Sena BiKom 20 Review: The Best Add-On Communicator for Ebikes?

Communicating on an ebike ride can often feel like a compromise. You’re either shouting over the wind, waiting for a stoplight to catch up, or relying on a series of complex hand signals. While integrated smart helmets have offered a solution, they require you to ditch the helmet you already know and love. Sena, a leader in motorcycle and cycling communication, has addressed this head-on. The Sena BiKom 20 is a lightweight, clip-on system designed to bring high-quality intercom capabilities to virtually any helmet.

We’ve spent years using Sena’s various products, from their Sena U1 and Sena R1 Evo smart helmets to the Sena Pi headset. But this little device feels different. It promises the power of their mesh network technology in a tiny, 20-gram package that you can attach to your favorite helmet. But does it deliver on that promise in the real world? We put a pair to the test to find out.

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What is the Sena BiKom 20? Your Ebike Communicator Explained

At its core, the Sena BiKom 20 is a modular communication system. It’s not a helmet, but an accessory that attaches to one. The main unit houses a speaker, a flip-down boom microphone, and all the electronics, weighing in at an almost unnoticeable 20 grams.

It uses Sena’s Mesh Intercom technology, which is a significant step up from traditional Bluetooth pairing. Instead of creating a fragile “chain” of riders, Mesh creates a dynamic network. This allows for a large number of riders to connect seamlessly, and if someone rides out of range, the rest of the group stays connected without interruption. It also retains Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your phone to take calls or listen to music.

Sena BiKom 20 Setup and Installation

One of the most compelling features of the BiKom 20 is the ability to use it with your existing helmet. Whether you have a high-end, ebike-rated helmet like the Xnito (NTA 8776 certified) or a comfortable daily commuter lid, the BiKom 20 is designed to adapt.

Inside the box, you’ll find the BiKom 20 unit itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a few mounting options:

• Two different strap mounts to accommodate varying helmet strap thicknesses.
• A clip mount for attaching the unit to a hat or cap.

Installation is straightforward. You choose the appropriate mount and thread your helmet strap through it. The BiKom 20 unit then slides onto the mount with a satisfying click. The speaker is positioned to sit near your ear, and the boom mic is oriented towards your mouth. We found the quick-release mechanism for sliding the unit on and off the mount particularly convenient for charging.

Sena BiKom 20: Real-World Performance

Getting a ride started is refreshingly simple, and you don’t need to fiddle with the smartphone app for basic operation.

1. Power On: Press and hold the two top buttons. A voice prompt greets you and announces the battery level (“Battery level is high,” for example), which is an incredibly useful feature to avoid starting a ride with a dead communicator. If paired, it will also confirm “Phone connected.”
2. Activate Intercom: Press the center button. The unit will announce “Mesh intercom on.”
3. Talk: Flip the boom microphone down. A tone confirms the mic is active, and you’re ready to talk.

That’s it. Your riding partner does the same, and you can immediately start a conversation. Volume is controlled with simple up and down buttons. The system is intuitive enough that after one or two rides, the process becomes second nature.

The Pros and Cons

After logging many miles with the BiKom 20, here is our breakdown of what we loved and where there’s room for improvement.

SENA BIKOM 20 REVIEW

Sena Bikom 20 Pros

Use Your Favorite Helmet: This is the BiKom 20’s biggest advantage. You aren’t locked into a specific helmet model. You can continue using the helmet that gives you the best fit, comfort, and safety features you prefer.

Excellent Ease of Use: The simple button layout and helpful voice prompts make operation a breeze. The flip-to-mute microphone is a standout feature; just flip the mic up to instantly mute yourself for a private conversation.

Reliable Mesh Communication: The audio clarity is crisp, and the connection is stable. While range can be affected by obstacles, it is more than sufficient for line-of-sight riding with a partner or group.

Great Battery Life: We consistently got through a half-dozen rides or more before needing a recharge. The battery level announcement at startup means you’re never caught by surprise.

Modern Touches: The inclusion of a USB-C port is a welcome update, reducing the number of cables we need to carry.

SENA BIKOM 20 Cons

The Price: There’s no getting around it—this is a premium product with a premium price tag. At $169 for a single unit and $319 for a dual pack, it’s a significant investment.

Single-Ear Audio: The system only has one speaker. For voice communication, this is perfectly adequate and has the added benefit of keeping one ear open to your surroundings. However, if you plan to listen to a lot of music, the mono audio experience is a clear downgrade from the stereo sound offered by dual-speaker integrated helmets.

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Sena BIKOM 20

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Final Thoughts: Who Is This For?

The Sena BiKom 20 is an outstanding communication system that successfully decouples the technology from the helmet. It offers riders the freedom to choose their preferred head protection without sacrificing the safety and enjoyment that comes with clear on-ride communication.

The user experience is polished, from the easy setup and intuitive controls to the reliable mesh connection and practical features like the flip-to-mute mic. While the high price point will be a barrier for some, and audiophiles may miss stereo sound, the BiKom 20 is arguably the best solution on the market for riders who want to add top-tier communication to the helmet they already own.

If you ride frequently with a partner or in a group and value clear, effortless conversation, the Sena BiKom 20 is an investment that will fundamentally improve your riding experience.

Ready to upgrade your ride with the Sena BiKom 20? Use our affiliate link to get yours from the official Sena store and support content like this at no extra cost to you. As a bonus, get 10% off with our exclusive discount code →EBIKEESCAPE