Let there be light: The right lighting when cycling

The dark season is a challenge for drivers and those on the side of the road: a flood of lights, often wet, reflective roads, darkness and rain - cyclists in particular are often difficult to see or are spotted too late, despite having the correct lighting. We explain which lighting is mandatory and how you can be seen even better.

The law clearly specifies how a bicycle or e-bike must be lit. A dynamo has long been allowed to be dispensed with. Lights with rechargeable batteries are also permitted. On most e-bikes, as well as on the Simply.Lift SE cargo bike, the lighting runs on the e-bike battery.

According to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), bicycle lighting must include the following:

• A headlight with white light and an additional white reflector
• At the rear, a red tail lamp and a red reflector of category Z, whereby the reflectors at the front and rear may be combined with the lights
• Pedals with yellow reflectors that work forward and backward
• reflective white stripes on the front and rear wheels or two yellow reflectors on each of the spokes that work to the side or reflective covers on all spokes

In addition to this mandatory equipment, the following applies:

• Headlights may have a high beam function in addition to the dipped beam
• Taillights may also have a brake light function
• All lamps must be firmly mounted or plugged into the bike, not on the rider's clothing

In addition to the minimum lighting, we recommend using bright clothing, reflectors and additional LEDs (not mounted on the bike). With our luminous grab bag, the Simply.Glow LED bike backpack , we have created an everyday companion whose safety feature - the LED light bar - can be activated with a conventional power bank if necessary.

The highlight of the Simply.Glow is that the LED light shines far above the bike's rear light when you wear the backpack, so drivers of larger vehicles such as trucks can see you better in poor lighting conditions. Simply visibly stylish!