Best eBike Accessory? Sena R1 Bluetooth Smart Helmet [Full Time RV Living]

We'd like to introduce the Sena R1 Smart Bluetooth Bicycle Helmet! We purchased ours a couple of months ago and we absolutely love how they've change our ebike riding experience.
In this video we review the features of the Sena R1 cycling helmet and discuss the good, and not so good things about this bluetooth smart helmet. Bluetooth smart helmets are gaining in popularity across the globe. Sena hit this one out of the park as far as we're concerned!
We are Brian and Shawnna, a full time rv couple who enjoy full time RV living. We are empty nesters who recently quit our corporate jobs, sold our home and auctioned off just about everything we own to live a simpler, more purposeful life in our RV. As Full Time RV'ers, our goal is to experience life and make awesome rv lifestyle videos for our community. We decided to "retire" from life as we knew it so we traded our stuff for experiences. We travel in a 2008 Winnebago Motorhome (RV) with a preference for RV boondocking. We vlog, blog and update social media with our RV travel experiences, advice and challenges with a goal of helping other RV'ers along the way - find beautiful places to stay and save money by seeking out low cost campgrounds and awesome boondocking sites. The RV life is a great life, but it's not without its challenges. We plan to share those with you and offer advice along the way.
Shop for this helmet in our Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/lyfuninterrupted
We consider these a great addition for those of us who live the full time rv lifestyle.
We hope you'll join our RV life journey
// SHOP BY USING OUR AMAZON LINKS FOR FREE: amzn.to/2SM0ZVs
eBIKE GEAR WE USE OR RECOMMEND
// Sena R1 Smart Bike Helmet: amzn.to/2nisg6D
// Our Favorite Bike Helmet Mirror: amzn.to/32yv8Mh
// 100 Great RV Parts & Accessories: amzn.to/2VG0tbL
// GEAR*
✩ MAIN CAMERA: amzn.to/2ERmkHT
✩ MICROPHONE: amzn.to/2I3L4QU
✩ GOPRO: amzn.to/2I1GQZJ
✩ DRONE: amzn.to/2N5PLZn
✩ MINI TRIPOD: amzn.to/2THCTuS
✩ SMALLRIG: amzn.to/2E5N3jt
* We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
/ lyfuninterru. .
VISIT our blog at: www.lyfuninterrupted.com
FOLLOW us on Instagram: Lyf Uninterrupted
#RideConnected #ebike #lyfuninterrupted

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Please Shop our NEW Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/lyfuninterrupted Using this link is FREE and doing so doesn’t cost you anything extra! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@roypase8488]

Where did you order the Sena R1 Visor?

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Hi Roy. We haven’t ordered them yet. The only place we’ve been able to find them in stock is on the Sena website. www.sena.com

[@roypase8488]

Lyf Uninterrupted I looked at Sena site and shipping for two visors cost more than the visors themselves, so hope to find another seller. One thing I would note was after I purchased helmet saw it is Not MIPS or DOT certified. Thanks

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thanks for the info Roy. We are not sure if Sena helmets are tested to those standards or not. However, they do conform to the Consumer Products Safety Commission standards and carry the required label on the helmets. All bike helmets must conform to the CPSC standards to be legally sold in the US. Amazon requires their vendors to provide certificates of conformance to such standards. We feel completely safe wearing Sena helmets.

[@marciasawyer9311]

We absolutely love ours! We also like the fact that you can have four people paired up, as we have another couple that travel with us, and have the same e-bikes and helmets. I also like the visor. Safe travels!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Yes, the intercom is a great feature. Have you tried the FM radio feature yet?

[@NomadicInNature]

Great idea and love it. I have never seen these helmets before. Thanks for sharing and might have to add these to our list to buy.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

They really are fun. What is/are your favorite feature(s)?

[@totaleclipse99]

Love this helmet. Got a set for myself and my 9 year old daughter. It totally up the experience when ridding. We loved it so much we just ordered another one for my wife.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Nice! We’re glad you like them!

[@kimberlypuravida5690]

You two are getting so cute with your introduction and closing!!! Great job!!!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thank you!

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Thank you for the review and sharing!!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Kathleen Reyes Thanks for watching! Do you have an ebike or are you thinking about getting one?

[@christinaschell6142]

I absolutely LOVE my Sena cycling helmet too

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍

[@afwilbanks4172]

Very nice video as usual. Always packed with useful information. Thanks for sharing!!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thank you! We’re glad it was useful to you. What is/are your favorite feature(s)?

