Choosing electric bike lighting effectively

Cycling, whether for pleasure, sport, or daily commuting, requires particular attention to safety, and lighting plays a crucial role in this. Indeed, optimal visibility is essential, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles. In this article, discover how to choose the right lights for your bike, by respecting the legislation and ensuring your safety and that of other road users.

Is bicycle lighting mandatory?

By 2025, regulations will require specific lighting to guarantee the safety of cyclists, both those using traditional bicycles and those using electric bikes. electric bike.

According to the French Highway Code, any cyclist riding at night, or when visibility is reduced (fog, heavy rain), must equip their bicycle with specific lights: a front position light emitting a non-glaring white or yellow light and a non-flashing red rear light, flashing lights are now prohibited.

To increase your visibility, you can install additional lights or turn signals. emitting a non-glaring orange light. Finally, wearing reflective clothing remains essential to be clearly seen by other road users.

These measures, far from being mere administrative formalities, are vital safety provisions that significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

The different types of bicycle lights

There is a wide variety of lights adapted to each type of cycling:

• LED lighting They are renowned for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. They provide clear light and are available in a wide range of wattages.
• Dynamo lights They draw their energy from the movement of the bicycle. Although their installation may be more complex, they offer a sustainable and ecological solution for regular cyclists.
• Rechargeable lights offer the convenience of easy USB charging, ideal for urban cyclists and hikers.
• Solar lights, Although less common, they are gaining popularity for their durability and eco-friendliness. They recharge using solar energy and are suitable for cyclists in sunny regions.
• Smart connected lighting They incorporate sensors that automatically adjust the light according to the environment. Some models connect to mobile apps for personalized control.

Choosing the right light output for your bike lights

The brightness, measured in lumens, determines the intensity of the light emitted. For urban use, where streets are often lit, 50 to 100 lumens may suffice. However, for outings in unlit areas or for sports activities like night mountain biking, choosing lights ranging from 300 to over 1000 lumens is essential to properly illuminate the path ahead.

- Source: FUB

The criteria for choosing anbicycle lights

In addition to power, several criteria must be taken into account:

• Autonomy: Make sure you choose a light whose battery life matches the duration of your outings. Some lamps offer up to several dozen hours of light in economy mode.
• Weather resistance: Good bike lights should be able to withstand rain and, ideally, be waterproof so you can ride in all weather.
• Lighting modes: The ability to change modes (constant, flashing, eco) can be very useful depending on driving conditions.

How to effectively attach your bicycle lights

Properly mounting your lights is crucial for their effectiveness. The front light must be positioned to illuminate the road without dazzling other road users, while the rear light must be clearly visible from behind. Some lights offer innovative mounting systems that allow them to be easily attached to various points on the bike or the rider (helmet, backpack).

Tips for maintaining and extending the life of your bike lights

To extend the lifespan of your lighting fixtures, a few simple steps can be taken:

• Regular recharging: Don't let your batteries completely discharge.
• Cleaning: Keep the lenses clean for maximum light efficiency.
• Verification : Before each outing, make sure that your lights are working properly and that the fixings are secure.

And after lighting, what do we think about next?

Once your lighting system is in place, don't forget other aspects of cycling safety. Wearing a helmet, using a reflective vest, and regularly checking the condition of your bike are just as important to ensure safe rides.

Taking into account all the information and advice provided, Virvolt has designed three bicycle lighting kits specifically tailored to the needs of cyclists seeking to combine performance, durability, and safety. We are proud to present our complete solutions for optimal visibility:

The classic lighting kit includes:

• Robust front headlight: With its metal casing, our headlight emits 200 lumens (2.5 Watts) to effectively illuminate your path. Designed to operate within a 6-36V voltage range, it perfectly complements our 6V motor, ensuring consistent and powerful illumination.
• Visible rear light: Completed by a rear light in a plastic casing, emitting 50 lumens (0.6 Watts), it ensures your rear and side visibility thanks to its ingenious design.
• Complete mounting kit: The kit also includes two spacers, brackets for easy installation of the rear light on the seat post and the front light using a screw and nut, ensuring a secure and durable attachment.
• Advanced connectivity: For simplified installation, three cables are supplied, including a splitter (1*2) and two extensions (100 cm), all equipped with waterproof IPX 5 2 pin connectors - JULET, offering protection against the elements.
• Universal support: Whether you choose to mount your lighting on a luggage rack or in a more traditional way, our kit is designed to suit your preferences thanks to its versatile mounting system.

The Essential Lighting Kit includes:

• Headlight: The headlights in the Essential Lighting Kit are Axa models. The front headlight is a Axa Compact Line 20/V000-P-CL20. With a plastic casing, the front headlight emits 20 lux to perfectly illuminate your path and, above all, to be seen. This headlight is designed to be screwed onto the fork.
• Rear light: The rear light is an Axa JUNO - V000-P-JUNO50. Its clever design ensures visibility to the rear and sides. It is mounted on the luggage rack.
• Connectivity: Two 100cm cables are supplied, one for the front light and one for the rear light.
• Seatpost adapter: As an option, you can get an adapter of type V900-P-LIGHTSUPPORT.

The Supernova Lighting Kit Includes:

• Headlight: Robust and elegant, with a high-grade aluminum housing, the Supernova headlight emits 235 lumens. It allows you to see in the dark and also to be seen by other road users. When purchased as part of the kit, the headlight can be mounted on the top of the fork or on the handlebars. 31.8mm, which is a significant aesthetic advantage.
• Rear light: The rear light can be mounted seither by screwing it directly onto the luggage rack, or by adding an adapter to the seat tube.
• Connectivity: The supplied connector is a 100cm JULET cable for the front headlight.

  The connector length varies depending on the mounting method (the connection cable will be soldered by Virvolt). If mounted on the seatpost, the length is 60cm. If mounted on the rear rack, the length is 100cm. The additional connectors included in the pack are a Y-cable and a JULET double connector: V000-P-CLIGHTY20.

The supernova is the most efficient of the models, in terms of finish, mounting options and lighting quality (instead of a halo, it illuminates in a trapezoidal shape, which allows for strong lighting without blinding anyone).

This Virvolt Lighting Kit It has been specially developed taking into account the real needs of cyclists in terms of visibility and safety. Whether you are a nighttime mountain biking adventurer or a daily urban cyclist, our kit provides you with the necessary brightness to see and be seen, in all conditions.

At Virvolt, we are committed to providing high-quality equipment that not only enhances your cycling experience, but also ensures your safety. Discover our electrification kits compatible with the lighting kit by visiting our website.