A motorcycle helmet with HUD (head-up display) projects speed, navigation and calls into the rider’s field of view. This guide sets out what these helmets actually show, where they fall short on a multi-day trip, how certification works once electronics are attached to a helmet, and the cheaper setup for someone doing a single trip.
Quick answer
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A HUD helmet suits riders who cover long distances, use navigation every day and accept a high price. A recent example is the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart with a display made by EyeLights: according to RideApart it shows maps, turn-by-turn directions, speed, time and calls, runs for about 10 hours on a charge and was offered for pre-order in Europe at 1,199 euros. For a short rental trip, a phone mount plus a helmet headset does most of that job for far less.
What a HUD helmet shows
RideApart describes the display on the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart as an EyeLights product. According to the article, it can show:
- maps, turn-by-turn navigation and route information;
- your current speed and the time;
- speed camera detections;
- incoming calls and messages when paired with an Android or iOS phone.
The article also notes that the display visor can be retracted, leaving a standard touring helmet. Features, prices and availability change quickly, so check the maker’s own page before deciding.
Two routes to a smart helmet, and the certification question
There are two routes: buy a helmet with the system built in, or add a device to a helmet you already own. The second route runs into certification. Bennetts BikeSocial (article dated 12 February 2026) explains the European ECE 22.06 standard this way:
- the regulation says no component or device may be fitted to a helmet unless it is designed so that it will not cause injury;
- SA (specific accessory): the helmet is tested and certified together with one particular accessory from the helmet maker and its partner;
- UA (universal accessory): a UA-certified helmet used with a UA-certified accessory;
- fitting an accessory outside those two groups is the owner’s own decision, and the article calls this a grey area.
That is the European rule. Helmet requirements where you ride may differ; how to read labels and standards is covered in our guide to motorcycle helmet types and standards.
Limits on a multi-day trip
| Limit | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | A figure of about 10 hours means charging every evening | Book places with a socket and carry a power bank |
| Rain and heat | Electronics have their own water-resistance and temperature ratings | Read the maker’s ratings before trusting it in tropical rain |
| Reliance on the phone | Navigation and calls run through the phone | Download offline maps and keep the phone charged |
| Distraction | The RideApart writer notes that many riders wear a helmet to escape distractions | Show only what you need and retract the display on demanding stretches |
| Price | RideApart places it among the most expensive touring helmets | Weigh it against the number of days you really need navigation |
The cheaper setup for a single trip
- Phone mount: the map sits in front of you with no extra device. See our motorcycle phone mount guide.
- Helmet headset: you hear spoken directions while your eyes stay on the road. See our guide to a motorcycle helmet communication system.
- Together they cover most navigation needs on a rental trip, and you do not have to travel with an expensive helmet.
What to check before buying
- Fit first, features second.
- A certification label that is valid where you ride.
- The battery life the maker states, and how it charges.
- Whether the helmet still works as a normal helmet when the battery is flat.
- Warranty and service in the country where you live.
If you are renting a bike
The helmet supplied with a rental bike is usually a basic one; if you want a HUD helmet, bring your own. Do not stick or clamp devices onto the shop’s helmet without asking. When you collect a bike from Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental, ask which helmet comes with it and check the fit before you ride off.
FAQ
What is a smart motorcycle helmet with HUD?
It is a helmet with a small display that projects information such as speed and navigation into your field of view, so you do not have to look down at the dash or a phone.
How long does a HUD helmet battery last?
It depends on the model. For the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart, RideApart reports about 10 hours. Check the maker’s figure for the exact model you are considering.
Does adding a separate HUD unit to my helmet affect its certification?
According to Bennetts BikeSocial’s explanation of ECE 22.06, staying within the approval needs a UA helmet with a UA accessory, or a helmet certified with that specific accessory (SA). Anything else is the owner’s responsibility and the rules are not clear-cut.
Do I need a HUD helmet to ride in Vietnam?
No. A helmet that fits and meets the standard, plus a phone mount or a helmet headset, is enough for navigation.
Sources, checked 12 November 2026: RideApart on the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart; Bennetts BikeSocial on ECE 22.06 UA and SA accessories.
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