Japanese helmet legend Shoei has partnered with French augmented reality specialist EyeLights to create the GT-AIR 3 Smart — the first motorcycle helmet with a fully integrated HUD visor rather than bolted-on modules or standalone screens. For those who’ve followed Shoei’s relentless pursuit of safety innovation since 1959 (they also pioneered the first carbon fiber helmet back in 1976) and EyeLights’ steady climb from Kickstarter darling to AR powerhouse, this collaboration should be pretty exciting.
A Brief History of Almost Getting There
Smart helmets have been stumbling toward relevance since the 2010s, with projects like Skully and LiveMap being crowdfunded successfully before collapsing under the weight of production complexity. Meanwhile, EyeLights took a smarter route. First they started with retrofit clip-on units for existing helmets, and then spent nearly a decade refining nano-OLED projection tech small enough to embed without ruining a premium lid’s weight distribution or aerodynamics. That patience paid off. Where others tried to reinvent the helmet entirely, Shoei and EyeLights focused on augmenting what already worked.
HUD That Actually Works in Sunlight
The tech itself is third-generation nano-OLED projection, beaming turn-by-turn navigation, speed, radar alerts, calls, and notifications into your field of vision at what appears to be roughly 3m (~9.8ft) ahead. Unlike earlier systems that became useless the moment sun hit your visor, EyeLights claims this setup stays readable even in direct sunlight — a requirement that’s killed plenty of HUD attempts before. The display sits on a retractable inner visor, so if you’re not interested in data overlays mid-ride, you can flip it up and ride like any other GT-AIR 3 owner.
Shoei buried the battery, wiring, and electronics inside the shell without adding external pods or disrupting the helmet’s touring-lid comfort. You get 10 hours of runtime between charges, which should cover most full-day rides without needing to plug in at lunch.
Premium Audio and Universal Intercom
Beyond the HUD, the GT-AIR 3 Smart packs a full audio system with noise-canceling microphones, premium speakers, and voice assistant support for Siri and Google. The intercom system boasts unlimited range, unlimited riders, and compatibility with basically every brand on the market through both online and mesh offline modes. For riders who’ve dealt with the frustration of mismatched comms systems on group rides, that universal compatibility alone might justify the price.
Strip away the tech and you’re still left with a GT-AIR 3, which means Shoei’s signature build quality, wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics, and safety certifications that meet DOT and ECE 22.06 standards. The helmet comes in five color options: White, Matte Black, Matte Metallic Grey, Matte Metallic Blue, and Sharpen TC1 0.
Spec Sheet
Model: Shoei GT-AIR 3 Smart
Display: Integrated FHD Nano OLED HUD (visor-mounted)
Features: Turn-by-turn navigation, speed display, radar alerts, calls, music control
Audio: Premium speaker system with noise-canceling microphone
Intercom: Unlimited range and riders, universal brand compatibility, online and mesh offline modes
Voice Control: Siri and Google Assistant integration
Battery Life: 10+ hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth (Android and iOS compatible)
Safety Standards: DOT and ECE 22.06 certified
Colors: White, Matte Black, Matte Metallic Grey, Matte Metallic Blue, Sharpen TC1 0
Price: $1,199
Pricing & Availability
The Shoei GT-AIR 3 Smart is available for pre-order now with a €199 (~$230) deposit. At $1,199, it’s roughly double the cost of a standard GT-AIR 3.
Recap
Shoei Eyelights GT-AIR 3 Smart Helmet
Shoei and EyeLights just dropped the first motorcycle helmet with a fully integrated AR visor, ith turn-by-turn navigation, speed, and alerts beamed directly into your line of sight while you ride.
