Shoei is the first major motorcycle helmet manufacturer to join the growing smart helmet revolution with the announcement of their IT-HT helmet.

The IT-HT helmet will include Bluetooth intercom and head-up display which includes a translucent screen that shows vital information to the rider without them having to take their eyes off the road.

Information can be customised by the rider to include bike data such as speed and revs, but also navigation, incoming phone calls, etc.

Revolution

The revolution is yet to get off the ground.

While there are many start-ups with smart helmets and aftermarket add-on devices such as Hudway, Nuviz and Seemore, few have made it to the market or proved their reliability.

Shoei has a long history of making safe and quality helmets, so their addition to the smart helmet revolution is welcome.

In fact, Shoei is Australia’s most trusted helmet brand, according to a 2018 Canstar Blue survey.

It also lends credibility to the argument that this technology is the future of motorcycling.

Some even predict these smart helmets will make bike instruments obsolete.

Shoei announced the IT-HT at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but did not say when it would be available.

This tech does not come cheap. Most start-up company smart helmets cost well over $1000 such as the Jarvish and Skully helmets.

However, Shoei’s mass-production could mean they are cheaper.

Shoei has partnered with fellow Japanese technology company NS West which makes instruments for cars such as Mazda and head-up displays.

Meanwhile, Australia is also getting in on the smart helmet revolution with the Forcite to be launched in March this year.

This year could be when the smart helmet revolution really gets into gear.

But do you think it is safe or a distraction? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com