Battery taillights: When it comes to lighting, cyclists today benefit from uncomplicated rules and high-quality technology. However, it can't hurt to know what the StVZO requires - here's a brief overview.
Cyclists in particular have benefited from the new version of the legal regulations on bicycle lighting in June 2017: the requirement to carry battery-powered lights has been lifted; According to the current version of Section 67 of the StVZO, bicycles today only have to be illuminated “during twilight, in the dark or when visibility otherwise requires it”. Tours with MTBs, racing bikes and gravel bikes have become a little more legal - although the police can still complain about the lack of reflectors, which of course almost never happens in practice.
Battery rear lights: Please pay attention to the K number!
Anyone who installs battery-powered headlights and taillights when darkness falls cannot, of course, use everything the market offers: only lights approved by the Federal Motor Vehicle Authority are permitted, recognizable by their wavy line and K number. These are characterized primarily by the fact that they do not have a flashing mode - flashing lights are not permitted as bicycle lights in this country (but are permitted as additional lights that are attached to clothing, for example). The commonly cited reason for this is that blinking makes it more difficult to perceive distance. A brake light function is permitted.
In order to comply with legal regulations, a backlight must not exceed certain brightness values specified in TA 14 (technical requirements). StVZO are determined. The rear light must not shine permanently brighter than 12 candelas above the horizontal plane. If installed correctly, it can be assumed that this requirement is met: The light must be installed at a height of 25 to 120 centimeters, so it can be mounted on the seat stays of the rear triangle as well as on the seat post. The vast majority of battery-powered taillights are tailored to the latter. This means they also meet another requirement of the StVZO: “Lighting equipment must not be covered.” Of course, bicycle lights must be “firmly attached during operation” and “secured against accidental adjustment under normal operating conditions”; For the rear light, this means mounting it so tightly that it cannot twist sideways.
No specifications regarding the lighting duration
It doesn't provide any information StVZO on the aspect of lighting duration. A charge level indicator is not required either, but there is a warning light that warns that it will be recharged soon. How long you can drive with lights can generally be determined by the price: Of course, you shouldn't expect sophisticated battery technology from a cheap light. In practice, some inexpensive models also shine for a surprisingly long time. Especially if you use it rarely, you shouldn't forget to charge it (usually via Micro-USB).
Manufacturers like Busch and Müller offer only StVZO-compliant lights on; others adapt their products to the requirements of the respective markets. That's how it will be Garmin Varies In addition to the version with K number and wavy line, a version with flashing mode is also available, which is not sold in Germany.
But there are also providers who sell their "illegal" lights in this country, which is nothing wrong with - anyone who purchases and uses such a product should not be surprised if the police officer imposes a fine on the flashing light. In practice, however, this should only rarely happen - like the regulations on bicycle lighting, the police have also become more pragmatic and are usually satisfied that people cycle with lights at all.
Tips for choosing the right taillight
Aside from the legal aspects, practical considerations also play a role when purchasing a taillight. Attachment is an important issue, and rubber rings or bands have now become commonplace, which connect the light directly to the bicycle. Some manufacturers use a separate holder, which is either screwed on or attached with rubber - whether the latter makes sense remains to be seen. Absolute brightness is secondary in view of the powerful LEDs; What seems more important is that the light radiates in all directions.
A practical feature of some battery-powered rear lights is an automatic switch-on via sensor. This is practical, for example, when you enter an unlit tunnel on your racing bike; However, in traffic it makes sense to always drive with your taillights on anyway. Experience shows that narrow overtaking maneuvers are then less frequent. A brake light function is also a good thing.
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Riding with a light on the seat post is a real safety plus, even during the day - and not the least bit “uncool”, as professional cyclists around the world prove. You can't go wrong when buying, instead there is a wide variety of models and versions with interesting additional functions. For many cyclists, a rear light is […]
Integrated taillights
Some manufacturers have gone a step further and equip their bikes with a permanently integrated rear light. For example, at BULLS the SONIC and the new one VUCA E-MTB model series equipped with a small rear light in the rear. We are excited to see whether this will catch on and perhaps soon be seen on gravel bikes or racing bikes.
