E-BIKE LIGHTS: EVERYTHING ABOUT E-BIKE LIGHTS AT A GLANCE
If you are out and about on your e-bike, make sure that the lights are working properly. This is the only way you can be sure of seeing yourself and other road users in traffic. In this blog post, we tell you everything about e-bike lights – from headlights to tail lights.
See and be seen – there is no other component on an electric bicycle where this motto is more relevant than for the lights. On the one hand, lights are important for seeing at night or in poor weather conditions. On the other hand, they are also a crucial safety feature in road traffic. This applies to all kinds of bicycles, but especially to e-bikes: because you are not only faster on an electric bicycle, but often also more frequently on the road.
ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE LIGHTS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
When it comes to bicycle lights – and thus also e-bike lights – a distinction is made between active and passive lights. Active lights include bulbs that actively generate light themselves. This covers headlights, indicators, brake lights, etc. Passive lights are understood as meaning components that only reflect light when they are illuminated by an external light source. On bicycles, these are typically reflectors, which are usually attached to the front and rear of the bike as well as the spokes on the wheels.
E-BIKE LIGHTS: WHICH E-BIKE LIGHTS ARE AVAILABLE?
The most important lights on any e-bike are the headlight and rear light and, depending on the model, the indicators. As with classic bicycles, however, reflectors on the spokes of the wheels are also useful. As a general rule, all e-bikes on the road must be equipped with lights if the conditions – such as the weather or the time of day – so require. This is why most e-bikes already have a complete lighting system ex works. However, an electric bike can also be retrofitted with the appropriate lights after it has been delivered.
Headlight
The headlight is the most important light on a bicycle – and therefore on an e-bike too. It illuminates the road directly in front of the bike, thus providing a good view of what lies ahead. A headlight is essential, especially in the dark, fog or rain. Most models have a luminosity of at least 60 lux, which is sufficient to illuminate the road in front of the bike.
Most e-bike headlights have a so-called daytime light. This is a light function that can be activated in daylight in addition to the low beam. The daytime light makes cyclists easier to see in traffic and is therefore very important.
Some e-bike headlights also have a main beam. This light function can be activated in addition to the dipped beam during daylight or twilight. The main beam helps to increase the cyclist’s visibility in traffic.
Rear light
The rear light is mounted on the rear of the bike and illuminates the road behind the bike. Different kinds of rear light are available : for example, you can choose between LED and halogen rear lights. Once again, the brighter the light the better. That’s why you should pay attention to the brightness when buying a rear light. Most models have a light output of at least 20 lux.
Rear lights with brake light function are also available for bicycles and e-bikes, just like cars. Brake lights for bicycles and e-bikes are rear lights that detect the braking process while riding and then indicate this by flashing. This can be achieved by increasing the brightness or by using separate brake light LEDs, which also come on when braking.
WHICH E-BIKE LIGHTS ARE MANDATORY?
In Switzerland, Germany and Austria, there are clear guidelines on which e-bike lights are mandatory. For example, all bicycles that are used on public roads must have a headlight and rear light. A reflector is also required on each of the two spoke wheels. The lamps have to meet certain technical requirements and be regularly inspected.
Important: as of April 2022, all e-bikes in Switzerland must be equipped with a daytime light. This was resolved by the Federal Council in December as part of the new Road Act for e-bikes. According to the ordinance of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), both fast (with pedal assist up to 45 km/h) and slow e-bikes (with pedal assist up to 25 km/h) will require a daytime light from 1 April. The daytime light is usually generated by separate LEDs that produce a less intense light than the main headlight, but also cast it beyond the light-dark threshold and thus ensure better visibility during the daytime.
In Germany, Paragraph 67 of the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (StVZO), the most recently amended version of which has been in force since 1 June 2017, governs the topic of e-bike lights. Headlights may be equipped with daytime light and main beam; rear lights may have a brake light function. Each lamp that is operated by the e-bike battery must also be able to be operated for at least one and a half hours after the end of the assistance.
RETROFITTING E-BIKE LIGHTS
Of course, e-bike lights can also be retrofitted. However, there are a few points that should be taken into account. It is important that the lighting system complies with the legal requirements. Of course, it should also be compatible with both the e-bike itself and with the available power supply.
But this is precisely where the problems begin: for example, no standard has been agreed between e-bike drive manufacturers that makes it possible to obtain the voltage for the lights directly from the motor via “plug and play.” The cost of such an undertaking therefore depends to a large extent on the respective motor manufacturer. In addition to removing parts such as the trim, activating the power supply via software can also become a problem. We therefore recommend a trip to a specialist dealer, who can recommend and install the best option for the respective electric bicycle.
By the way: FIT offers a wide range of products related to e-bike lights and the retrofitting lights. Our e-shop offers a wide range of headlights, rear lights, reflectors and other lighting accessories. Please contact your specialist dealer for more information.
08.03.2022