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This article was first published on 12 January 2022. We have reviewed it and adapted it in places.
Ever fart in dead silence in the theatre? Forked the soup in a restaurant or even secretly pooped in the swimming pool? Definitely - when even the Bible preaches that the forbidden fruit tastes best ... But as tempting as it may be to step out of line, rebel against norms or even break the rules: When it comes to road safety, common sense should prevail. Especially now that the days are getting shorter and the nights longer, many an after-work ride ends in the dark. A lamp that complies with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) is not only mandatory, but also sensible: the test guarantees minimum illumination and a light field that does not blind oncoming traffic when installed correctly.
Difference in the StVZO approval
Simply screwing the light onto the e-bike handlebars is not enough. There are a few more things to consider when riding an e-MTB in road traffic at night. Firstly, the light used must comply with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). It therefore needs the German approval mark - the K number. A helmet lamp is not an authorised (e-)bike light. Anyone travelling without or with an unauthorised light will be fined up to 35 euros if checked. Even worse, however, is that you are at least partly to blame in the event of an accident. According to the StVZO, the front light must be fitted in such a way that it does not dazzle oncoming road users. Since 2017, lamps with a high beam function have also been permitted - on one condition: The high beam is either switched on and off automatically in the event of oncoming traffic or can be controlled via a switch on the handlebars. Roadworthy lighting is only complete when a rear light is also lit on the bike. Both lights must not flash and must be mounted between 40 and 120 centimetres above the ground. Side reflectors are still mandatory.
The 6 e-bike headlights in comparison
We tested six e-bike handlebar lights with the corresponding test mark in the laboratory and in practice. All of them are connected directly to the light output of the motor and thus draw the necessary energy from the main battery. Although this makes installation time-consuming, the lights are always with you and offer maximum reliability. But how much light do you actually need on cycle paths or in road traffic? Is it more about the brightness or the optimum distribution of light? To find out, we ordered lamps from 97 to 350 euros for testing. There is already a wide range of brightness: in low beam mode it varies between 270 (Cube) and 416 lumens (Supernova), with the Lupine SLX marking a lonely peak value of 691 lumens. There is also a new feature: since 2017, the Federal Motor Transport Authority has permitted an additional high beam - provided, of course, that other road users are not dazzled.
Switching between the two light levels must therefore take place automatically or via a control element on the handlebars, such as on a motorbike. One advantage of the low beam: When you brake, the suspension fork on e-mountainbikes is lowered and so is the light cone. This shortens the light range enormously, especially downhill. A high beam shines more upwards and outwards, which compensates for the loss. Signs, branches and bends are also easier to recognise. The more expensive models from Busch & Müller, Lupine, Supernova and Lezyne have such a high beam function - in some cases with immense luminosity: The Supernova M99 Mini produces a whopping 1244 lumens in high beam mode, with Lupine just behind. Bringing up the rear and also the cheapest light in this category is the Lezyne with 691 lumens.
Even with e-bike lighting: illumination is crucial
In practice, the measured values are quickly put into perspective: it is not the pure amount of light, but the sensible illumination that defines the true quality of a lamp. For example, the light cone from Lezyne shines very well into the distance in both light levels, but the areas to the left and right of the path are rather under-lit. This quickly turns tight bends into a blind ride. Also unpleasant for the eye: the light pattern is extremely inhomogeneous. In this respect, however, the models from Lupine and Supernova do an excellent job. They are characterised by a very even and wide light pattern that also illuminates areas off the beaten track well. Lupine in particular stands out from the rest of the test field with its low beam.
High beam mode
If, on the other hand, you switch on the high beam of the supernova, the term "enlightenment" takes on a whole new meaning. The beam splits the darkness of the night like a giant lightsabre. The extreme aperture angle even illuminates the treetops. This aha effect does not occur with the other high beam models. Overall, the two candidates without high beam behaved in a similar way. Visually, the Cube and Litemove headlights are like two peas in a pod. Even in the practical test, there doesn't seem to be much more separating them than the lettering. Their illumination is homogeneous, but the boundary between light and dark is very hard. Their brightness is not overwhelming, but is perfectly adequate for everyday use. The inexpensive models prove that super-bright but poorly controlled lumen monsters without a test mark are out of place on cycle paths and roads. If you want to let off steam, you can tear up the silence in front of a theatre performance with the sound of ventilation. But speeding along the cycle path with 6000 lumens and dazzling oncoming traffic is superfluous - and definitely not the smart thing to do.
