Busch + Müller Turntec: Turning Safely with the Ebike in Future

Opinions are divided on turn signals for bicycles. Many consider the direction indicators to be extremely helpful and absolutely suitable for increasing the safety of cyclists in road traffic. On the other hand, the current road traffic licensing regulations (StVZO) severely limit their use in Germany. Busch + Müller is bringing new movement to the topic. The market leader for bicycle lighting presented the prototype for its own bicycle indicator at this year’s Eurobike.

Hands always on the handlebars = more riding safety

Under the designation Turntec Type 680, Busch + Müller is going on the offensive. After sets from Velorian and HP Velotechnik have been on the market for several years, this is only the first time that a product from one of the big players in the industry is following suit. The advantages of having both hands on the handlebars while turning in slippery road conditions, poor road surfaces or when riding with a heavy load convinced the company from Meinerzhagen to take the step.

Currently, the StVZO explicitly names only speed pedelecs, multi-track bicycles as well as bicycle trailers or bicycles whose construction conceals the giving of a hand signal as those bicycles that may use such a system. However, Rainer Müller, managing director of Busch + Müller, told Westdeutscher Rundfunk television that he was confident that more ebikes would be approved. The background to his comment is presumably the current revision of the StVZO.

Similarities and differences with the competition

Turntec is similar to the other indicator systems already mentioned. It includes two turn signals at the front on the handlebars and two at the rear that can be mounted on the rear rack. An ergonomic rocker switch positioned on the left of the handlebars is used to indicate the planned change of direction. From this button, you can also switch the light on and off and sound the horn.

A special feature of the Busch + Müller system compared to other solutions is the so-called comfort indicating. This is a function that you already know from your car. After a short tap, the corresponding indicator lights up several times. If you keep a button permanently pressed, the indicator lights up until it goes out after you press it again. Turntec also recognises if an indicator is defective or not connected correctly and signals this to you.

A separate cable harness connects the indicator, button and ebike battery. The manufacturer offers different versions for different ebike systems. It is not yet clear when Turntec will actually be on the market. Several media agree on the end of the calendar year. It may be as early as October. If you are interested, you should set aside 349 euros until then. That is how much the retrofit kit is supposed to cost. At that time, the first ebikes with Turntec indicators as part of the standard equipment should appear on the market.

Will the current restriction fall soon?

It is difficult to predict whether something will have changed in the StVZO by then. In any case, the EU Commission stated some time ago that the StVZO and European case law do not conform to each other. As a result, the Commission recommended an amendment of the StVZO. This has already been done in parts. Due to new regulations and the revision of existing regulations, the StVZO will expire in the foreseeable future and will no longer be applicable.

Pictures: Busch + Müller KG