• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Rad Owners Forum
  • YouTube Channel
  • Electric Bike Accessories List
  • Save on Ebikes
  • Contact
  • About
Ebike Escape

Ebike Escape

Ebike Escape is dedicated to electric bikes and electric bike accessories



  • All Posts
  • Ebike News
  • Ebike Accessories
  • Ebike Reviews
  • Ebike Deals News

Sena R1 EVO Helmet Review | Excellent for Electric Bikes

January 23, 2021 By Kara, Ryan

If you are anything like me, a typical conversation while riding our electric bikes with others consists of the following: ‘What?’ Huh?!! ‘I can’t hear you!!’ ‘NEVER MIND!!!!’ What begins as an enjoyable shared activity quickly dissolves into shouting, hand gestures, and silence. That’s what makes the Sena R1 EVO a game-changer and why we were so excited to review it. Whether you want to casually chat with one riding partner or a whole group, this helmet allows you to communicate with ease with built-in audio. No shouting or hand gestures required! If you prefer a video review of the Sena R1 Evo helmets scroll down to the bottom of this post.

Sena R1 Evo
Sena R1 EVO in Matte White

Sena R1 Evo Audio Features

A Mesh Intercom™ system offers clear communication between helmets. The intercom has a range of 1/2 mile which is perfect for when we go mountain biking and one person likes to take the ride a little slower.

The Advanced Noise Control™ even blocks the wind noise. We were astounded by the clarity of sound while talking at a normal level. While racing down the trails, the audio sounds as clear as if we were talking while stationary. Extremely impressive! There are 9 talking channels to select, which is convenient if you are riding in a large group and want to switch between conversations.

You can also listen to FM radio or your own music using Bluetooth to connect to your phone. Bluetooth also allows you to make calls and hear your GPS instructions. I also like that the built-in speakers do not cover your ears. You can still hear what is happening around you to keep you safe. Note that you are not able to listen to music and use Mesh Intercom™ at the same time.

Sena R1 Evo Voice Commands

Sena R1 Evo for Ebikes
Sena R1 EVO in Black (Click for larger image)

The Sena R1 EVO offers a ‘Hello Sena’ feature (similar to the ‘hey Siri’ feature from Apple) to perform voice commands. We found this feature rather buggy and irksome since triggering the command will temporarily not let you hear anything coming from your helmet. It would trigger occasionally when we weren’t trying to use it. We are hoping they improve this feature in a future system update.

Sena Cycling App Controls

The Sena Cycling App

There are three buttons located on the side to control the helmet technology. While all of the controls are at your fingertips, it’s hard to remember what button performs which function. Connecting to the App has proven to be a much better way to control the device. As a plus, the app is simple to use with large buttons.

I would recommend getting a phone mount for your bike (view our recommended mounts) so you have easy access to your app controls. The Sena cycling app allows you to group up with other Sena users, create FM radio station favorites, rear light control, and more.

The Look

The Seno R1 EVO only comes in two colors: matte black and matte white. Style-wise, the shell design feels familiar. I wouldn’t call it a sleek look compared to some of the more modern helmets we have reviewed. The communication feature easily makes up for the standard helmet look. But remember, this helmet was designed for road bikers in mind. It just so happens that many people love to communicate using Sena helmets while riding electric bikes. My wife and I both thought the included visor improved the look of the helmet. The built-in rear light is an excellent feature and the reflective straps are a nice touch.

Rechargeable Battery Power

A rechargeable lithium polymer battery is the power source for the Seno R1 EVO. Depending on the rear LED light usage, the intercom should last 7-10 hours. A full charge takes about two hours and a ‘fast charge’ of 20 minutes will give you about three hours of intercom use. The helmet comes with a micro USB charging cable.

Sena R1 Software Updates

The same USB cable can also be used to connect to your computer to update the software. Unfortunately, when I updated the software, the helmet seemed to become more buggy. I ended up rolling back the update and will hold off on updates for a while until I am certain they have the kinks worked out. Plus, the helmet works as advertised right from the box. I will be sure to update this article once I know the issue has been resolved.

Sena R1 EVO vs. Sena R1

The Sena R1 EVO is a bit of a spendy helmet at $159, but well worth it if you will use its audio features and have a riding partner with the helmet too. If you are looking for a cheaper version, check out its cousin, the Sena R1, for $129. I have heard only good things about the Sena R1.

