StVZO bicycle lighting: Stay safe and visible during the dark months of the year

This article was first published on 6 November 2023, checked for accuracy and has now been updated.

You can find these bike lights in our test

• Busch & Müller IQ-XM Speed
• Cateye GVolt 100
• Lezyne Super StVZO 600+
• Lupine SL MiniMax AF
• SigmaAura 100
• Supernova M99 B54 Max

On 29 October, it was that time of year again – the clocks were set back by an hour. By now, at the very latest, it’s dark outside when we set off home from work. Anyone who wants to go for a ride after work simply can’t do without a suitable light. For mountain bikers, at least, it’s long been clear which one to choose: a helmet light. As light and as bright as possible. But cycling in the wild has been the subject of criticism for some time now: nocturnal animals or those in hibernation can be disturbed by night rides. Admittedly, the problem is limited as long as you stick to well-used paths, but a completely different trend is already bringing a breath of fresh air to the topic of lights.

StVZO-compliant lights are getting brighter and brighter

As cycling to work becomes increasingly popular – partly thanks to the leasing schemes offered by Jobrad and others – manufacturers are increasingly designing particularly bright headlights that still comply with the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Some also feature a high beam, designed to enable cycling off-road. We have tested six bright road lights to assess their off-road suitability. We also provide the key information on lighting and, in addition, present three lightweight helmet lights and three StVZO-compliant rear lights.

A light on the helmet or the handlebars?

Lupine and Supernova impressively demonstrate that the pure light output of StVZO-compliant lights is no longer an issue, even on the trail. With 2,400 and 3,000 lumens respectively, these lights shine brighter than many car headlights when set to maximum mode. Furthermore, both lights feature a ‘genuine’ high beam, which extends the light beam upwards and makes even low-hanging branches visible.

>> Company profile: Lupine – bicycle light or luxury lamp?

The problem lies in the way it is mounted: for road use, the light must be attached to the handlebars. However, as the rider’s line of sight is always slightly ahead of the handlebars’ movement, when taking tight bends you are effectively riding into the dark almost constantly – which is not only unpleasant but also dangerous. Even the wide beams of the Lupine and Supernova cannot entirely solve the problem. On wide forest tracks, this isn’t an issue. Here, even the brightness of a Sigma Aura 100 is enough to find your way back to civilisation safely. But anyone who really wants to tear down the trails in the dark won’t be able to do without Helmet lights that we tested in another article, there’s still no getting round it. However, compact models such as the Cube Acid or Lupines Piko are perfectly adequate as supplementary lights to the StVZO-compliant lamp on the handlebars. Take care when joining the flow of traffic: at this point, at the very latest, the helmet light must be switched off.

Informative light images: a comparison

To make it easier to compare the lights, we naturally set out on another night-time photo shoot and took light patterns of all the lights in the test. The two lights from Lupine and Supernova impressively demonstrate the effect of a genuine high beam. The photographs were taken using a Nikon Z6 II with a Nikkor Z 28–75mm f/2.8 lens, set to an aperture of f/22 and an exposure time of 30.

What does ‘StVZO-compliant’ mean?

Even though the StVZO As regulations have increasingly been brought into line with EU rules over the years, anyone currently driving on German roads must have lighting that complies with the StVZO. The key requirements are for cyclists: Sections 64, 65 and 67. Thanks to a number of amendments, the regulations have now become more practical. This means that the lighting can also be detachable and battery-powered. Lighting that complies with the StVZO must produce a glare-free beam – similar to a car’s dipped headlights – and at least 10 lux generate. In addition, the bicycle lights may also be fitted with a high beam. Flashing front or rear lights are not permittedn. A specific angle is no longer specified for fitting. However, the light must not dazzle oncoming drivers. You can tell whether a lamp complies with the StVZO by looking at the K number issued by the Federal Motor Transport Authority. By the way: anyone stopped without the required lighting can expect a fine of 20 euros. In the event of an accident, you may be sued for damages and/or compensation for pain and suffering.

5 StVZO-compliant bicycle lights put to the test

Busch & Müller IQ-XM Speed

• Price: 299.90 euros >> Available at a reduced price at Rosebikes
• Weight*: lamp / battery / ready to ride 117 g / 252 g / 396 g
• Battery life / Charging time* 1 hour 14 minutes / 4 hours 45 minutes
• Lux* / High beam / Battery performance 178 lux / yes / 4,600 mAh
• Accessories Charger; remote control (wired); handlebar mount

Conclusion: Busch & Müller IQ-XM Speed

Compared with some of the significantly cheaper lights, the IQ-XM’s maximum light output is somewhat disappointing. It does shine far and wide enough, and the beam pattern in high beam mode also opens up slightly towards the top. However, for proper trail riding, it’s simply too dim at close range. Furthermore, the light pattern is not very uniform. The remote control only works when connected by cable, and the handlebar mount looks rather old-fashioned. However, a stylish aluminium clamp is available as an option. Very delicate plug connection. Good for commuting on forest tracks, but less suited to trails.

