![]() However, for cycling to work and those who regularly ride on busy roads after dark, it’s definitely something worth considering. Well, if you’re cycling anywhere other than German roads, technically no. However, while lux is the dominant unit when measuring the output of StVZO bike lights, some brands do still use lumens.ĭo you need a StVZO bike light? StVZO-compliant lights, such as dynamos, have benefits that extend beyond meeting the regulations. Instead, the measurement is taken from the amount of light output on the surface at the end of the beam. Jeczawitz illustrates this using a laser pointer: this is light concentrated to a point and so lumens aren’t applicable. If lumens can be used to measure the amount of visible light thrown out in all directions, lux is the measurement of light at one point on a surface. With StVZO lights, it’s all about a different unit of measurement: lux (the brightness of StVZO lights in Germany must be at least 10 lux at 10 metres). In many respects, lumens has become the de facto standard and describes the total amount of light emitted by a source, telling us, in simple terms, how bright a given light will be. Many riders are used to lumens as the unit of measurement when choosing one of the best bike lights to buy. lux Dynamo light output is measured in lux not lumens. Still, for riding in low-light conditions on busy roads, they could be a smart option. StVZO bike lights come up short in this regard. The best mountain bike lights feature a high-powered, wide beam that makes it easier to spot upcoming obstacles and see around bends. They only drop their beam when a sensor detects oncoming light, such as a car headlight, or a brighter ambient light (from street lights, for example). Lights with auto-dimming technology, such as the Magicshine Ray 2600b Smart Remote Bike Light, could be more appropriate where a StVZO beam is not a legal requirement. That said, for nighttime trail riding and mountain biking, the cut-off can be really irritating." The limited spread of light offered by StVZO lights will be less appealing for mountain bikers. "In this setting, StVZO makes a lot of sense. “For example, you don’t want to be riding around the city with a 1,800-lumen light, blinding everyone who passes. “It’s definitely a good idea in certain environments,” says Nico Jeczawitz, vice president of sales and marketing at Lezyne. However, the limited spread of light may not provide a wide enough range for some types of riding. This is something that might be worth considering if you do a lot of riding on busy roads in urban areas. Russell Burton / Our MediaĪs touched upon, the main benefit of StVZO bike lights is their directional lighting pattern, which stops them from blinding other road users. What are the advantages and disadvantages of StVZO bike lights?īut some StVZO lights are too feeble for a lot of riding. So, why should cyclists outside of Germany consider a StVZO bike light over a non-StVZO one? “A light obscured by a saddlebag isn't legal and neither is a torch on your head, though there's nothing to stop you using a head-torch as an optional or additional light.”Īs long as your illumination setup adheres to these rules and you have your lights switched on between sunset and sunrise, you’re unlikely to get stopped by the police. ![]() ![]() “In summary, you need a white light at the front and a red light at the rear, visible from the front and rear respectively and fixed to your bike,” Dollimore explains. According to Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns and advocacy at Cycling UK, the rules are pretty straightforward. Most non-StVZO bike lights fall under this umbrella.Īt present, bike light laws in the UK don’t require lights to have a cut-off. Non-cut-off lights, such as torches or spotlights, are not allowed on German roads at all. Tyre sidewalls must have at least two reflective strips.Reflectors are also required on the front and rear of the bike, pedals and spokes.Rear lights must be mounted between 60cm and 25cm above the road surface.205 lumens is the maximum output for the front light (down from 350 lumens following a 2020 regulations update).Race bikes weighing less than 11kg are the exception: they can have battery-powered lights.Front and rear bike lights must be connected to a 6V/3W generator, ie a dynamo.
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