Featured 4 min

Lightweight mesh intercom helmet connects up to 15 riders at once

Lara Yoki

Lumos is a company known for designing bicycle helmets with integrated lighting systems. Its previous models focused primarily on visibility and safety, helping cyclists become more visible and predictable to drivers on the road. The latest model, called Sonorus, is designed with an emphasis on communications and audio features, adding a built-in mesh intercom system. It is currently seeking support on Kickstarter.

Hanging out with a group of friends is a lot of fun, but most of the time it's not that convenient for chatting. It's hard to keep up with the news of life while pedaling on the side of the highway, shouting over the wind and traffic. Not to mention that communication becomes a safety issue when you need to inform the people in front of you that you have a flat tire or are falling behind. The Sonorus integrated mesh intercom is designed to improve communication between passengers.

See how it works. The system is activated with a touch of the helmet, and all configuration is done via a mobile app. You can connect multiple helmets (up to 15) to create a network that will help you and your group stay connected during your ride.

Lumos claims a maximum point-to-point communication range of 1.6 km (1 mile) between two helmets under “ideal conditions,” that is, if the terrain is free of obstacles. If you are cycling in a dense city, maneuvering between skyscrapers, the intercom range can be reduced to 0.48 km (0.3 miles). As more people join the group, the connection range increases, reaching a maximum distance of 8 km (5 miles).

Sonorus features a noise-cancelling microphone and open-ear design, allowing you to have a clear conversation even with the wind blowing at 45 km/h (28 mph), while still hearing your surroundings and keeping an eye on traffic.

Another cool feature is Bluetooth audio support, designed for listening to music, audiobooks, or even answering calls. Whenever you want to talk to other cyclists using the intercom, the music volume decreases instead of pausing completely, which is a pretty innovative feature for smart helmets on the market. Sonorus also allows you to connect the helmet to an action camera via Bluetooth to record videos and conversations.

This might be a downside for some people, but there's currently no support for music streaming, which means you can't share your favorite playlist with other users.

The battery promises to last up to 20 hours of active use. Charging takes four hours. The electronic module is fully removable on this model, so it's easy to replace the battery at the end of its life while keeping the helmet shell.

On the mechanical side, the product features improved ventilation channels and an Ionic antimicrobial coating. It is certified to the NTA 8776 standard for electric bicycles, includes MIPS and is also waterproof.

In addition to the new features, the Sonorus retains Lumos' signature lighting system, which helps cyclists remain visible from multiple directions at distances of up to 2 km (1.2 miles). It includes a handlebar remote control that activates the turn signals on the helmet, as well as an automatic brake light that comes on when you slow down. There is an additional feature in the lighting system: multiple helmets can be synchronized via the app, so the helmet indicators change simultaneously for the entire group of riders.

The Sonorus is available in three sizes and four colors: black, white, pink-white gradient, and orange-yellow gradient. It's not the lightest helmet – it weighs around 510 g (1.12 lb) for a size S, but compared to other smart and e-bike helmets it's within the typical range.

An early commitment on Kickstarter can get you one for $179, while the expected retail price is $249. In addition to the helmet itself, the package includes a handlebar remote control, kickstand, and a charging cable. If the campaign goes according to plan, shipping will begin in October.

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