The specially designed lens is shaped in such a way as to direct the beam well below the eyeline of oncoming motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. This, in theory, makes the roads safer for everyone.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a closer look at StVZO regulations, the potential advantages and disadvantages, and, with a growing number of StZVO bike lights available to buy, whether you should consider purchasing one if you need to upgrade your illumination.<\/p>\n
What are the StVZO regulations?<\/h2>\n\n ![\"Lupine](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/Lupine-SL-AF-01-8698c51.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723\" "\\"Lupine")
\n<\/picture><\/div> The beam of the StVZO-compliant Lupine SL AL cuts off sharply.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> \n ![\"Exposure](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/Exposure-Strada-Mk11-SB-Aktiv-01-f8f12e6.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723\" "\\"Exposure")
\n<\/picture><\/div> Whereas a powerful, non-StVZO-compliant light illuminates more broadly.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nStVZO, meaning Stra\u00dfenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (Translation: Road Traffic Licensing Regulations), is a set of rules that governs everything to do with traffic in Germany, including what sort of lights are required on road-going bikes.\nThe key point, and the one most relevant to cyclists elsewhere in the world, is that bike lights must have a cut-off in order to be StVZO compliant.<\/p>\n
StVZO lights must also be constant \u2014 no flashing or blinking patterns<\/a>\u00a0 \u2014 because the regulations state that anything other than a steady beam can be distracting to other road users.<\/p>\n More StVZO regulations\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n- Front and rear bike lights must be connected to a 6V\/3W generator, ie a dynamo<\/li>\n
- Race bikes weighing less than 11kg are the exception: they can have battery-powered lights<\/li>\n
- 205 lumens is the maximum output for the front light (down from 350 lumens following a 2020 regulations update)<\/li>\n
- Rear lights must be mounted between 60cm and 25cm above the road surface\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Reflectors are also required on the front and rear of the bike, pedals and spokes<\/li>\n
- Tyre sidewalls must have at least two reflective strips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
Non-cut-off lights, such as torches or spotlights, are not allowed on German roads at all. Most non-StVZO bike lights fall under this umbrella.<\/p>\n
At present, bike light laws<\/a> in the UK don\u2019t require lights to have a cut-off. According to Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns and advocacy at Cycling UK, the rules are pretty straightforward.<\/p>\n\u201cIn 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,\u201d Dollimore explains.<\/p>\n
\u201cA light obscured by a saddlebag isn\u2019t legal and neither is a torch on your head, though there\u2019s nothing to stop you using a head-torch as an optional or additional light.\u201d<\/p>\n
As long as your illumination setup adheres to these rules and you have your lights switched on between sunset and sunrise, you\u2019re unlikely to get stopped by the police. So, why should cyclists outside of Germany consider a StVZO bike light over a non-StVZO one?<\/p>\n
What are the advantages and disadvantages of StVZO bike lights?<\/h2>\n\n ![\"Lupine](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/Lupine-SL-AF-02-2092969.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723\" "\\"Lupine")
\n<\/picture><\/div> The Lupine SL AF retains an StVZO-approved cut-off at its highest output.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> \n ![\"Magicshine](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/Magicshine-ZX-Pro-StVZO-001-32d8156.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723\" "\\"Magicshine")
\n<\/picture><\/div> But some StVZO lights are too feeble for a lot of riding. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAs touched upon, the main benefit of StVZO bike lights is their directional lighting pattern, which stops them from blinding other road users.\nThis is something that might be worth considering if you do a lot of riding on busy roads in urban areas.<\/p>\n