[@afwilbanks4172]

@@LyfUninterrupted I've enjoyed most all your video content. Seeing how you improved your trailer to showing all the amazing sights you travel. You have covered so many topics and aspects it's so difficult to pick and choose what is the favorite. Your truth, honesty and youthfulness is so inspiring ,along with your family of animals , is so awesome!!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

A F Wilbanks Thank you! This is perhaps the nicest compliment we have ever received!

[@joejoe-lb6bw]

Great review. Once you start using Sena R1, its hard to imagine riding without it. So much fun. In terms of added safety, the price is worth it.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Totally agree!

[@lmcburney]

Perfect timing for my husband and I. We got electric bikes this summer in preparation for using them with an RV. At the time we didn't have an RV but were searching. We just purchased our first RV just before Thanksgiving. We didn't go with Electric but we went with Rad bikes. We love the electric bikes like you do. I feel so empowered when we ride them. We are in our 50's and having the option to use pedal assist made riding bikes much more enjoyable. We have so much trouble communicating while on them though. This helmet review came at just the right time. Thanks so much! Love your honesty and thoughts.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

We're glad our video was useful for you. The helmets will definitely change your riding experience. Thanks for watching!

[@juliebolduc802]

LMcBurney I love my RadCity ST! I am getting so much more exercise without wearing myself out!

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Great review! Awesome helmets. Thanks for sharing

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thank you! We appreciate you watching. You guys keep up the good work!

[@whoosh2887]

Thanks for that, been looking at the R1 for a while. Will pick one up using your link when our ebikes are delivered in December.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

That’s awesome! What is/are your favorite feature(s)?

[@whoosh2887]

The connectivity features were what drew me to the R1. Having active comms with your riding party and listening to directions/music just makes for a much more engaging ride.

[@tcbnode]

Great video appreciate your review on this ... well done!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thank you! What is your favorite feature?

[@tcbnode]

The obvious one, the ability to communicate while moving. My wife and I have a pair of XP’s and certainly could use this feature.

[@hardtruth2039]

We bought a pair of these for our Lectric bikes, love them. We also use the when backing in and leave rv parks. No need tor extra two way radios.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Interesting! We never thought of using them that way.

[@hardtruth2039]

I’m sure we look funny but it works.😆👍

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍

[@LivingTheGoodLifeRving]

Really cool helmets I have to look into getting that for me and William because it would help allow will to ride his bike a little bit more if I'm able to give him visual cues to help him stay safe

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Living The GoodLife Rving They would be a huge benefit in that regard! Thanks for watching!

[@gladuwf]

I've enjoyed hearing about your thoughtful upgrading of your ebikes with accessories. I am just now adding accessories to our Lectric XP before our 6 week Florida trip. I also have the same Bikearoo wide suspension seat (no suspension post). Could you tell me what tire PSI you generally ride your ebikes? Thanks

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Great question. We run 30 psi which helps a bit to soften the ride. Glad to hear you’re enjoying your XPs!

[@cmalbertosub]

Nice review; Will be ordering 2 of these R1s - I see the R2s are out now, but thinking I can get a better deal for the older ones - for as many youtube videos that I have seen - no one has asked for "2" thumbs down if you don't like....I like that!!! Thumbs up from me!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍👍

[@lennyracine9775]

Very helpful video.....thank you

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thank you. We’re glad you found it useful. Are you thinking about getting one of these helmets?

[@lennyracine9775]

Don’t have an e-bike yet.....but WILL.....and was thinking that I will need a helmet ...never even thought about the features that you showed......thank you

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thank you! We’re glad you found our video helpful

[@kimberlypuravida5690]

Oh my gosh you guys are so good looking on my new phone! Just celebrated my 20th with a new phone...its the simple stuff in CR that makes me happy! Another great informative video. I want these and the bikes. Do you think the bikes would work on dirt mini mountains? I would like to find something to ride to the beach.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Happy 20th! Birthday or Anniversary? Haha! The bike would do well in just about any terrain. We’ve had them on off-road trails and on the beach.

[@kimberlypuravida5690]

@@LyfUninterrupted Thanks, our 20th wedding anniversary. Late start, second marriage.

[@kimberlypuravida5690]

@@LyfUninterrupted I am really thinking about getting these bikes, are they linked to a video? We are two minutes from the beach. Building on our property up a mountain but I hate taking the car everywhere. We ride bikes but the mountain is a beast to come back up in this heat...and since it wasn't my 20th birthday I and my knees don't love the climb.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Kimberly Tanzini Not sure what you mean, “are they linked to a video”? We did a review as have many others Check our review out if you haven’t already. Also, not sure if Lectric is shipping internationally except to Canada so check out their website for that info. www.lectricebikes.com. Hope this helps.