We have tested these 6 e-bike headlights
- Busch & Müller IQ-XM (with high beam)
- Lezyne ebike power hb StVZO (with high beam)
- Lupine SL X (with high beam)
- Supernova M99 Mini Pro (with high beam)
- Cube Pro-E 110 (without high beam)
- Litemove SE-150 (without high beam)
How EMTB tests the e-bike lighting
The ratings are based on extensive laboratory tests and practical riding impressions. In the Supernova light laboratory, EMTB used an integrating sphere to determine the exact amount of light from the lamps (lumens). In addition, we recorded the illuminance (lux) and the exact light distribution in a goniometer measurement. This allows an objective judgement to be made about the light output of all the lamps. All test subjects are designed for a voltage of 12 volts, which can also be tapped from all modern Bosch motors. However, the measurements were carried out at a nominal voltage of 13.5 volts. This is the usual measurement voltage for approval tests in accordance with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).
E-bike lighting - Lexicon
Lumen
The luminous flux in lumens indicates the total radiant power of a light source per unit of time. However, there is no statement about the light distribution. In terms of bike lighting, this means that unpleasant spot lighting with dark peripheral areas can also be hidden behind a high number of lumens.
Lux
The illuminance at a specific point on a surface is specified in lux. A laser pointer, for example, delivers enormous lux values, but is useless as bike lighting. To determine the exact light distribution of the lamps, we measured lux values from the centre to the edge of the light cone.
IP and IK protection class
On E-MTBs, lights are often exposed to moisture, dust and impacts. IP68, for example, indicates that the light is protected against dust and water (permanent immersion). The lower the first number, the lower the dust protection. The lower the second digit, the lower the protection against water. The IK standard provides information about the impact resistance of a lamp (max. IK10).
K number
If a lamp complies with the StVZO, it has the German test mark with a wavy line and the capital letter K as well as a number (K-...) on the housing.
E-bike headlights with high beam in the test
In low beam mode, the Busch & Müller forms a long, wide cone of light with spot illumination in the distance. This is where the lamp has the strongest beam. The metres in front of the front wheel and to the left and right of the path only receive dimmed light. When the high beam is switched on, the rider can see much further into the distance. Lateral illumination suffers as a result. The IQ-XM reliably illuminates tight bends - albeit not with outstanding brightness. Compared to the price, the workmanship is rather modest.
Busch & Müller IQ-XM
- Price: 199 Euro >> available here
- High beam: Lumen measured: 770
- Low beam: Lumen measured: 308
Valuation
- Efficiency* 6 out of 10
- High beam 7 out of 10
- Low beam 7 out of 10
- Handling 6 of 10
Lezyne ebike power hb StVZO
The thick Lezyne on the E-MTB handlebars looks like the light bar on the roof of a rally truck. It shines brightly and far. High beam and low beam hardly differ in their luminosity. The light patterns of both brightness levels consist of two fields separated by a clear dark strip. The narrow light cone focusses almost the entire light output on a narrow, very bright strip. The widths away from the strip are blocked. Here, cornering is literally like flying blind. Otherwise, the solid workmanship is impressive.
- Price: 150 Euro >> available here
- High beam: Lumen measured: 691
- Low beam: Lumen measured: 336
Valuation
- Efficiency* 7 out of 10
- High beam 6 out of 10
- Low beam 7 out of 10
- Handling 6 of 10
Lupine SL X
With a 275 lumen lead, the Lupine SL X outshines the majority of the test field by far in low beam mode. Only the Supernova can keep up here. Excellent range, even light distribution, good illumination even in the peripheral areas directly in front of the front wheel. If you want to tickle out the maximum, switch on the high beam. The Lupine shines even better into the distance, but the upward beam angle is only mediocre. Tight bends, on the other hand, shine brightly in both lighting levels. There is also a daytime running light.
- Price: 400 Euro >> available here
- High beam: Lumen measured: 1230
- Low beam: Lumen measured: 691
Valuation
- Efficiency*9 out of 10
- High beam 9 out of 10
- Low beam 9 out of 10
- Handling 7 out of 10
Supernova M99 Mini Pro
When it comes to high beam, the Supernova M99 Mini Pro headlight is second to none. The upward beam angle is almost twice as high as that of its competitors - despite the suspension fork dipping down, you have everything in view. The light patterns of the low beam and high beam are very similar. Both have a very bright, homogeneous centre. However, the modes differ significantly in terms of luminosity. The peripheral areas are pleasantly bright. The Freiburg lights are on a par with Lupine when it comes to illumination in bends. Very pleasant low beam.
