Tech Review: EyeLights’ EyeRide Motorcycle Helmet Head Up Display System

A few years ago, a tech startup sent me a most unusual device: A helmet-mounted Head Up Display (HUD) system that showed navigation maps, handled phone ops, shot video, and so on, all in a smallish device that popped on and off the front of my helmet. Somewhat inelegant, but it worked great, was very useful, and I loved it and used it on almost every ride going forward. But after a couple of years, the small company folded and the app needed to operate it went dead, bricking my favorite tech toy. Into the Drawer of Orphaned Technologies it went.

In 2020, I was contacted by French company Eyelights about a similar HUD they were developing, hoping I could review it. Of course! But then: Pandemic!! However, I’m happy to say Eyelights has soldiered on and recently sent me their EyeRide HUD system and I’ve been using it for several weeks. It is currently available and shipping.

The Tech

The EyeRide system consists of four primary hard parts: A hockey-puck like disc that mounts to the side of your helmet that holds the guts of the system, a small swiveling arm with a prism containing the video display that mounts inside your helmet near your right eye, and optionally, a small bluetooth remote for help controlling the system while underway, although it will also respond to voice commands. To that end, in-helmet stereo speakers and a microphone are also included.

Setup is crucial and can be time consuming, but it’s worth getting the details right for best performance. The EyeRide kit works best in full-face helmets but will work in DOT-spec open-face hats as well, and getting the bits in place can involve removing some removable interior padding and getting the HUD prism, mic and speakers in their optimal positions. If you’ve ever installed a comms system in a helmet, this will all be mostly familiar. EyeRide does have install videos available as well. You will need an iPhone or Android smartphone to operate the system via an app.

In all, it took me about 30 minutes to get everything squared away inside an inexpensive full-face helmet that had removable interior pads (they just snapped in and out). If the interior lining of your helmet is fixed in place, it will take longer, so you might want to consider investing in a more modern helmet. Mine was only about $100 and is DOT certified and fits quite well, so there are plenty of options.

Riding With EyeRide

I was pleasantly surprised by the sharpness, color and resolution of the tiny, tiny HUD module, which uses an OLED display in the prism. It is far superior to the old system I loved so much. It takes a minute to really dial in the position of the HUD for optimal quality, but it’s worth it and after a few uses it’s habit to adjust the small arm the HUD module rides on. I use an iPhone, so the EyeRide system defaults to Apple CarPlay, with a second app, Captain Rider, allowing adjustment of the system and management of wireless connections, including working as a connection to talk with other riders, even if they are using other comms systems. During my review time, I was not able to test that specific aspect of the app or hardware, so I’ll have to take their word for it.

Once set up, the EyeRide system was simple to control by using both the optional Bluetooth controller and voice commands (for Siri/CarPlay). I recommend getting the Bluetooth controller for maximum control over the system, but Eyelights needs to offer some better mounting options for the controller besides sticky mounting tape.

The EyeRide HUD presents information on a transparent background, so it can be right in your line of sight if need be, and in that mode it does work well. I preferred it tipped up just a bit towards the top of the helmet so I could glance at it as needed. I was able to call up addresses by voice via Siri and also manage music and phone ops. And the quality of the OLED display is again key: It’s bright, sharp and easily legible, even with glasses on. Sound quality from the included small speakers in the ear recesses of the helmet is loud enough and the sound quality is passable, but I’ve been spoiled by the JBL speakers from my Cardo Packtalk Bold system. It would be nice to have an upgrade option for the in-helmet speakers.

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It takes a few rides to get used to the presence of the HUD in your vision. No, you don’t constantly look at it. Much like the mirrors on your motorcycle or scooter, it’s something you glance at, especially if you’re using navigation or your phone rings.

Is This Thing Safe?

Back when I was talking with the founder of the Skully helmet in 2013, I asked that very question, and the rather unexpected answer is that yes, this kind of tech can actually be safer than not using it.

For riders who use a GPS device or mount their phone to their handlebars, the EyeRide system is a marked improvement in terms of safety, and I know this from practical use. Glancing down at a GPS or phone takes your eyes off the road much more than looking at a HUD, which is the basic reason HUDs exist at all: They allow faster presentation of information in the sight line than looking away from the road. That’s why they’ve been used in fighter planes and such for decades, and are quickly gaining popularity in cars as well: It helps keep your eyes on the road where they belong. At 60 miles an hour, you are moving at roughly 90 feet per second, so a quick glance at a GPS, speedometer or a phone can mean your eyes are off the road ahead for a large portion of a football field. Dangerous stuff. Better to have that needed information in the sight line than away from it. And as I noted, I sometimes kept my EyeRide tipped up a bit so it was in my peripheral vision, and the EyeRide mounting system allows quick adjustment of the HUD module to suit your use viewing preference. The small size also means that if you want to essentially remove the HUD module from your visual field, you can just push it up and out of the way to return to a completely analog experience, as it were.

I’m very happy with the EyeRide system and congratulate Eyelights on seeing the project through, I know it hasn’t been easy. If I could change anything about the system, it would be to include video recording via some front and rear camera modules, something I know is possible, but likely a ways off. I do miss that feature from my old system. Otherwise, the remote bluetooth controller could be a bit larger for use with winter gloves and it needs some better bar-mounting options for some bikes. But if the Skully helmet system and HUDs in general intrigue you, the EyeRide system is a great option that is actually on sale now, and it may make you a safer rider as well. Recommended.

Eyelights EyeRide in-helmet HUD system: About $450USD MSRP, $900 as tested with Bluetooth controller