[@KJRitch]

What sizes did you get? I have a Bell bike helmet, size 54-61cm, and I tightened it up about halfway and a little less when I wear a cap underneath. I measured my head with a tape measure and the size quite indicates the high side of the medium size but with a cap the low side of the large size. I have very little hair on top and can fell cold air. Thanks.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

KJRitch Hi. Thanks for asking. We both have medium sizes.

[@H0dy72]

Thanks for the review guys, a question in oder to use the intercom / chat function, do I need to press (and keep pressing) a button or how those this work? We tried Livall helmets and there is the need to push a button and keep it pressed (push to talk) as long as you speak. We wanted seemless permanent conversation for our whole trip.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

The intercom on the Sena helmets is always on once connected! This is what we love most. Not so good if your partner likes to sing or whistle during the ride🤣

[@H0dy72]

@@LyfUninterrupted No singing or whistling. But if the intercom is on, it stays on, no? And while the intercom is on, the music playback will not be available. I thought music sharing or even listening to music yourself during intercom is not possible? Last but not least, will people hear the other person on my helmet if we talk, or is this just the effect in your video?

[@LyfUninterrupted]

It’s either Intercom, music or GPS instructions. You can’t share music or GPS with other riders when on intercom because you can only have one Bluetooth connection at a time. When on intercom, we simply turn the volume up on our phone when using GPS so the other rider can hear directions. The audio quality is surprising good. Hope this helps.

[@ceciliaholcombe818]

I see you don't have the visor for the Sena. My husband and I bought one and waiting for them to arrive. Your video convinced us they were worth trying. We bought through Amazon. The company contact is not user friendly AT ALL, but the chat with one person was helpful. Did you ever buy the visor or feel you don't really need one? PS Really enjoying your videos. Husband and I got the same colors as you. We live in Cocoa Beach, Florida and hope they are cool enough or enough ventilation for our hot weather. Thank you for helping with my questions. Smiles, Cely in Florida

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Hi Cecilia! We love our helmets too. The visors weren't available when we ordered our helmets, but we have since installed them. We're glad we could help!

[@Makingdifference100]

What an awesome couple? Can you provide me with the information of the visor you are using for this helmet please? Thanks a lot!

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thank you! We ordered the Sena visor last October and we are still waiting for them!

[@Makingdifference100]

Yes. I saw at the Sena website that the visor is out of stoke. So you know where the name Sena is from? It’s from a Brazilian Formula 1 driver. Ayrton Senna da Silva, who died on May 1st, 1994. Senna is from my hometown in Brazil. He was a great Formula 1 driver (Honda, Mercedes, McLaren).

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Interesting info! Thanks for sharing.

[@mjlcarguy54]

Great video one question : Can you use the intercom while you have BlueTooth connected ? Thanks

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Great question. Not to our knowledge as Bluetooth is relegated to just one connection at a time.

[@mjlcarguy54]

@@LyfUninterrupted ok thanks

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍

[@oswaldoviveros5273]

I have that helmet, is it worth the $130+? and the answer is HELL YEAH! highly recommend it.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍

[@claudiaprice1018]

In the video it looks like a turquoise. But Amazon shows it to be more blue. What do you think?

[@LyfUninterrupted]

It’s kind of a cross between the two. It’s a very nice color. Thinking about getting one?

[@Hacksaw2055]

If I by a helmet like yours on Amazon...you say they have 3 sizes. Did you measure the circumference of your head before ordering...? I just don’t want to have to return the helmet for a different size. Than you in advance.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Yes, you should measure just to be sure. Our helmets are size Medium. Thanks for watching!

[@jaycarneygiants]

I have heard the range is closer to 200 meters than 800. Any thoughts on real word range? Thx

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Great question. We have found that the range of 800 meters is achievable as long as there is clear line of sight. We’ve consistently achieved 1/4 mile in crowded areas.

[@84imreplica]

With the Sena R1 helmet can I listen to music and have my intercom active, without having my wife listen to the music? Also, what activates the intercom?

[@LyfUninterrupted]

We haven't tested that, but most likely you couldn't use both features simultaneously because both features use bluetooth. The intercom feature is activated by turning the helmet on then pressing another button on the helmet.

[@billyjones858]

What size helmet did you get?

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Hi Billy. We both have Medium size.

[@thomastheys6681]

Question. Sena or lival ? Thomyt

[@LyfUninterrupted]

You’ll be much happier with the Sena helmet.

