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Bike Lights: See And Be Seen On Your Commute

Winter is coming and bike lights are an essential part of your cycling kit to keep you riding throughout the darker days. It is important to have the right lights for the right purpose and accordingly adapts your bike light output to the situation.  On an early morning ride or on a night time commute back home from work, your top priority will not only be to see where you’re going but make sure you get noticed. Fitting a combination of lights with different lighting modes will make you more visible and increase your safety on the road. Depending on where you venture, you will want to pay attention to the lumen rating of the lights to find which lights are most suitable for your needs.

 

What Are Lumens?

Most bike lights are now rated in Lumens (Lm). It is a measure of how much light is emitted from a light source. The higher the lumen rating the brighter the light while fewer lumens means a dimmer light. When shopping for a bike light, compare lumens to make sure you’re getting the level of brightness best suited for the situation.

 

 

How many Lumens do I need?

Below we’ve created a graphic to help you choose the right light output depending on your specific use case and conditions. Remember that you will want a brighter front light than rear light.

 

 

 

Bike Lights what are lumens

 

 

What type of bike lights to use on the road?

The type of light you need will depend on the kind of riding you do, as well as the kind of conditions you will ride in. The main focus of road bike light is to make you visible so you can be seen by motorists – without blinding them – and of course, allow you to see.

 

To “be seen” lights

In an urban environment, cyclist’s priority should be to be seen. According to the UK’s Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, it is a legal requirement to have lights on your bike if you’re cycling between sunset and sunrise but you might want to ensure that you remain visible to the other road users at any time of day. Daytime lights will allow you to stand out and give you that extra visibility on the road.

 

Helmet lights

Whilst being a great addition to your main light, wearing a light on your helmet can increase your visibility by lighting up where you’re looking. It will also help other road users to notice you more easily as you move your head around.

 

Daytime lights

Daylights are not legally required to be fitted to your bicycle unlike new cars but they are ideal to give you extra visibility when cycling in the daytime and ensure you are noticed from a distance on rural roads or in the midst of the traffic. Using the flashing mode of the light will help attract other road users’ attention.

 

Laser lights

For an extra layer of distinctness on the road at night, you can add a laser light as a rear tail light which will project your own personal bike lane onto the road. This “safety corridor” will encourage motorists to allow for more space when overtaking.

 

“Seeing” lights

“Seeing” lights will allow you to ride in unlit roads or country lanes at night time. Contrary to “being seen” lights which are bright enough to make other road users aware of your presence on the road, you will need to upgrade your lumen output for stronger front light which is bright enough to light up your surroundings and see further where you are going. You might want to look for a light that features a road specific beam pattern, which is designed to illuminate the whole width of the road.

 

Sidelights

Sidelights are designed to allow cyclists being seen from the side in urban settings. Attached to the frame they provide additional safety by increasing lateral visibility.

 

 

 

 

UK Bike Light Law

The law for bike lights in the UK states that it is illegal to cycle on a public road between sunset and sunrise without lights. The lights must also be fitted to your bike and not your helmet.

Your bike must also be equipped with the following:

  • A front lamp white front light
  • A red rear light
  • Red rear reflector
  • Amber pedal reflectors – front and rear on each pedal

Features to consider when purchasing a light

  • The light output (lumens)
  • The different light modes
  • Beam
  • Battery life and how easy it is to recharge/change
  • Mounting option

 

Other accessories to be seen at night

These other options are very quick and easy ways to increase your visibility to supplement your set of lights on your bike:

 

Reflective knee and ankle stripes – A great way to be seen in less than optimal lighting conditions as they reflect back the light that hits them.
Reflective bike wheel tape – Easy to stick onto your wheels, it is another good way to remain visible while in motion.
Reflective spokes – They will make you stand out at night and allow for near 360° reflection.
Clip-on lights – Compact and easy to clip they are designed to be attached on your garments and make a great impact when paired with other reflective accessories.

 

 

 

Electric Bikes: Tips For New Owners

It’s always exciting to receive a brand new bike so you must be keen to get the first spin in!  Before you take out your new Furo X, here are a few tips to get the most out of it.

 

Speed limit

Legally, the UK legislation is based off European regulations, limiting the speed of electric bicycles to 15.5mph. The electric assistance cuts out automatically if the speed exceeds 15.5mph. However, you may want to change this speed limit if you use your bike in an area with different restrictions (for example, USA 19.8mph), or if you do not use your Furo X on public roads (for example on private property). All electric bicycles that meet these requirements can be ridden on any cycle paths and anywhere else that bikes are normally allowed without the need for insurance.

 

 

 

 

 

The different levels of assistance

The Furo X has 5 levels of assistance that can be adjusted via the onboard computer on the handlebars. In order to activate the assistance,  all you have to do is pedal for the motor to engage. Each mode offers a level of assistance that allows you to pedal with minimal effort.