The notable differences that the Sena R1 lacks are:

  • No rear light
  • Can only connect to 4 helmets
  • Visor not included
  • Uses Bluetooth for communication instead of Mesh

The New Sena M1 and M1 Evo

Sena M1
Sena M1 Helmet (Click for larger image)

While we used the Sena R1 EVO for mountain biking, Sena just released a mountain biking specific version called the Sena M1 EVO ($159) and the Sena M1 ($139). I personally prefer the look of the M1 helmets but you can decide which design you prefer. The Sena M1 also comes in a third color option, matte gray.

Bottom Line

While Sena offered us the opportunity to review the Sena R1 EVO, I could see purchasing another in the future to have on hand for group rides. With only minor cons (software update issues, and sometimes faulty voice command), I adore the Sena R1 EVO. Rides are much more fun when you can hear your partner(s) speaking and don’t have to continually shout ‘What!??’. It is one of my favorite accessories for our electric bikes.

Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments. If you decide to purchase, please consider using the affiliate links in this article which helps support reviews like this.

Related

Filed Under: Ebike Accessories

Primary Sidebar

My Favorite Ebike Brands

$100 Off Super73 Referral

Ebike Escape Newsletter

Signup to receive the newest content and deals!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

ebikeescape

7:30 CST (ish) LIVE unboxing of the @kbobikes Bree 7:30 CST (ish) LIVE unboxing of the @kbobikes Breeze electric bike over on YouTube. Ask me anything while I unbox a new ebike.  #ebikeowners #ebikestagram #ebikes #electricbike #kboebikes
Anyone take their ebikes on a sailboat? We were ey Anyone take their ebikes on a sailboat? We were eyeing up this Lagoon 450 at the dock while we took a break for lunch. Now that would be an adventure!  #radpowerbikes #ebikeowners #ebikes #ebiketravel #ebikeadventures #ebikestagram #eunoraufatawd #eunorau
So you want a $1000 ebike? Check out my latest You So you want a $1000 ebike? Check out my latest YouTube video (link in bio) featuring @arielriderebike @radpowerbikes @ride_1up @kbobikes @aventonbikes  #ebikeowners #ebikes #electricbike #electricbikereview #ebikestagram #radpowerbikes
Island exploring on the @eunorauebike #ebikeowne Island exploring on the @eunorauebike  #ebikeowners #eunoraufatawd #eunorau #ebikestagram #ebikeadventures
Check out my review of the @eunorauebike AWD dual Check out my review of the @eunorauebike AWD dual motor electric bike. Link in bio to my YouTube channel.  #ebikeowners #ebikes #eunorau #eunoraufatawd #ebikestagram #fattireebike #electricbike
Do we take water bottles seriously here at Ebike E Do we take water bottles seriously here at Ebike Escape? Absolutely! Check out what Ebike Escape writer @karbearko had to say about the CamelBak Podium water bottles. Link in bio to EbikeEscape.com  Did we mention they were easy to clean? 🀣  #camelbak #camelbakpodium #ebikes #ebikes #ebikeaccessories @camelbak
Anyone have an ebike adventure planned for the wee Anyone have an ebike adventure planned for the weekend? Here we are really putting the off road capabilities to the test of our Rad Power Bikes RadWagon and the Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0.  #ridrad #radpowerbikes #specialized #specializedvado #ebikeowners #ebikeadventures #ebikestagram #ebiketravel #rideconnected #senabluetooth @senabluetooth @radpowerbikes @iamspecialized_turbo
Excited to be able to give you a closer look at @t Excited to be able to give you a closer look at @tannusarmour tire liners. They  offer up to 15mm protection on the area that contacts the trails and up to 5mm of sidewall protection. Check out the link in bio for my latest YouTube video for the full review and install.  #ebikeadventures #ebikeowners #ebikes #ebikeowners #ebikestagram #tannustires #tannusrider #tannusarmour @tannus_tires
I talk a lot about new ebikes but it's important t I talk a lot about new ebikes but it's important to know that ebikes can last for years. Our 2018 @radpowerbikes RadWagon is still going strong at 4200 miles. Still (barely) on the original tires and brakes pads replaced once. Nothing noticeable as far as decreased range on the battery either.  I absolutely love cargo ebikes and it's ultimately what led to the launch of Ebike Escape.  #riderad #radpowerbikes #ebikeowners #cargoebike #cargobike #ebikeowners #ebikes #ebikestagram
Is there any better way to show your love for some Is there any better way to show your love for someone than helping to install @tannusarmour ? I don't think so!  #tannusrider #tannusarmour #ebikeowners #electricbike #ebikeowners #ebikestagram #ebikelover #ebikeaccessories #ridetannus
Another delay in my @tannusarmour install. #ebike Another delay in my @tannusarmour install.  #ebikeowners #ebikes #electricbike #tannusrider #tannus #tannusarmour #ridrad #radpowerbikes @radpowerbikes @eunorauebike
This bike is a blast in the sand. The only downsid This bike is a blast in the sand. The only downside? Having to clean off the sand/salt after riding to avoid rust.  #eunoraufatawd #eunorau #ebikeowners #fattirebike #ebikes #electricbike #electricbikereview #ebikestagram
I don't typically share ebike sales on Instagram b I don't typically share ebike sales on Instagram but @juicedbikes is running a pretty good sale when you buy two electric bikes. I'd be eyeing up two Scorpions. Check out ebikeescape.com for the details.  #ebikeowners #electricbike #ebke
Having a blast checking out the Specialized Turbo Having a blast checking out the Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0. It certainly is a beautiful ebike.  @iamspecialized @iamspecialized_turbo  #specializedvado #turbovado #specialized #ebikes #electricbikes #ebikeadventures #ebikestagram
Ever wonder how I film both on and off electric bi Ever wonder how I film both on and off electric bikes? In my next video I switch it up a bit and talk about the audio and video equipment I use. Hope some of you find it interesting πŸ™‚  #gopro #gopromax #rammounts #pixel3a #360camera  @rammounts @gopro @zhiyun_tech
Coming soon! Video on this very unique product: su Coming soon! Video on this very unique product: suspension stem by @cirruscyclesinc  If you spare no expense on making your ride comfortable then you should check it out.  #cirruscycles #suspensionstem #kinektwithus
This was our ride where we appreciated some of the This was our ride where we appreciated some of the nice backyards found in Florida. Plus they have this excellent walking/biking path.  @eunorauebike @radpowerbikes  #radpowerbikes #ebikeowners #ebikes #ebikeadventures #ebikestagram #eunoraufatawd
Curious what ebikes people are most interested in Curious what ebikes people are most interested in me reviewing! Post what ebikes you're considering below and I'll see what I can do. Here's a shot of ebikes where they belong: out exploring Β @radpowerbikes @iamspecialized_turbo  #ebikeowners #electricbike #ebikeadventures #ebikestagram
It's not always 🌞 and πŸ¦„. In my attempt to in It's not always 🌞 and πŸ¦„. In my attempt to install my @tannusarmour tire liners I accidently stripped my torque arm bolt on our @radpowerbikes RadWagon. Now recording and installation can continue! (Yet another reason why you should buy tire liners since it can be quite annoying to remove rear wheels on hub drive ebikes)  #ebikeowners #ebikes #ebikeadventures #radpowerbikes #ebikestagram #tannusarmour #tannustires #tannus #tannusrider
Checking out the bike infrastructure in Kissimmee Checking out the bike infrastructure in Kissimmee on our @radpowerbikes RadWagon.  #ebikeowners #electricbike #radpowerbikes #radwagon #radpower #ebikeowners #ebikeadventures #ebikestagram
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