However, the limited spread of light may not provide a wide enough range for some types of riding.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely a good idea in certain environments,\u201d says Nico Jeczawitz, vice president of sales and marketing at Lezyne.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, you don\u2019t want to be riding around the city with a 1,800-lumen light, blinding everyone who passes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this setting, StVZO makes a lot of sense. That said, for nighttime trail riding and mountain biking, the cut-off can be really irritating.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Supernova]( "\\"Supernova")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div> The limited spread of light offered by StVZO lights will be less appealing for mountain bikers.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nLights with auto-dimming technology, such as the Magicshine Ray 2600b Smart Remote Bike Light<\/a>, could be more appropriate where a StVZO beam is not a legal requirement.<\/p>\nThey 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).<\/p>\n
The best mountain bike lights<\/a> feature a high-powered, wide beam that makes it easier to spot upcoming obstacles and see around bends.<\/p>\nStVZO bike lights come up short in this regard. Still, for riding in low-light conditions on busy roads, they could be a smart option.<\/p>\n
Lumens vs. lux<\/h2>\n ![\"Supernova]( "\\"Canyon")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div> Dynamo light output is measured in lux not lumens.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nMany riders are used to lumens as the unit of measurement when choosing one of the best bike lights<\/a> to buy. 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.<\/p>\nWith StVZO lights, it\u2019s all about a different unit of measurement: lux (the brightness of StVZO lights in Germany must be at least 10 lux at 10 metres).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Jeczawitz illustrates this using a laser pointer: this is light concentrated to a point and so lumens aren\u2019t applicable. Instead, the measurement is taken from the amount of light output on the surface at the end of the beam.<\/p>\n
However, while lux is the dominant unit when measuring the output of StVZO bike lights, some brands do still use lumens.<\/p>\n
Do you need a StVZO bike light?<\/h2>\n ![\"The]( "\\"Genesis")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div> StVZO-compliant lights, such as dynamos, have benefits that extend beyond meeting the regulations.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nSo, do you need a StVZO bike light?<\/p>\n
Well, if you\u2019re cycling anywhere other than German roads, technically no. However, for cycling to work<\/a> and those who regularly ride on busy roads after dark, it\u2019s definitely something worth considering.<\/p>\nIndeed, the number of StVZO bike lights is growing across the board, with Cateye among the big-name brands to offer compliant units. Also, if you choose to fit a dynamo setup, most bike dynamo<\/a> headlights are StVZO-compliant.<\/p>\nPlus, a change to the German law in 2020 means that some brands are now offering StVZO-approved lights that include a high-beam mode. In other words, they enable the rider to switch from the StVZO cut-off setting to a more powerful full beam when needed.<\/p>\n
\n ![\"Magicshine](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/09\/Magicshine-Ray-2600B-Smart-Remote-Bike-Light-04-7f80bb0.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723\" "\\"Magicshine")
\n<\/picture><\/div> The number of StVZO lights on the market is increasing.\n ![\"Magicshine](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/09\/Magicshine-Ray-2600B-Smart-Remote-Bike-Light-05-c2ea4f7.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723\" "\\"Magicshine")
\n<\/picture><\/div> Low and high beams are key features in any front bike light. <\/span> <\/figcaption> David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u201cIt\u2019s high beam and low beam, just like in a car,\u201d Jeczawitz tells BikeRadar. \u201cYou have a button and you can switch between the two. Simply press for full beam and it will illuminate fully, going beyond the cut-off.\u201d\nLezyne\u2019s Power HB 500 was the first such light, offering a dipped StVZO-compliant setting and a more powerful setting that does away with the cut-off, providing much more coverage.<\/p>\n
There are also options like the Lupine SL X, which is designed for use with electric bikes<\/a> and provides even higher light output for increased visibility and illumination.<\/p>\n
\n<\/picture><\/div> \n<\/picture><\/div> The key point, and the one most relevant to cyclists elsewhere in the world, is that bike lights must have a cut-off in order to be StVZO compliant.<\/p>\n