  • Level 1-2 – economical mode
  • Level 3-4 – normal mode
  • Level 5 – maximum sport assistance mode

For those who wish to ride without electric assistance like a classic bike, you can lower the assistance level to 0 and the motor will disengage itself providing you with a natural riding experience supported by its gears and hydraulic disk brakes.

 

 

Ebikes are water-resistant

You can ride your electric bicycle in the rain as the battery and motor are protected by water-resistant cases, allowing you to ride in the rain without any danger.

However, you cannot completely submerge your electric bicycle, nor can you clean it with a jet wash as this can cause water to penetrate the seals. Instead, clean it with a sponge and warm soapy water. Remember to remove the battery when cleaning your bike.

 

How to boost your range

As a key element of your electric bike, there are tips to prolong the life of your electric bike battery:

  • Use your electric bicycle preferably between 15°C and 35°C rather than in temperatures inferior to 15°C.
  • Don’t wait until your battery is completely discharged before recharging it. This can increase its capacity from 500 to up to 6000 cycles. (Optimal longevity is obtained when the battery is charged to 75% and discharged to 25%).
  • The optimum storage temperature for Lithium-ion batteries is 23°C in a cool place and at 60% capacity.
  • Moderate your average speed and the intensity of your acceleration and deceleration.

The lithium-ion cells used in your battery will achieve 500 full charge cycles before reaching 70% of their original capacity. Following this, the decrease in capacity will be linear. As described above, charging your battery to 75% of its capacity and using it up to 25% of its capacity will greatly enhance its life. In this case, in order to maintain performance, it is important to conduct a full charge and discharge every 10 to 15 recharge cycles.

 

Lithium-ion battery etura Folding electric bike

 

It’s important to maintain your bike regularly

Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to prolong the lifespan of your bike and keep it running smoothly.

Check tire pressure, rims, braking and lighting for proper operation before each ride. Under-inflated tyres put more strain on the motor and therefore decrease your range. To optimise your battery life, be sure to regularly maintain your tire pressure, which should be approximately between 40 and 60 PSI. We also recommend that you have your bike serviced once a year at your local bike shop.

Be prepared for any eventuality and always carry tools and spare parts with you. Here is a list of the essential items you should have on hand during a bike ride to ensure that you can proceed to minor repairs:

  • a compact multi-functional tool
  • a puncture repair kit
  • a spare inner tube
  • a compact bicycle pump

 

Click to access the Getting Started Guide

Download your Owner’s Manual

Test our Range Calculator to anticipate your trips!

If you have any after receiving your Furo X, do not hesitate to contact us here

Why 2020 is the Year you Should Consider an Electric Bike

The pandemic has changed the way we travel. As lockdown started easing, bicycle businesses reported that the demand for electric bikes skyrocketed, as people seriously started to consider alternatives and better ways to commute.

In the wake of the government encouraging people to go back to work, surveys show that the majority of employees are not comfortable returning to public transport for their commute because of coronavirus.

Public transport is seen as too risky, as well as shared mobility services. This is where electric bikes come in handy to avoid car use and close contact on crowded tube trains – we will now go through several reasons why electric bikes are a good idea.

 

Ebikes Make Cycling Easy and Accessible

Limited to 15.5mph, you do not need a licence to ride an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. It can be ridden on roads, bike paths and other places where bicycles are allowed under UK law.
Electric bikes are easier to ride than normal bikes but still require pedalling. They will let you glide uphill, accelerate smoothly and cover miles of distance with little effort! The motor boost on hilly sections allows you to wear work clothes without turning up to work sweaty and exhausted! You can think of it as a car replacement to undertake short journeys and reduce reliance on cars. They also ease the transition to riding, helping people switch from four wheels to two.

 

Buying an electric bike

 

Improve Your Overall Fitness

It’s a great way of getting people to have a moderate-intensity activity regularly, helping them build their fitness level and giving them the confidence to go further. Cycling with an electric bike is still an exercise and therefore good for your health. The main benefit is that you can choose the level of effort you put in, for example, our Furo X has 5 levels of assistance, allowing you to work your way up to more challenging rides.
E-bikes appeal to a potentially wide range of riders athletes to older people, including those suffering from impairments, disabilities or getting back into exercise post-injury or after a long absence.

 

 

Buying an electric bike

 

 

Save on Transport Expenses

Cutting your commuting costs, spending less time in traffic and boosting your overall health are the main reasons why e-bikes are a popular choice. They are a perfect way to combine moderate exercise with a commute and maybe save on gym memberships for those who cycle regularly!
Compared with public transport and driving a car, e-bikes will save you money in the long run. The only expense is the initial investment and maintenance, the latter being minimal. The cost of electricity to charge the battery is also minor (about 20p per 150km in the UK). Plus, several companies are taking part in the Cycle to Work scheme which allows you to get tax-free bikes and accessories.
Many short car trips can easily be replaced and cycling for commuting instead can save you a ton of gas and car-park fees, which in turn can save you hundreds to thousands of pounds per year.