More to See

Serial 1 Ebike Review

Serial 1 Ebikes Review & Walkthrough

February 2, 2021 By Ryan

Sena R1 EVO Review

Sena R1 EVO Helmet Review | Excellent for Electric Bikes

January 23, 2021 By Kara, Ryan

Rad Power Bikes Handlebar Mitts

Rad Power Bikes Handlebar Mitts for Cold Climates

January 11, 2021 By Kara, Ryan

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

This site uses Amazon affiliate links and other affiliate links when mentioning products. If you make a purchase, we will earn a small commission which helps support Ebike Escape.

Recent

  • Comparing Affordable $1,000 (ish) Electric Bikes
  • Easy to Clean Water Bottles: CamelBak Podium Review
  • Tannus Armour Tire Liners Review: Every Ebike Needs These!
  • Northern Tool Ultra-Tow Fat Tire Bike Rack Review | Affordable and 200 lb Capacity
  • Valentine’s Day Ebike Sales | Share the Love!

Search

Tags

500 Series 700 Series Abus accessories Ariel Rider bike lock comparison Core-5 discount ebike ebike accessories ebike helmet ebike lock ebikes electric bike electric bike review Electric bikes electric bike sale helmet Himiway Juiced Bikes Nutcase Pogies promo code promotion RadCity RadMini RadMission Rad Power Rad Power Bikes RadRover RadRover Step-Thru RadRunner RadRunner Plus RadWagon RadWagon 4 Review Ride1Up Ride1Up Core-5 Ride1Up electric bikes Ride1Up Review Roadster V2 Sale Super73 Thousand

Copyright © 2021 · Ebike Escape

Go to mobile version