Looking for a cheap 2-pack intercom to keep in touch with a riding buddy? The cepkquis E1 is a budget Bluetooth headset that does the basics. Rider-to-rider comms, music, GPS, and phone calls for around sixty bucks for a pair. It's about as entry-level as it gets.
Specs and Build Quality
The cepkquis E1 runs Bluetooth 5.0 with a claimed 400-meter intercom range between two riders. Each unit packs a 1000mAh battery rated for about 10 hours of mixed use. The speakers are 40mm with HiFi stereo support.
Key specs:
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Intercom range: 400m (claimed)
- Riders: 2
- Battery: 1000mAh
- Battery life: ~10 hours talk/music
- Waterproofing: IPX6
- Charging: Micro USB
- FM Radio: Yes
- Mics: Hard mic (for modular/half-face helmets)
Build is standard budget intercom fare. The plastic housing feels durable enough for regular use. The IPX6 rating means it handles rain and splashes without issues.
The 40mm speakers are on the larger side. They fit OK in most helmet pockets but may feel tight in snug-fitting full-face helmets. Comes with padding to position the speakers properly.
At 3.8 stars from 169 ratings, the cepkquis E1 has solid feedback for a budget pick. Most complaints center around the microphone performance at highway speeds.
Audio and Microphone Performance
The 40mm speakers deliver decent sound for the price. HiFi is a stretch. These are budget-level speakers. But they're clear enough for music, podcasts, and GPS directions at city speeds.
Wind noise becomes noticeable above 50 mph. The CVC noise cancellation helps on calls but doesn't eliminate wind buffeting entirely. The hard mic works well on modular and half-shell helmets but picks up more wind than a boom mic would.
Audio quality is decent for the price. Music has acceptable bass and clear mids. Volume is adequate even on the highway, though you'll want earplugs at higher speeds if you're on a loud bike.
FM radio is a bonus feature you don't always get at this price. Reception varies depending on your location and helmet position. Works well in urban areas, less so on remote highway stretches.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
With 169 ratings, there's enough feedback to get a real picture of the E1's strengths and weaknesses.
The most common positives focus on the value proposition. Buyers consistently mention that the E1 works well for the price and does everything a basic intercom should do. Pairing is straightforward. Battery life meets the stated 10 hours.
On the negative side, several reviewers mention the micro USB charging port as a drawback. Type-C would be nice at this point, but retrofitting a budget product to Type-C costs more. The hard mic design also gets mixed reactions. It works for half helmets but isn't ideal for full-face setups.
Some users report that the intercom range is closer to 200-300m in practice rather than the claimed 400m. Obstacles like other vehicles and terrain reduce range significantly. Typical for Bluetooth intercoms at any price point.
The IPX6 waterproofing gets praise from riders caught in rain. Several reviews mention using the E1 in wet conditions with no issues. Reliability over time seems solid based on reviewers who've had the units for months. A few long-term users mention that the micro USB port is the most likely failure point, so be gentle when plugging and unplugging.
Battery performance holds up over time too. Users who have had the E1 for six months or more report minimal capacity loss, which is a good sign for such an affordable unit.
Battery Life and Charging
The 1000mAh battery delivers about 10 hours of mixed use. That's music streaming, occasional intercom calls, and GPS navigation. Straight talk time is probably a bit lower. Pure music playback stretches a bit further.
Charging uses Micro USB, which is dated but functional. Full charge takes about 2-3 hours from empty. You can charge from a power bank on long trips, though the Micro USB port feels fragile compared to Type-C.
Standby time is decent. The units hold charge for a week or two between rides without significant drain. Turn them off after each ride to maximize battery lifespan.
Who Is This Intercom For?
The cepkquis E1 is built for budget-conscious riders who need basic 2-way comms without spending Sena or Cardo money.
Good fit for:
- Rider-passenger pairs on a budget
- Casual group rides with one other person
- First-time intercom buyers
- Riders who want FM radio
- Short to medium distance commutes
Less ideal for:
- Large group rides (2 riders max)
- Highway-speed communication (wind noise at 70+ mph)
- Full-face helmet users (hard mic design)
- Riders who need USB-C
If you and a friend or passenger need basic comms for weekend rides, the E1 delivers the core features at a fraction of the price of premium brands. Just don't expect flagship performance.
The cepkquis E1 competes in the same space as budget FreedConn and EJEAS models. The IPX6 rating and FM radio are differentiating features at this price. Most comparable units don't include both.
Check out our full intercom comparison table to see how the E1 stacks up against other budget options. You can also browse more intercom reviews for detailed comparisons.
If the E1 doesn't fit your needs, check out our full intercom comparison table for other options. Budget intercoms at this price point all make similar trade-offs. You are trading premium polish for affordability. The E1 handles that trade-off well for most casual riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cepkquis E1 work with full-face helmets?
It comes with a hard mic designed for modular and half-face helmets. Full-face users may find the mic placement awkward. An optional boom mic isn't included.
How far does the intercom actually reach?
Real-world range is about 200-300m in most conditions. The 400m claim assumes open terrain with no obstacles. Buildings, hills, and other vehicles reduce range.
Can I pair it with other brands?
Bluetooth 5.0 allows universal pairing with most smartphone intercom headsets. Cross-brand intercom pairing (Sena, Cardo, etc.) isn't a feature of this unit.
How long does the battery last?
About 10 hours of mixed use. Straight talk time is less. Music playback can stretch further. Real-world results vary with volume and usage patterns.
Is it actually waterproof?
IPX6 rating means it handles rain and splashes. Not fully submersible, but fine for riding in wet weather.
Does it have FM radio?
Yes. Reception varies by location. Works best in urban and suburban areas.
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Compare this with all intercoms in our comparison table sorted by price per rider.