- Price: 260 Euro >> available here
- High beam: Lumen measured: 1244
- Low beam: Lumen measured: 416
Valuation
- Efficiency* 10 out of 10
- High beam 10 out of 10
- Low beam 9 out of 10
- Handling 7 out of 10
E-bike headlights without high beam in the test
Cube Pro-E 110
The compact and lightweight Cube naturally falls somewhat short in a direct light comparison with the more expensive competition with high beam. It provides the weakest dipped beam in the test. However, it is certainly sufficient for use in road traffic. However, high speeds are not possible with the moderate illumination. The light distribution is very concentrated in the centre. The brightness drops off abruptly at the edge of the light cone. Areas away from the road receive only sparse light, which impairs fast cornering.
- Price: 99 Euro
- High beam: No high beam
- Low beam: Lumen measured: 270
Valuation
- Efficiency* 7 out of 10
- Low beam 6 out of 10
- Handling 8 out of 10
Litemove SE-150
As the second lamp without a high beam in the test field, the Litemove is in a neck-and-neck race with the Cube. Even though they hardly differ visually, the laboratory values were confirmed after multiple practical tests: If you look closely, the Litemove is slightly brighter. The higher lumen output is particularly noticeable in the front part of the light cone. Here, the mini spotlight produces a very bright light that becomes constantly dimmer in the distance. In terms of illumination, the two competitors are on a par.
- Price: 110 Euro
- High beam: No high beam
- Low beam: Lumen measured: 388
Valuation
- Efficiency*6 out of 10
- Low beam 7 out of 10
- Handling 8 out of 10
* The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. This is how the assessment of the individual test requirements is made up: Efficiency: Lumen / watt of low beam (50 %) and lumen / watt of high beam (50 %), High beam: Lux, lumen, beam angle (50 %), Riding impression (50 %), Low beam: Lumen, lux (50 %) , Riding impression (50 %), Handling: Practical impression
Workshop Connecting e-bike lighting to the battery
The power comes from the socket. But before the headlight converts it into lux and lumen, it has to pass through the e-bike battery. Connecting it is not trivial, and the workshop may have to help. But these four checkpoints are guaranteed to light up the spotlight.
Check
There are two basic things to clarify before buying e-bike lighting: How much voltage is present at the light port of my e-bike motor? And what voltage is my light designed for? In the worst case scenario, the wrong combination will destroy the headlight. In other words, if you use a lamp that is only designed for 6 volts and plug it into a motor with a 12-volt light port, the lamp will not light up or will be damaged. Many manufacturers therefore offer their lamps for 6 or 12 volts. Some models also have automatic power adjustment to the connection voltage of the motor. This means that the headlights work in the same way on a 12-volt connection as on a 6-volt connection.
Connect
The contacts for the connection cable of the e-bike light are located directly on the motor. To reach them, you have to remove the motor cover. If you want to route the cables through the frame from there, the motor must be unhooked for Bosch and Shimano. With Brose, it is sufficient to remove the side cover in order to route the cable through the frame to the contact plug. When connecting to the Shimano motor, the contacts may need to be stripped with wire strippers beforehand. Please ensure correct polarity when connecting: Red to plus, black to minus. This is easier with Bosch and Brose. Here you just plug in the appropriate connection cable.
Mount
A lamp with a K number is only considered to be StVZO-compliant if it is clamped to the handlebars in accordance with the regulations. Test mark or not - at the wrong angle, even lighting that is actually roadworthy is dazzling. The angle at which the light starts to dazzle depends on the model. This is why every manufacturer is obliged to include instructions for glare-free installation with the operating instructions. However, the StVZO regulates the problem pragmatically: according to the law, a lamp is correctly fitted if it does not dazzle oncoming traffic. However, this vague regulation is of little help when it comes to installation. Hence our tip: The low beam should be set so that the upper edge of the light is aimed at the hip area after two metres.
Activate
Connect the lamp to the motor and off you go? Too good to be true. Although every motor has a light connection, this must first be activated by the dealer, depending on the manufacturer's set-up. This is the case with Bosch motors, for example. Even with Shimano drives, the bike manufacturer decides ex works whether the light port is activated for the end user. With Yamaha, the connection is activated as standard. Tip: For every e-bike drive where this is possible, have the light channel activated as a precaution at your next workshop visit. If a light is already connected to your e-MTB, the connection is already enabled - provided that the light is supplied with power from the main battery.
Max Fuchs
Editor