StVZO lights must also be constant \u2014 no flashing or blinking patterns<\/a>\u00a0 \u2014 because the regulations state that anything other than a steady beam can be distracting to other road users.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> Non-cut-off lights, such as torches or spotlights, are not allowed on German roads at all. Most non-StVZO bike lights fall under this umbrella.<\/p>\n At present, bike light laws<\/a> in the UK don\u2019t require lights to have a cut-off. According to Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns and advocacy at Cycling UK, the rules are pretty straightforward.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 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,\u201d Dollimore explains.<\/p>\n \u201cA light obscured by a saddlebag isn\u2019t legal and neither is a torch on your head, though there\u2019s nothing to stop you using a head-torch as an optional or additional light.\u201d<\/p>\n As long as your illumination setup adheres to these rules and you have your lights switched on between sunset and sunrise, you\u2019re unlikely to get stopped by the police. So, why should cyclists outside of Germany consider a StVZO bike light over a non-StVZO one?<\/p>\n This is something that might be worth considering if you do a lot of riding on busy roads in urban areas.<\/p>\n However, the limited spread of light may not provide a wide enough range for some types of riding.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s definitely a good idea in certain environments,\u201d says Nico Jeczawitz, vice president of sales and marketing at Lezyne.<\/p>\n \u201cFor example, you don\u2019t want to be riding around the city with a 1,800-lumen light, blinding everyone who passes.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this setting, StVZO makes a lot of sense. That said, for nighttime trail riding and mountain biking, the cut-off can be really irritating.\u201d<\/p>\n Lights with auto-dimming technology, such as the Magicshine Ray 2600b Smart Remote Bike Light<\/a>, could be more appropriate where a StVZO beam is not a legal requirement.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n The best mountain bike lights<\/a> feature a high-powered, wide beam that makes it easier to spot upcoming obstacles and see around bends.<\/p>\n StVZO bike lights come up short in this regard. Still, for riding in low-light conditions on busy roads, they could be a smart option.<\/p>\n Many riders are used to lumens as the unit of measurement when choosing one of the best bike lights<\/a> to buy. 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.<\/p>\n With StVZO lights, it\u2019s all about a different unit of measurement: lux (the brightness of StVZO lights in Germany must be at least 10 lux at 10 metres).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jeczawitz illustrates this using a laser pointer: this is light concentrated to a point and so lumens aren\u2019t applicable. Instead, the measurement is taken from the amount of light output on the surface at the end of the beam.<\/p>\n However, while lux is the dominant unit when measuring the output of StVZO bike lights, some brands do still use lumens.<\/p>\n So, do you need a StVZO bike light?<\/p>\n Well, if you\u2019re cycling anywhere other than German roads, technically no. However, for cycling to work<\/a> and those who regularly ride on busy roads after dark, it\u2019s definitely something worth considering.<\/p>\n Indeed, the number of StVZO bike lights is growing across the board, with Cateye among the big-name brands to offer compliant units. Also, if you choose to fit a dynamo setup, most bike dynamo<\/a> headlights are StVZO-compliant.<\/p>\n Plus, a change to the German law in 2020 means that some brands are now offering StVZO-approved lights that include a high-beam mode. In other words, they enable the rider to switch from the StVZO cut-off setting to a more powerful full beam when needed.<\/p>\n Lezyne\u2019s Power HB 500 was the first such light, offering a dipped StVZO-compliant setting and a more powerful setting that does away with the cut-off, providing much more coverage.<\/p>\n There are also options like the Lupine SL X, which is designed for use with electric bikes<\/a> and provides even higher light output for increased visibility and illumination.<\/p>\nMore StVZO regulations\u00a0<\/h4>\n
\n
What are the advantages and disadvantages of StVZO bike lights?<\/h2>\n
\n<\/picture><\/div> \n<\/picture><\/div> ![\"Supernova](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/Supernova-M99-Mini-Pro-B54-01-0106f50.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413\" "\\"Supernova")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Lumens vs. lux<\/h2>\n
![\"Supernova](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/07\/Canyon-Commuter-7-05-34c2292.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413\" "\\"Canyon")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Do you need a StVZO bike light?<\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2021\/09\/Genesis-Tour-de-Fer-30-02-4f3598f.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413\" "\\"Genesis")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/picture><\/div> \n<\/picture><\/div>