By Andrew Liszewski
Daytime running lights on cars and motorcycles have been shown to increase visibility of other vehicles resulting in less accidents. Since bicycles share the same road space it makes sense for them to have similar safety lighting. Reelights are the world’s first battery free bike lights that function at no extra cost to the user. Typically a dynamo is used to power a battery-less light but they require friction from the tire to spin a generator which means extra effort on the part of the rider. (Not a lot mind you, but I’m sure over time it adds up.)
Instead, the Reelight uses a set of 2 magnets that mount on the spokes of the bike tire. As the wheel spins the magnets pass the light which is mounted on the axle in a fixed position. Inside the light there’s a wound copper wire that in conjunction with the passing magnets produces an electrical current powering the LEDs. The light also includes a capacitor that will ensure it’s always on even when you’re not pedaling like when stopped at a traffic light.
The Reelight SL120 bike light kit which includes a white head light, a red tail light and 4 magnets is available on the company’s website for about $53.
[ Reelights ] VIA [ Smart Stuff ]
