Lights on the (e-) bike
See & be seen with traffic-safe lighting on your bike!
Lights on bicycles are no longer just a “can”, but an absolute “must”. Anyone out and about in traffic should make sure they have reliable bicycle lights. After all, a good bike light not only increases your visibility, but also prevents accidents.
In this article, you will find out which components you need, what the StVZO (German road traffic regulations) requires for bicycles and how modern e-bikes such as the new 25 WINORA Yakun R5 Pro with brake light and high beam functions make your everyday life safer.
)
)
Regulations on bicycle lights / StVZO-compliant lighting
The StVZO (German road traffic regulations) stipulates that all bicycle lights - i.e. headlights and reflectors - must comply with the legal requirements:
Front light:
Must be a fixed headlight module that produces white low beam.
It can also be equipped with daytime running light and high beam functions, as offered by modern front bicycle lights.
Integrated white front reflectors are permitted (also as part of the headlight).
Rear lights:
The bicycle rear light must emit red light - often combined with an integrated red category Z reflector (which must not be triangular).
Modern rear lights can also include a brake light function (i.e. a bicycle rear light with brake light) to clearly indicate the braking process.
Test mark:
All lights and also the light sources used (e.g. bicycle light LED) must be type-approved and bear an official test mark (a wavy line, the letter K and a number).
Energy sources:
Allowed are dynamo-powered systems (e.g. hub dynamo), battery-powered or rechargeable battery-powered lights - according to the ADAC and StVZO, both have their place in the bicycle lighting set.
)
)
)
)
Innovative highlights:
Brake light and high beam also for the bike!
The days of struggling with a sidewall dynamo and dim bulbs for lighting are long gone. Modern systems rely on powerful LEDs and smart features:
Integrated brake light for e-bikes
Why a brake light on a bike? Brake lights have long been standard on cars – and now, you’ll also find them on premium e-bikes like the new WINORA Yakun or WINORA iRide. Thanks to the StopTech brake indicator, following road users can instantly see when you brake. This can provide crucial extra seconds and help prevent accidents, especially in urban environments.
Early warning: cars, other cyclists and even pedestrians can see that you are braking before things get dicey.
Seamlessly integrated: The bicycle rear light with brake light is built into the frame or structure, so no bulky attachments are required.
WINORA bikes with brake light
High beam for better visibility in the dark
There is also exciting news when it comes to front bike lights:
Modern e-bikes such as the new Yakun R5 Pro or Yakun R5 Pro ABS are equipped with a high beam. This allows you to shine even further into the distance in the dark or when visibility is poor.
Longer light range: Perfect for country roads or poorly lit paths where you reach your limits with a normal LED bike light.
Additional safety: A high beam increases your reaction time because you can recognize obstacles earlier.
WINORA bikes with high beam & brake light
Instructions for correctly adjusting the front light
To ensure that your front bike light works optimally - i.e. illuminates the path well without dazzling oncoming traffic - the correct setting is crucial.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Positioning:
Position your bike on level ground and switch on the headlight.
Distance:
Place the bike about 10 meters away from a vertical wall. This distance allows you to observe and assess the light beam.
Check the light cone:
Observe how the cone of light appears on the wall. The aim is to ensure that the upper edge of the light cone is within an appropriate range - ideally so that it illuminates the road sufficiently without shining too high and dazzling oncoming road users.
Adjust the angle of inclination:
Use the adjustment mechanism (e.g. an adjustment ring or screw) on the headlight to adjust the angle so that the upper edge of the light cone does not dazzle.
Test ride:
Take a short ride in an area with little traffic to ensure that the headlight is optimally aligned.
)
)
What else does the german StVZO require?
Do I also have to have lights on my bike during the day?
There is no general obligation in Germany to have your lights on your bike during the day. However, in poor visibility (e.g. fog, rain or gloomy weather), it is advisable or even mandatory to switch on your lights.
No lights on the bike - will I be fined?
If you ride at night or in poor visibility without any lights at all, you risk a warning fine of at least 20 euros. That's why it's worth having functioning lights, and not just for your own safety.
Is a headlamp permitted on a bike or is it sufficient?
A headlamp can be a practical aid, but it is not enough. The StVZO requires a front light permanently mounted on the bicycle. A headlamp may only be used additionally.
Visibility and reflectors
In addition to active light sources, the StVZO also stipulates the installation of reflectors:
Front and rear reflectors:
There may already be an integrated reflector on the headlight (white) and rear light (red).
Additional reflectors:
On the pedals: Two yellow reflectors each are mandatory.
On the wheels: There are several options for both sides of the front and rear wheel:
At least two spoke reflectors offset by 180 deg, or special reflective accessories such as sleeves on the spokes or retroreflective strips on the tires.
These measures ensure that you can see and be seen optimally - whether in city traffic or on country roads.
Don't have lights on your current bike yet?
No problem - now is the perfect opportunity to equip your bike with the right lighting.
Our partner XLC offers a large selection of high-quality bike accessories, including modern bike lights, reflectors and much more. Take a look and find exactly the right accessories to make your bike roadworthy and stylish!
XLC CatalogXLC Catalog