Being visible at all times, even in the dark and in poor lighting conditions, is extremely important for many cyclists. The main contributor to this is, of course, the intact lighting system on your own bike. In addition, there are other useful things you can use to make yourself visually noticeable. High-visibility waistcoats for cycling are one of them. For those whose wardrobe is already bursting at the seams, we have an alternative tip. How about reflective stickers? They make your battery, the bike frame or the cargo box of your cargo bike shine creatively at night.
The Berlin-based company Fahrer, for example, offers a set of such stickers that fit Bosch frame batteries of the Active and Performance drive series. The Reflective Battery Kit is available in two different designs. Both are rather discreet in a lighter and darker shade of grey, which are not particularly noticeable during the day. However, if they are hit by a headlight in the dark, they show their shiny qualities.
No tedious tinkering
We have not yet tested the application of the stickers ourselves, but it seems feasible. The set includes a total of seven stickers. The three larger ones are intended for the battery, two for the long sides and one for the front. Since Fahrer has designed its product specifically for the Bosch frame battery, you don’t even need to use scissors. The cut-out for the charge level indicator is already punched out. The same applies to the actual outline of the sticker. This means that you only need to clean the surface of the battery properly, place the template accurately, press the sticker on and finally remove the top protective film. Done.
Guide to applying reflective stickers from Fahrer
The manufacturer also includes four smaller bonus stickers in the set. You can attach them anywhere you like on your bike. All in all, for a little less than 20 euros, we think it’s a great solution. At the end of the day, we think it’s a great solution for a little less money. Especially because Fahrer involves workshops where people with disabilities work in the production of the stickers. In this way, you are also making a valuable contribution to inclusion.
Reflective Battery Kit from Fahrer
More colours, more shapes
Also from Berlin come reflective stickers for your entire bike. The company Reflective Berlin doesn’t have a set specifically for batteries in their range, but they do have lots of other stickers that you can put on your bike frame, helmet, spokes and anywhere else on your bike.
The sets for cargo bikes caught our eye in particular. Three of them are intended for this type of bike in general. They are called Reflective Cargo Waves, Reflective Cargo Sunrise and Reflective Cargo Cherokee. They are offered in white, black and coloured versions. Their name is derived from the respective motif, which is supposed to remind of waves, a sunrise or one of the indigenous peoples of North America. Another set called Reflective BLLTT is designed for the well-known Bullitt from Larry vs Harry.
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- Set Cargo Waves by Reflective Berlin
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- Set Cargo Sunrise by Reflective Berlin
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- Set Cargo Cherokee by Reflective Berlin
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- Set Cargo BLLTT by Reflective Berlin
Realising your own ideas
Reflective Berlin takes a more creative approach to its sets. The motifs are designed in such a way that you can stick them on as a whole – but you don’t have to. You can just as easily detach individual segments and arrange them individually, take up the original motif in another place or simply reduce the size of the template if it is too big for the place you have in mind. The manufacturer’s do-it-yourself videos will give you some ideas.
Guide for Reflective Cargo Cherokee
Guide for Reflective Cargo Waves
Guide for Reflective Cargo Sunrise
The advantage of the stickers is the application foil on which they are attached. It makes it easier to apply the stickers, as the adhesive surface remains untouched, making it possible to work more precisely. According to the manufacturer, the adhesive strength is considerable. He advises that you take your time and place the stickers exactly where you want them. It is difficult to correct the stickers, as the adhesive is very strong from the start. When you remove the sticker, you run the risk of damaging it.
With the necessary robustness
Once applied, you should be able to enjoy them for a long time. The stickers can withstand temperatures from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius. That should cover most of the weather in which you are out and about ? Both the sun and rough objects can do them just as little harm. Reflective Berlin even gives a seven-year guarantee on the reflective effect.
The usual details need to be taken into account during preparation. Dust, grease and other dirt should be removed from the surfaces, which should be smooth and solid at best. The product itself is once again a regional product. The manufacturer sources the raw material for most of its stickers from Brandenburg. It is then processed in the studio in Berlin. The cost of the sets for cargo bikes is between 45 and 49 euros. As mentioned, the range includes much more – both cheaper and more expensive solutions.
Good to know
Finally, an important footnote: The stickers do not have official approval that corresponds to the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Consequently, they are not a legally compliant substitute for the reflectors on your bike required by the regulations. The manufacturer also notes on its website that it is not aware of a single case in which cyclists have been prosecuted by the police because they were riding with such stickers. We are not aware of any such case either.
Pictures: Driver Berlin GmbH; Reflective Innovations Berlin Gmbh
