Hope this doesn't get the stupid question of the day award, but , been looking at a handlebar light that is rechargeable to eliminate more batteries like my other lights use. On my display there is a USB port access and my question is can I just plug the light in and leave it plugged in all the time? Seems logical but thought it seemed to simple...LOL, I would always have the light wired in that way and charging while I ride. I take my main bike battery off every night and store it in the house so would only be charging when riding. Does anyone else do this? Darn lights are very expensive so don't want to screw it up. This would give me a wired in headlight without taking off to charge like the light on the fender the bike came with. Seems logical to have no need for extra batteries on an electric bike with a 48V battery. Has a USB port on the battery as well.
Anybody Know about rechargeable lights?
- Thread starter Jerry LM
- Start date
christob
Well-Known Member
Neat idea -- don't have a USB port on my bike, so I can't try this -- but I use a rechargeable (maybe Bontrager?) white cube light as a flasher on the front... tend to have to charge it every 4 days or so -- would be cool to just "leave it in place" forever... I haven't tried operating that light when it IS plugged in at home, charging -- to see if it will operate while drawing current...? I wouldn't think it would cause harm (uninformed opinion, however) -- though it may gradually wipe out the battery's ability to hold a charge so that it would become someday, a "plugged-in-only" functioning light?
Mr. Coffee
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- A Demented Corner of the North Cascades
I use both a Bontrager and a Light & Motion rechargeable light.
One thing is that most of those lights draw more current when charging than most e-bike charging ports can provide. My own experience is that you will be lucky if you can charge a cell phone with one of those things.
The other thing is that unless you are riding for four or more hours in the pitch dark in the freezing cold most of the rechargeable lights have plenty of legs. When I use them as daytime running lights I find I get seven or eight hours out of a charge.
The biggest advantage of the small rechargeable lights (to me) is that you can take them off the bike to use as a flashlight when you need to fix a flat in the dark.
One thing is that most of those lights draw more current when charging than most e-bike charging ports can provide. My own experience is that you will be lucky if you can charge a cell phone with one of those things.
The other thing is that unless you are riding for four or more hours in the pitch dark in the freezing cold most of the rechargeable lights have plenty of legs. When I use them as daytime running lights I find I get seven or eight hours out of a charge.
The biggest advantage of the small rechargeable lights (to me) is that you can take them off the bike to use as a flashlight when you need to fix a flat in the dark.
AguassissiM
Well-Known Member
@Jerry LM
This one you can connect to input voltage from 12 v to 85 v dc @ CDN$ 20.99 you get 2 lights, very bight.
This rechargeable one I got earlier version of it, and by far is one of the best at this price range @ CDN$ 38.99,
the one that says CDN$ 83.97 I got this one.
Here is another rechargeable one I have, great light although a little pricey @ CDN$ 69.99
This one you can connect to input voltage from 12 v to 85 v dc @ CDN$ 20.99 you get 2 lights, very bight.
This rechargeable one I got earlier version of it, and by far is one of the best at this price range @ CDN$ 38.99,
the one that says CDN$ 83.97 I got this one.
Here is another rechargeable one I have, great light although a little pricey @ CDN$ 69.99
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ebikemom
Well-Known Member
I have a USB port on my bike also, and yes, the light can be charged there, but when the light I have is in "charging" mode, it doesn't function as a light, but emits a different sort of on-and-off glow. I guess it could be useful in daylight if I were riding and the light ran out of charge (my light is a red flashing light with a mount installed on the back of my bike) , to be able to charge it while cycling and then when it was charged enough, start using it again, but I've never done this. My rear flasher lasts through a week of commuting, so I just charge it once a week when I'm riding daily and that does the trick. I've made my life easier by keeping the charging cord ready right near my bike charging area so it's handy and is always near the bike and ready to re-mount when it is charged.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
Most USB ports supply limited current at a fairly low voltage, usually 5V. While this is suitable for powering electronic devices and charging batteries, it won't provide the wattage necessary for a bright headlight. There are lighting devices available that will operate directly from a USB port but I doubt you will be happy with the amount of light they produce.
I use this product from Olight:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZY12WL/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's fairly expensive but I use it in a variety of ways including tunnel riding.
The light recharges from the bike USB port but it will only operate at the lowest setting on USB power alone. This low setting doesn't generate enough light to ride safely at night. I keep it plugged in to the USB port all the time to ensure it stays fully charged.
I use this product from Olight:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZY12WL/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's fairly expensive but I use it in a variety of ways including tunnel riding.
The light recharges from the bike USB port but it will only operate at the lowest setting on USB power alone. This low setting doesn't generate enough light to ride safely at night. I keep it plugged in to the USB port all the time to ensure it stays fully charged.
AguassissiM
Well-Known Member
This is my latest flashlight/bike light, not as expensive as @6zfshdb, (how did you mount it on the bike) has however you have to get 4 18650 high drain batteries.
Will be bike testing it come spring after I make the mounting bracket.
Will be bike testing it come spring after I make the mounting bracket.
