Bike lights: everything you need to know

Just imagine: It’s late, you’re on your way home after a long day. The roads are quiet, the air is pleasantly fresh and you enjoy the gentle hum of your tyres on the asphalt. Your bike light brightly illuminates the road ahead of you, while the rear light and reflectors ensure that other road users see you clearly. This feeling of safety makes every ride a pleasure – regardless of whether you are travelling by bike or e-bike. This is precisely why good bike lights and reliable reflectors are not only useful, but indispensable.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the right bike lights: from the legal requirements to the best technologies such as LED bike lights, bike bulbs and the use of dynamo systems. It doesn’t matter whether you ride a city bike, a road bike, an MTB or a trekking bike – there are customised solutions for every type of bike to ensure your safety and visibility. Regardless of whether you’re travelling on illuminated roads or enjoying yourself on unpaved trails, the right lighting makes all the difference.

Why is bicycle lighting so important?

There are moments that cyclists love: the sunrise on a quiet country road, the adventure of a trail at night or the city lights passing by. But all these moments are only safe if you can be seen. The right bike lights and bike accessories make all the difference.

The advantages of good bike lighting

1. Visibility: A high-quality front bike light and a powerful rear light ensure that you can be seen even in bad weather or in the dark.
2. Safety: Your bike light illuminates obstacles and ensures that you can react in good time.
3. Legal compliance: With StVZO-compliant bike lighting, you are legal and safe on the road.
4. Riding comfort: Modern technologies such as LED bicycle lighting and integrated e-bike lighting ensure flexible application options and reliable performance.
5. Flexibility: Whether with a classic dynamo, a powerful integrated e-bike battery or rechargeable bike lights – there is a suitable solution for every need.

With the right bike light, every ride becomes an experience

Cycling is freedom, and your lights ensure that you can enjoy this freedom to the full. Whether in the city, in the countryside or on night-time tours – with the right bike lights, you are not only safe, but also shine brightly with your bike.

What does the StVZO stipulate for bicycle lighting?

The requirements for bicycle lighting are precisely defined in Section 67 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). These regulations ensure that bicycles are safe and clearly visible in road traffic. Here are the most important rules:

1. Front and rear lights are mandatory

Every bicycle requires a white front bicycle light and a red rear light. These lights must be mounted in such a way that they remain stable while riding and cannot slip or fall off. For bicycles with a dynamo drive, the front and rear lights must be able to be switched on at the same time.

2. Authorisation and fastening

The lighting must comply with legal standards and be correctly installed. Unsafe or wobbly installation is not permitted.

3. Specified colours and position

• Front: a white headlight that functions as a low beam or a white reflector.
• Rear: a red tail light and a red reflector.

4. Light is supplemented by reflectors

In addition to active lights, the StVZO also prescribes reflectors to increase visibility:

• One white reflector at the front.
• A red reflector at the rear.
• Yellow reflectors on the pedals that are visible to the front and rear.
• Wheel reflectors (at least two per wheel) or alternatively tyres with reflective sidewalls.

5. Additional requirements for dynamo systems

On bicycles with a dynamo, the front and rear lights must work simultaneously. The hub dynamo is particularly recommended as it works more efficiently and quietly.

6. No flashing lights allowed

According to the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), flashing bicycle lights are prohibited as they can irritate other road users.

Fines for missing or defective lights

Anyone travelling without functioning lights not only risks their safety, but also a fine. The amount of the fine varies depending on the situation:

Security through clear rules

The StVZO requirements for bicycle lighting are clear and help to ensure safety on the road. With the right lighting, you are not only complying with the law, but also protecting yourself and other road users.

Bicycle lighting by bike type: Which light suits you?

Whether you’re cycling comfortably through the city, racking up the kilometres on tours or sweeping through the countryside at full throttle – the ideal lighting depends on your type of bike and your riding style.

Bike type	Front light (Lux)	Rear light	Special features
City bike	30-60 Lux	Standing light function	Dynamo preferred, reflectors on spokes and pedals
Trekking bike	50-100 Lux	Integrated brake light	USB charging, additional saddlebags
Mountainbike (MTB)	50-2000 Lumen	Small, removable	Off-road lights, high impact resistance
Road bike	30-60 Lux	Minimalist, lightweight	StVZO exemption for weight <11 kg
Gravel bike	50-100 Lux	Robust LED lights	Wide light cone, versatile use
Fitness bike	30-60 Lux	Lightweight, removable	Reflective tyres or clothing

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about bicycle lighting

• What bicycle lights are there? Active (lights) and passive (reflectors) lighting.
• How do bicycle lights work without a battery? Dynamos – electricity is generated by the movement of the wheel.
• How many lumens must a bicycle light have? 50-100 lumens for roads, 500+ for trails.
• How many lux should a bicycle light have? At least 10 lux, ideally 30-100 lux.
• Why does LED bicycle lighting flicker? Cause: Power fluctuations, loose cables or defective LEDs.
• Which StVZO-compliant lighting is the best? Dynamo systems for city cyclists, battery-powered LED lights for sports cyclists.
• What lighting must a bicycle have according to the StVZO? A white front light and a red rear light are mandatory. There are also reflectors at various points to ensure that you remain visible even when the lights are switched off.
• Are flashing bicycle lights permitted? No, flashing front or rear lights are not permitted. The StVZO stipulates that bicycle lights must be permanently lit.
• Are the lights alone sufficient? No, reflectors are mandatory in addition to the lights. These must be fitted to the front, rear, pedals and spokes.

Safety starts with the right bike lights

Whether you’re riding a city bike, trekking bike or MTB – the right bike lights will keep you safe on the road. Your lights are not only a legal obligation, but also an expression of responsibility and freedom. Be visible, stay safe – and enjoy every ride, whatever the time of day.

To be safe on the road, you not only need to be able to see your surroundings clearly, but also be clearly visible to other road users. Functioning bike lights play a crucial role here.