Rating

• Light output
  7 out of 10 points
• Illumination
  6 out of 10 points
• Battery performance
  5 out of 10 points
• Suitability for trails
  6 out of 10 points

Cateye GVolt 100

• Price: 129.95 euros >> Available at a reduced price at Rose
• Weight*: lamp / battery / ready to ride 78 g / 99 g / 195 g
• Battery life / Charging time* 1 hour 38 minutes / 3 hours
• Lux* / High beam / Battery performance 128 lux / no / 3400 mAh
• Accessories Lamp; bracket; USB cable

Conclusion: Cateye GVolt 100

The Cateye’s semi-circular beam is not very wide, making the immediate vicinity appear particularly dark. However, its light is still sufficient at a distance of 25 metres to make obstacles clearly visible. The battery is docked to the rear of the lamp head and is easy to replace. An additional battery (€69.95) can be used to double the runtime. Clever: The Cateye can also be mounted upside down on the handlebars by rotating the lamp head through 180 degrees, or converted into an e-bike light using an adapter. Overall, it has a short runtime and is not particularly suitable for trail riding.

Rating

• Light output
  5 out of 10 points
• Illumination
  4 out of 10 points
• Battery performance
  6 out of 10 points
• Suitability for trails
  4 out of 10 points

Lezyne Super StVZO 600+

Price: 109.95 euros >> Available at a reduced price from Bike-Components
Weight in running order 203 g
Battery life / Charging time* 4:06 h / 6:20 h
Lux* / High beam / Battery performance 117 lux / no / 6600 mAh
Accessories None; USB-C charging cable sold separately

Conclusion: Lezyne Super StVZO 600+

Lezyne’s new Super 600+ features four well-balanced lighting modes. In maximum mode, it illuminates the path broadly and evenly, even at a distance of 25 metres. Unfortunately, it lacks a proper high beam that would also illuminate the area above your head. As it stands, the Lezyne remains a long-lasting handlebar light for off-road commuters or serves as a complement to a – brighter – helmet light. Mounting it on the handlebars with its chunky rubber strap is fiddly. The colour indicator doesn’t provide an accurate estimate of the remaining battery life. A real plus: the very large 6600 mAh battery.

Rating

• Light output
  5 out of 10 points
• Illumination
  7 out of 10 points
• Battery performance
  10 out of 10 points
• Suitability for trails
  6 out of 10 points

Lupine SL MiniMax AF

• 530 euros >> available from Bike24
• Weight*: lamp / battery / ready to ride 89 g / 195 g / 317 g
• Battery life / Charging time*1 hour 27 minutes / 2 hours 34 minutes
• Lux* / High beam / Battery performance 290 lux / yes / 5000 mAh
• Accessories Aluminium handlebar mount; app; Bluetooth remote control; Velcro straps in two lengths

Conclusion: Lupine SL MiniMax AF

The design of the Lupine is a real highlight. It can be mounted centrally on the handlebars using a stylish aluminium clamp. The MiniMax is operated via a Bluetooth remote control. At dusk, the light switches from daytime running light to dipped beam thanks to its brightness sensor. Even this setting leaves hardly any details in the dark. When the high beam is activated, the path is illuminated absolutely evenly for over 50 metres. The beam extends well above your head. Thanks to its wide beam, the MiniMax also illuminates slightly into the bend. With a bit of practice, you can ride safely even on trails.

Rating

• Light output
  9 out of 10 points
• Illumination
  9 out of 10 marks
• Battery performance
  6 out of 10 marks
• Suitability for trails
  10 out of 10 points

Sigma Aura 100

• 109.95 euros >> Available at a reduced price on Amazon
• Weight* of the lamp / ready to ride 97 g / 112 g
• Battery life / Charging time* 3:12 mins / 4:18 hrs
• Lux* / High beam / Battery performance 135 lux / no / 2000 mAh
• Accessories Blaze Link rear light; USB cable

Conclusion: Sigma Aura 100

Sigma’s Aura is currently only available as part of a set with the Blaze rear light. A clever feature: the lamp also displays the rear light’s battery level, and the controls are linked. Thanks to its automatic function, the Aura adapts to ambient light, thereby saving battery life. At its brightest setting, the Sigma illuminates both near and far areas clearly. However, the width of the light beam is quite limited. Rides on forest tracks are still perfectly feasible, though. Its small battery offers surprisingly long-lasting power. The light isn’t designed for trails, though. A good-value set for commuters who occasionally need to ride through the woods.

Rating

• Light output
  6 out of 10 points
• Illumination
  5 out of 10 points
• Battery performance
  8 out of 10 points
• Suitability for trails
  4 out of 10 points

Supernova M99 B54 Max

• 899 euros >> available from Bike-Components
• Weight*: lamp / battery / ready to ride 197 g / 300 g / 539 g
• Battery life / Charging time* 1 hour 15 minutes / 5 hours 20 minutes
• Lux* / High beam / Battery performance 462 lux / yes / 4500 mAh
• Accessories Remote control (wired); charger; aluminium handlebar mount; app

Conclusion: Supernova M99 B54 Max

The name says it all: when you switch to full beam using the handlebar remote, it feels as though a star is exploding on the trail. Even at over 50 metres, the path is as bright as day. The width and height of the beam are more than sufficient for night-time trail riding. However, the light and battery are proper heavyweights and together tip the scales at over half a kilo – despite the battery’s carbon casing. The aluminium clamp positions the M99 centrally in front of the stem. A daytime running light ensures safety in town. The light modes can be freely programmed.

Rating

• Light output
  10 out of 10 points
• Illumination
  10 out of 10 points
• Battery performance
  5 out of 10 points
• Suitability for trails
  10 out of 10 points

StVZO-compliant bicycle lights only make sense off-road if they have a proper high beam that significantly extends the range of the light. However, as long as the light is mounted on the handlebars, the illumination is not optimal even then. – Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor