Any good LED brake/turn signals lights for bikes?

[John in CR]

While most focus on helmets as THE safety item, I choose to focus on everything that avoids an accident. Just think about how dangerous it is to have no brake lights and turn signals on a car. It's an accident waiting to happen, yet very few if anyone around here has brake lights and turn signals on their bikes. IMHO it should be a standard piece of equipment on our bikes. I've been meaning to do mine for a year, and now it time. I have the stuff to do so using some motorcycle parts, but since my little 12v switching power supply is only 1A, I'd like to do it with LEDs. I shopped around a bit and the bike stuff all looks like junk. Does anyone know of a good quality LED unit, preferably with the LEDs forming an arrow for turning so the idiot cagers don't get confused?

John

 

[Ariane]

Hi John,

i didn't know if it's help, but i likes those ones

http://cgi.ebay.com/US-Motorcycle-Turn-Signal-Lights-16-LED-Bulbs-Pair-/320517368038?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa052e8e6

Good day!
Black Arrow

 

[John in CR]

Thanks BA,
I forgot to check Ebay, and those turn signals aren't bad...not spindly looking like the stuff for bikes.

 

[Ariane]

Hi John,

And they are relatively small in size, if you compare them to motorcycle turn signal.

Black Arrow

 

[nicobie]

I use Justin's new 8 led tail light as a brake light. I use it in the flashing mode and it really catches cars attention.

http://ebike.ca/lights/

 

[auraslip]

I use a $6 red led from wal-mart with a 12v converter from thunderstruck EV. Cheap, bright, easy, and waterproof.

I know you are asking about brake lights and turn signals, but honestly it's a lot of work! Maybe if you are riding in traffic all the time....I don't see the need for it, but then again my bike is sub 25 mph.

I know the guy from "fastestelectricbike.com" has a turn signal unit on his bike from a scooter, so that is doable.

As far as a brake light I'm sure the electronics are simple enough.

This thread is about using reed switches on brakes for brake inhibit and regen. I'm sure it's easy to repurpose it to make it light up second red LED taillight.

In any case I'm interested in how you pull this off. Please do a circuit diagram and pictures if you do this!

 

[rscamp]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14804&start=30#p253877

 

[John in CR]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14804&start=30#p253877

I'm glad I missed that thread. Of course I can do something myself, but I was looking for a ready-made complete solution that has proven durable. Regulations covering ebikes are inevitable if they become hugely popular, and I really couldn't care less if some non-conformist thinks it's cool or not, because I know without question that a horn, bell, and proper vehicle lighting will make me safer. The bell is for letting pedestrians or bikes know I'm coming without having to resort to the obnoxious horn. Even someone riding separate from traffic will commonly be safer if they can signal their intentions to other cyclists and pedestrians.

I have no choice but to ride with cars. That's why I feel much safer riding so much faster than typical ebikes. If I was limited to 20-25mph, I wouldn't ride at all. The one thing I don't have a high degree of control over is what is coming from behind as I'm slowing for a turn. Sure I get to the side as much as practical, but even then it's quite common that they don't have sufficient room to get around me. I'm through with relying on drivers noticing that I'm slowing down, or see and properly interpret my hand signals.

If someone wants to call my ebikes electric motorcycles with pedals, they'll get no argument from me. Here they're legally bikes, and I plan to milk that gap in the law for as long as possible. Actually I'm even better off than a bike, because bikes are prohibited on our new highway since they can't maintain the minimum speed of 40kph. For that privilege I go ahead and stop and pay the normal toll.

 

[auraslip]

bikes are prohibited on our new highway since they can't maintain the minimum speed of 40kph. For that privilege I go ahead and stop and pay the normal toll.

Well said. Gentleman.

 

[amberwolf]

I have the stuff to do so using some motorcycle parts, but since my little 12v switching power supply is only 1A, I'd like to do it with LEDs.

You could also just replace the bulbs in the motorcycle stuff with LED bulbs--they're premade, and some are quite bright. I am not sure where the best place to order is, though.

BestHongKong was decent enough a few years ago when I ordered regular LEDs for some lighting projects; they're still around and have bulbs like that.

 

[ambroseliao]

What's missing though is the turn signal controls on the handlebars that are small and intuitive and designed for ebikes. I've not found any that look durable and are professional looking.

Ambrose

 

[nwmtnbiker]

Maybe you should just get a set of Winkkus. They're expensive but you won't need to wire anything, since they're battery operated.
http://www.winkku.com/ Otherwise, be prepared to ante-up money for motorcycle turn signals and modify them to fit your bike. There are plenty of affordable, bright LED strobes that you can wire as turn signals (you can also use a center off toggle on the handlebars to control them). However, if you want a motorcycle look, then I think you're limited to motorcycle parts stores (B&M or online). I don't think you need to limit your search for those that use lights in the shape of an arrow. If drivers in CR are that dense, then nothing is going to protect you.

