Lights built into bicycle wheels

A new type of light that fits discreetly to the outside of a bicycle wheel rim promises to be harder for thieves to steal and easier for motorists to spot.

The designers of the Revolight set themselves the task of building a wheel-mounted lighting system that – dramatically increased side visibility, seamlessly integrated a functioning brake light and distinguished itself from the lights on other types of vehicle.

Revolights comprise two narrow rings of LEDs that mount directly to each wheel using a series of clips and ring spacers. Lightweight, USB-rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries, are bracket-mounted to the front and rear hubs and supply power to the LEDs. A small, fork-mounted magnet and an integrated accelerometer provide speed and orientation data to the rings illuminating the lights only when oriented at the front or rear of the bicycle.

Revolights are designed to be retro-fitted and are now also sold already incorporated into a complete wheel.

The Revolights City v2.0 bike lighting system costs $229 USD plus shipping and taxes.

Cycle lighting arms race

The advent of LED technology has resulted has revolutionised cycle lighting. Cheap, robust and bright, the lights are being used in ever-more creative ways. LEDs can now be found incorporated into gloves, jackets and now embedded into bicycle wheel rims.

Bicycle lights are brighter than ever before; the most powerful LED, Xenon strobe and high-intensity discharge (HID) bicycle lights are rated at over 1800 lumens, which is more powerful than a standard car headlamp.

I’ve seen the light – fully-comprehensive cycle insurance

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, accidental damage and vandalism (even at race events), £5m third party, personal accident, Cycle Rescue, 90 days worldwide cover with an excess of only 5%.