Listening to music during motorcycle rides may not appeal to everyone, but it's a fairly common practice. On long journeys along straight paths, music can make the ride more engaging and provide something to focus on.
Have you ever thought about how to listen to music while riding a motorcycle? While you might assume it's harmless to play your favorite tunes, some lawmakers have a different opinion.
To clarify the situation regarding music and motorcycle riding, let’s explore:
- Is it allowed to listen to music while riding?
- And is it safe?
- In what ways can you listen to music while riding a motorcycle?
Are you allowed to listen to music while riding?
Yes, in most places you can listen to music while riding a motorcycle—but the details depend heavily on where you are. Laws vary widely across countries and even between states or regions.
United States: Regulations differ from state to state. Some states allow headphone use, others limit it to one ear, and a few ban it completely.
Australia: Listening to music is legal, but road safety bodies advise against earbuds or headphones. You could still face a negligent driving charge if police believe you were distracted and lost proper control.
United Kingdom: No law prohibits the use of headsets or earphones for music or communication while riding.
France: Since 2015, all hands-free communication devices are banned for riders and drivers alike—this includes motorcycles, cars, and other vehicles. However, motorcycle helmet communication systems with speakers integrated into the helmet itself (and not inserted into the ear) are generally allowed.
Germany: No outright ban on headsets or earphones, but under Road Traffic Regulations (Section 23), you must be able to hear surrounding sounds clearly, meaning devices that block too much noise could get you in trouble.
Safety comes first. Motorcycles are powerful, high-intensity machines, and distractions can be dangerous. If music affects your concentration—or you think it might—it’s better to stick to the sounds of the road.
However, for new riders, it’s best to avoid music altogether. When you’re still learning or adjusting to a new bike, you need full focus on riding and handling.
Motorcycling is thrilling, but the key is to manage the risks wisely. If you do choose to ride with music, take steps to minimize distractions and stay aware of your surroundings.
And is it safe?
Riding a motorcycle with music can be enjoyable and safe if approached the right way, but safety must remain the main concern. Key points to keep in mind include:
💡 Stay aware of your surroundings: Music should never block out essential sounds like horns, sirens, or nearby traffic.
💡 Control the volume: Keep it at a moderate level so you can still hear what’s happening around you.
💡 Maintain focus on riding: Set your playlist and adjust any settings before you start to avoid unnecessary distractions on the road.
Five ways to listen to music while riding a motorcycle
If you’ve decided to hit the road with music, there are several ways to do it—whether you want to chat with fellow riders, take calls, or keep your helmet setup untouched.
Bluetooth headset: A popular choice to listen to music, answer calls, talk to fellows, and more during motorcycling
A popular choice for motorcyclists, Bluetooth motorcycle headsets attach to your helmet and link your phone to built-in speakers and a microphone. Many helmet brands even offer headset-ready designs with ear recesses and cable channels for a clean fit.
Typical features include:
- Music and calls – Pair with your phone to stream music, make and receive calls, and use voice assistants like Siri or Google.
- FM radio – Tune in to local stations for news, sports, traffic, or weather updates.
- Intercom – Talk to a passenger or communicate with a riding group. Higher-end models offer greater range, support for more riders, and improved audio quality.
The more you invest in a headset, the better the sound and communication performance you can expect.
For riders seeking a reliable and affordable Bluetooth headset for music and communication, we recommend the Moman H2E. Equipped with 40mm speakers and dual Bluetooth chips, it delivers clear audio and supports audio multitasking, allowing simultaneous use of music, navigation, and intercom functions. The headset boasts a 1000-meter intercom range, making it suitable for both solo and pair rides. The 800mAh battery provides up to 25 hours of continuous use for long rides. Riders appreciate the glove-friendly knob control and customizable design, including interchangeable shells.
Bluetooth helmet: An all-in-one solution with built-in speakers and wireless connection for enjoying music on the road.
Another option is a helmet with built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. This setup offers the same advantages as a separate headset but without bulky external controls or uncomfortable speakers pressing against your ears.
Helmet speakers: An affordable and simple option to listen to music while riding
A budget-friendly and straightforward way to enjoy music while riding is by adding a set of speakers to your helmet. Instead of using a full Bluetooth headset, these speakers can connect to your phone or MP3 player via an audio jack or Bluetooth. This setup is typically far less expensive than a complete headset, yet still capable of delivering excellent sound quality.
Earbuds: A versatile choice for music on and off the bike
If you want a music solution that works both on the bike and in everyday life, earbuds can be a solid choice. They fit comfortably in your ears and connect wirelessly to your phone. High-end models often feature active noise cancellation to cut down on wind and background noise, and can offer up to eight hours of battery life.
Motorcycle stereo system: A safer way to listen to music while riding by mounting speakers on the motorcycle
Concerns about hearing damage from loud in-helmet speakers or earbuds are valid. If you’d prefer a way to enjoy music while riding that still allows you to wear earplugs, consider using a motorcycle stereo system. These setups typically involve mounting one or more speakers to your motorcycle, powering them from the bike’s electrical system, pairing with your phone, and enjoying your music on the go.
