Test/Product News: Lazer presents the new VeloVox, an open communication and audio system specifically designed for use on bicycles. The system enables group intercom, music and call control, and utilizes technology from communication specialist Cardo. It is also compatible with Shimano Di2 shifters and Shimano e-bike systems.
The Lazer VeloVox communication and audio system is aimed at road, gravel, and mountain bike riders, as well as group training sessions. Its core promise is hands-free group communication with up to 30 participants. Lazer emphasizes an open-ear design that preserves ambient awareness, offering significant safety advantages over traditional in-ear solutions. The system is thus intended to better meet the demands of road traffic.
The hardware consists of two compact units that can be discreetly attached to the helmet strap on the left and right sides, and are compatible with most helmets and goggles. The operating logic is split: the left focuses on group communication, the right on media and call control. Integration with the Cardo Connect app is planned.
Lazer highlights the integration with Shimano as a unique selling point: The Lazer VeloVox can be controlled directly via the Shimano Di2 shift levers or the Shimano e-bike system, so that your hands remain on the handlebars and your eyes remain on the road.
Lazer VeloVox – Key Technical Data
- Group intercom for up to 30 people
- Microphone with wind and noise cancellation (for clear voice transmission)
- Open-ear design (ambient noise remains audible)
- Battery life up to 11 hours, protection class IP54
- Weight: 19 grams per page
- Warranty: 2 years
- Recommended retail price 159,95 euros
With the Lazer VeloVox system, the manufacturer addresses the growing demand for connected communication on bikes – for example, for communication or coordination in training groups or for greater comfort on long rides. With its open hearing concept, the system aims to combine speech intelligibility with situational awareness. The fact that Lazer has chosen an established partner like Cardo for its wireless platform and integrated its operation into existing Shimano controls indicates a strong focus on practicality.
Lazer VeloVox review
In practical testing, the VeloVox proved to be a pleasantly unobtrusive solution: the two lightweight modules disappear under the helmet strap, don't press on the temples, and don't collide with most eyeglass frames. Nevertheless, it does take a little getting used to this setup. The button logic is intuitive – group communication on the left, media and phone controls on the right. Especially during the autumn months, it's a huge plus for us that the system can be easily operated even with long gloves.
The open-ear design works well. Road noise from cars, shouts, or the whir of an overtaking bicycle remain audible, which is particularly reassuring in city traffic. At the same time, the microphone's wind and noise cancellation ensures that your voice remains clear to passengers, even at higher speeds. Only rarely was the speech of your companions unintelligible in our test. In everyday use, the audio quality for speech transmission proved clear, while music playback remained, as expected, "airy." Due to the design, bass response and natural sound isolation are not comparable to in-ear systems, but this also eliminates the feeling of acoustic isolation.
The stated battery life is sufficient for all-day tours and the IP54 sealing was adequate for changeable weather conditions in the test – but probably less suitable for continuous use in heavy rain.
The system scores points with its stable group intercom connection and a pleasingly low learning curve: once set up with the app, subsequent rides are quick and easy. The integration with Shimano controls is particularly practical: users of Di2 shifters or a Shimano e-bike system can activate key functions directly from the handlebars without changing their grip position – a significant gain in control and safety on rough sections or in hectic traffic situations. However, it's important to note that group intercom use requires planning: the more people participating, the more crucial well-established pairing routines become.
For those who value hands-free communication in training groups and while commuting, as well as additional safety and comprehensive environmental awareness, the Lazer VeloVox offers a well-rounded package.