[@specialist-in-tech]

You guys didnt mention how you can answer your calls from a cell phone, or make calls, and talk to other people outside of between talking helmet to helmet.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thanks for watching!

[@geezersgarage8181]

Where's the link to the visor? Also no mention of how to pair it with phone :((

[@LyfUninterrupted]

The visor has not been available for months now for some reason. Thanks for watching.

[@juliebolduc802]

Geezer's Garage there is a video put out by Sena on how to pair it to your phone. The book was useless for me. Lol

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍

[@philh1245]

I am over 18 so I don't use helmet so I use my bluetooth headphones by Beats and connect to others the same way using cell phone's bluetooth.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thanks for watching. Using headphones while riding is not the safest since it’s difficult to hear approaching vehicles.

[@philh1245]

@@LyfUninterrupted Good point. We can hear the traffic. Some wear helmets and just or airpods or equivalent headphones. some are even wired headphones with phones in their pockets. These built in helmets are so old school due to tech these days.

[@Sovannvong1881]

for price $129 why can they add tail LED light?

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thanks for watching. The new Sena R1 EVO does have an LED taillight.

[@Sovannvong1881]

@@LyfUninterrupted But you have to add another $30

[@vdg144]

is the communication "hands off"? Idon't want to push a button to talk

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Yes! Totally hands free.

[@arizonad8012]

Hello, is this helmet waterproof?Thanx

[@LyfUninterrupted]

No, they are not rated as water proof. That said, we’ve riden in rain a few times and they still work just fine.

[@arizonad8012]

@@LyfUninterrupted That's why I've asked.Because I couldn't find if they are waterproof or not.Thanks :D

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍

[@mogeking56]

Since no one will ride with me I can’t buy it 😪. I guess I will have to get a dog 🐕 🥺 maybe 🤔 he will talk to me

[@LyfUninterrupted]

👍😁

[@Droedelzak]

Them not being waterproof is a dealbreaker for me.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Most helmets of this type are only water resistant. We know of only 1 brand that claims that their helmets are fully waterproof. The engineering required to manufacture and certify them to an industry waterproof standard would make the helmets cost prohibitive. Therefore, manufacturers make design tradeoffs so that consumers can still afford their products. This said, the large majority of riders would not be riding in rains heavy enough to negatively effect the helmet. This is why you see plastic helmet covers used by those riders who choose to expose their helmets to moisture on a regular basis.

[@SwallCloud]

But there is no remote control included, no fall detection, no sos alert, no photo button and is twice the price of helmet doing that

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Not sure which helmet you found with all those features for half the price of a Sena R1, but we have tested helmets with all the things you call out. None of them are half the price of a Sena R1, which costs about $129.

[@SwallCloud]

​@@LyfUninterrupted I had interest into the R1 Evo which is sold 199€ www.buysena.eu/R1-Smart-Communications-Helmet.html?sc=25&category=319647, then you have to add the remote www.sena.com/fr/product-comparison-remotes, it's even more than twice the price of a livall

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Thanks, but you are making an apples and oranges comparison between helmet functionality and US prices. For one, the Bluetooth capability on the Livall helmets is poor at best. Maybe 15-20 feet as compared to the Sena R1 which we confirmed at over 1/4 mile. An email from Livall Tech Support confirmed the limited to non-existent capability. Especially when using an iPhone as, according to Apple and Livall, there is a serious security concern with the Livall iPhone app. We’ve tested two different Livall helmets and unlike the Sena R1, the Livall helmets require a remote and/or phone app to operate the helmet. Not many people will tolerate that. We have no experience with the Sena EVO model, but a quick check confirms that there is no need for a remote. It is simply redundant and for convenience as all the remote functions mimic the buttons on the helmet. Nonetheless, Sena R1 is the better choice in our opinion when it comes to simplicity and functionality. Not to mention that it works right out of the box. No remote or phone app needed. Watch our video review on the Livall helmets for more info. We have sold hundreds of Sena helmets in our Amazon store for between $99 US (during special promotions) and $129 US versus just 2 Livall helmets for $159 US. Even the more expensive Sena R1 EVO CS model is only $159 US. As you can see, the price of the Sena R1 models are no where near double that of the Livall helmets in the US. Hope this helps.

[@azdigbee]

I am a dinosaur with tech stuff, I would never be able to figure out how to use it.

[@LyfUninterrupted]

Paul Harding Thanks for watching. We appreciate your support! They’re not too difficult to operate. Press two buttons to turn it on, then one button to turn on the intercom. The FM radio feature is a bit more complicated though. Ours link to the phone automatically after the initial pairing procedure.