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Justin Fischer
Active Member
The problem with mounting a regular LED flashlight is that you have a high chance of blinding oncoming traffic. And dedicated ones have features like remote switches.
https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-bc35r-rechargeable-bike-light-1800-lumens/
The Fenix BC35R is a high-powered bicycle light with a max output of 1800 lumens. It offers many great features, including a cut-off facula and USB charging. The cut-off facula feature allows maximum beam illumination without blinding oncoming traffic. With a clear and bright OLED display, you can view both the output and runtime of the BC35R. The remote switch that is included provides a user interface that is easy to control. Another great feature for the Fenix BC35R bike light is the built-in anti-theft protection that monitors the user’s bicycle. If the bicycle is moved, the alarm will set off to alert the the owner. Charging is effortless with the an included micro USB cable and built-in 5200mAH Li-ion battery (carries a 2-year warranty). The Fenix BC35R is the light you want to have readily available for all the bike trails or simply your work commute time!
I agree with all of the above, you will not find a sufficiently bright light that can be powered by a 5v, 500mA port.
https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-bc35r-rechargeable-bike-light-1800-lumens/
The Fenix BC35R is a high-powered bicycle light with a max output of 1800 lumens. It offers many great features, including a cut-off facula and USB charging. The cut-off facula feature allows maximum beam illumination without blinding oncoming traffic. With a clear and bright OLED display, you can view both the output and runtime of the BC35R. The remote switch that is included provides a user interface that is easy to control. Another great feature for the Fenix BC35R bike light is the built-in anti-theft protection that monitors the user’s bicycle. If the bicycle is moved, the alarm will set off to alert the the owner. Charging is effortless with the an included micro USB cable and built-in 5200mAH Li-ion battery (carries a 2-year warranty). The Fenix BC35R is the light you want to have readily available for all the bike trails or simply your work commute time!
I agree with all of the above, you will not find a sufficiently bright light that can be powered by a 5v, 500mA port.
AguassissiM
Well-Known Member
@Justin Fischer
To clerify I only use.my hi power lights in the bush for night rides.
As a professional driver I fully understand the importance of being able to see what is going on around and in front of you instead of being blinded by poorly adjusted or too powerful and blinding lights coming your way or shining into your mirrors.
To clerify I only use.my hi power lights in the bush for night rides.
As a professional driver I fully understand the importance of being able to see what is going on around and in front of you instead of being blinded by poorly adjusted or too powerful and blinding lights coming your way or shining into your mirrors.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
I use the RAM 1" B ball mounting system for handlebar accessories like lights, GPS, camera, cell phone etc.
They make a complete line of products to mount almost anything.
https://www.gpscity.com/mounts/&p=1&c=3&t=parts+b+size
https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-zinc-u-bolt-motorcycle-mount-base-ram-b-231zu
https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-plastic-short-arm-b-socket-rap-b-201u-a
Ram makes a "V" shaped mount for cylindrical items. I use a Ranger band or hose clamp to hold the light in place.
https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-strap-rail-base-with-1-inch-ball
The RAM mounts aren't cheap but I like them for their flexibility, adjustability and heavy duty quality.
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AguassissiM
Well-Known Member
ebikemom
Well-Known Member
I just got a new headlight for my bike--it's a Light & Motion RANDO500. It can charge AND be used simultaneously when in a daytime running lights or pulsing mode (125 lux). They call this "trickle charging" because as mentioned earlier in this thread the USB ports on ebikes don't provide nearly as much voltage as an ordinary socket at home does. When being used as a 500lux headlight it can be used for 3 hours. I hope to give it a try tomorrow on my commute, when I'll be coming home at dusk.
An old thread, the OP has probably bought something already.
IMO, in the long run it's better to just install battery-integrated lights. There was a thread about it, with useful tips and photos, in RAD sub-forum (I think). The only inconvenience is that you can't use it as a standalone flashlight.
IMO, in the long run it's better to just install battery-integrated lights. There was a thread about it, with useful tips and photos, in RAD sub-forum (I think). The only inconvenience is that you can't use it as a standalone flashlight.
This would make it a battery-integrated light. Only, with added inconvenience of USB cable and with limited power (= low brightness).
linklemming
Well-Known Member
Same here, not just the brightness but the quality of the beam.
I got into night MTBing around 2006. For about 5 years, thats all the riding I did. Up until recently all my lights had a seperate battery (as opposed to an all in one).
That being said, I have quite a collection of seperately powered lights(mostly made by nightlightning in NZ and dinotte in the US). Im VERY picky about light patterns and artifacts from bad light designs as this can be a big deal offroad at speed and at low speed for things like singletrack switchbacks
I have 4 bikes currently (1 acoustic and 3 ebikes) and find the flexibility of moving them from 1 bike to another worth it.
I do like the convenience of the permanent light on my Juiced CCX but its beam pattern is kindof spotty (although very bright) and there are alot of bad artifacts (beam isnt consistent and has rings) but Im not doing anything too hard offroad with it so its fine. For commuting, its more than adequate
Just recently bought 3 niterider lumina 850s(all in one) and like them alot although they are not spotty enough for helmet use(im researching a lens change). Pretty good light for the price and nice consistent beam pattern.
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ebikemom
Well-Known Member
I also have an integrated light, but I've been having issues with the plug. I noticed that Pedego now uses a heavier cable to wire the Interceptor's headlight (my daughter's bike is a more recent model). I'll be taking mine to the dealer for a look-see, but since we are in the dark Winter months I also got a rechargable headlight. Yesterday my integrated light was working fine, and to be honest it was really great to have both it AND the additional 500-lux rechargable headlight. There is little street lighting where I live, so the more the merrier!
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