Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Best Tech Gifts For Drivers, Riders And … – Forbes

There’s a ton of tech out there for drivers and motorcycle riders, and over the past year I’ve been lucky enough to put some cool stuff to the test for Forbes.com. Here’s my list of the bits that worked best in my car and on my bike.
Lanmodo Vast Pro: $299, or $349 with rear camera
The Lanmodo Vast Pro features a sensitive camera designed to bring out details hidden in dark areas.
Last year, I tried out a Lanmodo Vast night vision system but ultimately returned it because it lacked a key feature: video recording. The new Vast Pro corrected that shortcoming, and it even includes a second rear camera to keep an eye on tailgaters. The forward night vision system is for real, and if you (or someone you know) does a lot of night driving, this is a great bit of tech to consider.
Bell Terrain MIPS Bike Helmet: $44.99
An inner liner on a MIPS helmet makes it safer and more effective at reducing injuries.
I did a deep dive into MIPS helmet tech earlier this year, and it’s no gimmick: This is technology that can save your life or greatly reduce injury. Helmets with MIPS tech reduce rotational head injuries and you can get them for just about any sport, from skiing to biking to motorcycling.
Escort MAXcam360c Radar Detector and Dashcam $849
The MAXcam 360c doesn’t have a bulky screen, videos stream right to an app on your phone.
Finally, someone has successfully integrated two of my favorite add-on driver’s aides: A radar detector and a dash cam. Escort’s MAXcam 360c ticks a lot of boxes, including a slim form factor, easy-to-use app, simple mounting system, lots of connectivity and traffic updaters, and clear HD video. Plus it’s nice to know if you’re coming up on a traffic camera or radar-wielding police officer.
Insta360 One X2 video camera: $429
Clever design, quality optics and unexpected extras make the Insta360 One X worth having.
I’ve been a photographer for decades, and new cameras have to be pretty special to get my attention. The Insta360 One X2 camera did just that with its huge and unusual capabilities, including immersive 360-degree 4K video with image stabilization, robust editing suites, round touch screen, clever app and impressive image quality. For capturing people in motion (especially on motorcycles and bicycles), it really doesn’t have an equal. It’s opened up a huge new chapter of photography for this old-skool film shooter, and I love how it supercharges my creativity.
HUDWAY Drive Head Up Display: $249
HUDWAY Drive system shows driving directions, speed and much more, and keeps your eyes on the road. … [+] Plus: Very high cool factor.
More cars are coming with Head Up Display systems and I’m all for it. If you’d like to add one to your vehicle, the HUDWAY Drive is an effective, intuitive device that shows speed, temperature, media info and messaging notifications, all in your line of sight instead of peeking at your phone. Once you try it, you’ll never want to drive without one.
Slime Cordless Tire Inflator: $96.99
Easy to use, reliable and it even works unattended.
Sometimes, a tool just works way better than expected. I wanted a quick way to pump up tires on cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles, and this power-tool style inflator from Slime has become indispensable. It inflates automatically (and hands-free) to a preset PSI, and can also inflate balls, pool toys and more. It will even charge up your phone. It lives full-time in my truck.
Eyelights EyeRide Head Up Display: About $450
The small nub over my eye holds a clear, bright HUD screen while the puck on the helmet is the … [+] brains and battery.
See that little thing in my helmet above my right eye? That’s an EyeRide Head Up Display from French tech company Eyelights. It may be small but it’s amazing, and really helps keep your focus on the road ahead while giving riding directions, music, phone ops and GPS information. Check out my review and yes, it works in the U.S.
Dainese Smart Vest Personal Airbag System: $699
The Smart Vest looks stylish but inflates in milliseconds in a crash. And it can be reused.
Cars these days are filled with airbags to protect you in a crash. Motorcycles? Not so much. Instead, many riders are now using personal airbag vests like the Dainese D-air Smart Vest and Smart Jacket. A built-in battery and sensor package monitors your motion and if you crash, the airbag inflates in milliseconds, protecting the vital chest area from impact. Modern tech and the slim design means it’s comfortable to wear on any ride. A true safety innovation.
BlueSkySea B4K Widescreen Dash Camera: $99
The colorful widescreen sets the B4K apart from other dashcams, and it’s also quite small.
I highly recommend every driver install a dash cam in their vehicle, and not just for the funny YouTube potential. They can be powerful allies in a legal battle after an accident. BlueSkySea makes a bunch but I recommend the B4K model as it is very small and unobtrusive, yet it also features a great 3-inch widescreen LCD for quickly checking clips. It records in sharp 4K, includes GPS metadata and has built-in wifi. Setup and mounting is simple and quick. A great deal as well!

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