 

 

Ebike Insurance

 

 

Help Cut Air Pollution

Air pollution is not just irritable, it is dangerous. It is stated as a UK national public health emergency since 2016. The emissions from transports are a major source of air pollution and a contributor to the poor air quality in cities. However, we have seen dramatic improvements in the air quality throughout London as a result of the significant decrease in traffic during the lockdown.
Becoming ever more popular, cycling can bring large improvements in air quality and electric bikes offer an exciting opportunity to slash transport carbon emissions, reduce congestion and improve mobility. The Department for Transport has since taken action to promote sustainable urban mobility and stated that changes are being made to implement transport policies to remove polluting vehicles from roads and increase the use of active travel by 2025.
Now is the perfect time to grab an e-bike and play a key role in reducing air pollution! Long term benefits being the reduction in air pollution and emissions.

 

 

air quality in major cities

 

 

Government Willing to Create a New Era For Cycling

Desperate for green solutions which allow people to get to work without risking their health on public transport, the government have funded work with local authorities across the country to help make it easier for people to use bikes to get around.

 

https://twitter.com/SadiqKhan/status/1286388970289537025?s=20
 

The UK government is now offering first of their kind financial incentives for the use of ebikes over cars by issuing vouchers for cycle repairs and introducing the Cycle to Work scheme, an option which gives a discount on the cost of a new bike to help encourage employees to take up cycling in their everyday routines.

U.K. transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced what he calls a “once in a generation” £2 billion plan to boost cycling and walking both during and after the lockdown.

 

Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund – the first stage of a £2 billion investment.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “During this crisis, millions of people have discovered cycling – whether for exercise or as a means of safe, socially-distanced transport. We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better country with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities.”

 

So, could an e-bike be the answer to your post-lockdown commute? If you’ve been thinking about buying an electric bike but have been hesitant to pull the trigger, why not book a test ride and see for yourself!

How old do you need to be to ride an electric bike?

For many people, riding a bike as a child is one of their fondest memories. The freedom, the speed, the excitement! The only thing that could possibly be better than riding a bike is riding a bike with an electric motor. Nowadays, it’s not just a childhood fantasy – electric bikes are real and becoming more and more accessible. However, before you go rushing to buy an electric bike for your child, it’s important to consider the legality of riding an electric bike at certain ages. Here we discuss how old a person must be to ride an electric bike.

 

Electric bikes are classed as Electronically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) by authorities. The current UK law surrounding EAPCs states that riders must be at least 14 years of age when using them on the roads. Therefore, it’s illegal in the UK for children under 14 to ride electric bikes.

 

People have considered ways to get around this law, such as by riding the ebike with the battery switched off. This, however, is illegal. Once a battery has been fitted to a bike, there’s the potential for it to be turned on and used, so children under 14 years of age still aren’t allowed to ride.

 

What about riding off-road, such as on bridle paths in the countryside? There’s currently no law regarding the use of electric bikes on bridle paths, but the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRE) states that there’s a tacit implication that people should comply with the road laws whilst on bridle paths.

 

Children under 14 are, however, allowed to ride electric bikes on privately-owned land, at the owner’s discretion. Private land isn’t subject to the Road Traffic Act, so this is one way to allow children to enjoy ebikes. We would recommend, however, that you use good judgement to determine whether it’s actually a good idea to allow your child to ride a power-assisted bike. Regardless of the law itself, there is a safety concern for young riders – ensure they’re skilled and responsible enough to ride, even if you do have permission to use private land.

 

Reason for the law

You may be surprised by this ruling, given that EAPCs are treated the same as regular, non-powered bikes in the eyes of the law. Children under 14 are allowed to ride bikes, so why not electric bikes? According to the Department for Transport, it’s all down to safety.

 

There’s a level of skill and responsibility required when riding a power-assisted vehicle, and the more powerful the vehicle, the more skill and responsibility required. The minimum age at which people can ride a moped is 16. “This was reduced to 14 years old for EAPCs” due to their lower power and less risk involved compared with mopeds (and other powered vehicles). Additionally, the youngest riders of powered vehicles are statistically the most at-risk of injury, so these laws are in place to protect young riders.

 

What is the punishment for riding an electric bike while underage?

Being caught riding an electric bike whilst under the age of 14 carries a fine under the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a relatively minor offence, but the fine is enough to make parents and guardians abide by the law.

 

Electric bike age limits in Europe

How does the UK’s approach compare with the rest of Europe? Interestingly, there are no age restrictions on the use of ebikes in the EU. However, this doesn’t mean we recommend you take your child abroad to ride to their heart’s content. Exercise good judgement and ensure anyone under 14 years of age (or any age for that matter) is proficient and comfortable enough on a traditional, non-power-assisted bike before they upgrade to an ebike. Safety first!

 

The UK’s law against minors riding ebikes exists for a reason – safety. Electric bikes are tremendous fun and one of the best ways to get from A to B. They’re fast, emission-free, and a great form of exercise. Check out our very own Furo X, one of the most powerful ebikes on the market – you won’t find a better way to get around town.

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