do it.

If SlackerDX rides a bike it must be a little one.

[Terry Usrey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

With dozens of Scala Rider units sold already, Customers report this Bluetooth unit is VERY SWEET! Sound is good, even at high speeds, and the ease of attachment & removal are a Snap! Weather Protection is a big plus. Try it!

Scala intends to add 2-way radio intercom in an upcoming version for more bucks, but with Bluetooth enabled devices like MP3 players, the 33 foot range is a real asset. Just make sure the Bluetooth device supports the Bluetooth "Headset" profile.

http://www.ocwireless.com/OCWireless-Item-SCALARIDER-C-Bluetooth+Headsets-U-None-T-Style.html

[Mark Chubb - M Helmets @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

This is a great idea, but with the market growing fast for gadets this will be a thing of the past within a couple of months, hands free kits for motorcycles are cool thou.

[SlackerDX @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Why would they want a helmet with a radio built into it? Isn't that illegal? I see kids on campus get tickets all the time because they ride their bikes with headphones on. I would hope that the same rule applies to motorcycles.