 

[ErbiumYAG]

I just recently installed the Winkku mirrors/lights on my bike. ( http://www.winkku.com ) I ordered them directly from England to the US. They arrived in less than two weeks. I've been using them for the last couple of days. The mirrors are not the best quality; but they are acceptable. My Mirrycle mirror was much better. I could always have genuine mirrors cut to replace the plastic mirrors though. I do like the signal lights and the running lights. With the running lights alone, I do notice that cars give me a wider berth. Just today I had to take a left hand lane in front of a car. I signaled first and was able to slide into the lane without issue. I then proceeded to make a left hand turn with confidence, knowing that the car behind me and the oncoming traffic knew my intent. The nice part of having signal lights is that I can keep both hands on the handlebars. This particular part of my commmute, I have to signal a left turn and come to a stop at the same time. That's a bit difficult to do with one hand and one brake at 25+ MPH downhill. While there might be some home brewed alternatives; and believe me, as an engineer, I would be quick to design my own; the Winkuu system is still cost effective. Yes, I probably could have achieved the same effect a bit cheaper; but at the cost of looking far less refined. I still take enough pride in my bike to make sure it looks good. Overall I give this product a thumbs up.

 

[amberwolf]

What's missing though is the turn signal controls on the handlebars that are small and intuitive and designed for ebikes. I've not found any that look durable and are professional looking.

That's a major reason I used the Honda scooter handlebar controls on CB2--they're aluminum rather than plastic, and the controls not only survived probably 10 years of use or more, they also survived another 10-15 years of sitting in the weather after that before I got the thing and cannibalized it for parts. The switches and stuff even work in the rain.

They also have a threaded mount for standard mirrors, which is handy.

I've seen some newer scooters and motorcycles in parking lots that look like they have plastic controls. But the older stuff, at least up to the mid-80s, seems to be metal. Lots of stuff in scrapyards that still looks nice and works, I bet.

 

[Dingo2024]

here is another one available in the UK...pretty expensive though

http://www.50cycles.com/spooklight.php#page=page-1

Ian

 

[amberwolf]

Also, the signals on that are so close together that at a distance it could be pretty difficult for many people to tell which signal was actually going. Better than nothing, but not as good as a bar-width set.

 

[John in CR]

Also, the signals on that are so close together that at a distance it could be pretty difficult for many people to tell which signal was actually going. Better than nothing, but not as good as a bar-width set.

That's why I'm thinking LEDs that form left and right arrows would be the ideal. Those jackets with the big indicators are cool, but I'd never wear one...too hot. T-shirts and shorts are my year-round attire.

 

[ambroseliao]

I have a 2 sets of these LEDs from DX but haven't had time to implement them. I'm still looking for a handle bar mountable turn signal switch...

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5158

Ambrose

 

[John in CR]

I have a 2 sets of these LEDs from DX but haven't had time to implement them. I'm still looking for a handle bar mountable turn signal switch...

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5158

Ambrose

Let us know how that set works out. Nice and cheap, though maybe small. Regarding a switch, those for motorcycles will cover everything... lights on/off, hi/lo beam, turn signals, and horn.

 

[evblazer]

This review kinda bothered me on those deal extreme ones
"Other Thoughts: You can NOT see this lights at daylight!!!!.
For me they are USELESS."
That is what I have found to be a problem with alot of bicycle stuff but even in the aftermarket motorcycle/scooter parts especially leds. Nearly anything will work in the dark but there is a big gap between fine for nights and daytime visible. I see alot of motorcycles and some older cars that have crappy lights I'd never use but they are alot bigger so really the lights aren't to see them they only help signal their intentions.

I'm thinking of going off my main pack to a bunch of red crees for a rear light.
Maybe 6-10 of these in series
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1776
for High
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13557
for low. I understand you can also change hte resistors onboard to adjust the current but this will give me two boards so if one fails maybe the other one will make it home.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13553
Might be able to find some orange similar high lumen leds to do that same for outboards but I don't think I could trust them as turn signals. Unless you got two tons to backup your turn signal while you start to move over you can't ride like anyone is going to notice your there.

 

[rscamp]

The Radiantz custom LED strip I am using is quite bright and the LEDs very densely packed. But they aren't cheap...

 

[amberwolf]

If you don't mind fabbing your own mounts for them, these are fairly nice-looking and quite large surface area; should be pretty bright.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2Ftruck_trailer.htm
Expensive though (to me, at least, or I'd be getting some).

 

[John in CR]

EVBlazer,

That's a good point. Night isn't my concern. They need to work in the day. I may have to settle of motorcycle non-LED stuff for now.

 

[RWP]

I have been looking at these for a while and wondering if they have any real eBike relavance:
http://www.harrisonspecialties.com/...Product_Code=SmartFlash&Category_Code=MODULES

Smart Flash LED Control Module - $100
Front lights function as running and signal lights.
Rear lights function as running, signal and stop lights.
Can be used on any 12 volt vehicle...
No relays, signal flashers or load resistors are required when using this module.

http://www.harrisonspecialties.com/...Product_Code=SmartBlink&Category_Code=MODULES

Smart Blink LED Control Module - $80
front lights function as signal lights and/or running lights.
2 rear lights function as signal lights and/or running lights.
The 5th light is commonly mounted on the rear fender for stop and tail lights.
Can be used on any 12 volt vehicle...
No relays, signal flashers or load resistors are required when using this module.

...with a 12v converter from thunderstruck EV.

I think some head light LED solutions can be found here:
http://www.instructables.com/

Although a bit pricey, I think these units may have some merit, they are water proof and have all the controls needed except wiring, switches and lights.
What do you think?

 

[oatnet]

I've had my eye out for a good solution for a few years, I'm going to look into a few of these suggestions.

-JD