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Magnic’s contactless bike lights generate electricity from the motion of a conductive metal rim, without a roller rubbing on the tyre or rim. The brake-integrated Microlights described in 2017 were one version of the idea; Magnic’s current range uses different mounts, so fit depends on the bike’s brakes, fork clearance and rim material.
How an eddy-current bike light makes power
Magnic describes a generator containing a rotating magnet wheel positioned close to a moving conductive rim. The relative motion induces eddy currents in the metal, creating magnetic fields that interact with the generator and produce electricity for the light. The generator works across a small air gap: it does not need a tyre-contact roller, a spoke magnet or a battery to generate light while riding. Magnic explains the mechanism on its Microlights page.
In a description quoted by New Atlas on December 28, 2017, inventor Dirk Strothmann said that relative movement between magnets and nearby conductive material induces eddy currents in the rim; their magnetic fields are then absorbed by the generator kernel to produce electrical energy.
The small gap is essential: the generator must sit close enough to the rim for electromagnetic interaction while avoiding contact. Magnic’s product information also says power generation creates contactless electromagnetic braking torque. That is a manufacturer claim, not an independently measured drag figure. The patent application describes engineering considerations such as maintaining the gap as brake pads wear; a patent documents design ideas and concerns, not verified commercial performance.
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- 9+9 Modes Bright Dual Safe Bike Lights TioyFiuy bicycle lights for night riding ensure clear vision in dark places. This bike headlight and tail light set features 300lm front and 100lm rear light. Both bike lights front and back have 9+9 modes with memory. It keeps you visible to passing cars during evening urban road commutes, and lights rugged mountain forest trails to avoid hidden riding risks easily.
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- Tool-Free Install & Multi-Scene Use This bike headlight and tail light set installs in seconds with 2 soft silicone straps—no tools needed. These universal bicycle lights fit most bikes, scooters and strollers. As bike lights front and back for city commuting, mountain biking and evening rides, they keep you visible. They also work as safety lights for night running, dog walking and camping, making them versatile for daily and outdoor use.
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What “built into the brakes” meant in the 2017 report
New Atlas reported that the original Microlights concept incorporated adjustable-angle front and rear lamps and generators into Shimano-compatible brake shoes. That 2017 account also described brighter output when the brakes were applied, turn indication triggered by tapping a brake lever twice, an app-based route option and speed reporting. Treat those details as features reported at that time—not as a specification for every Magnic product currently offered.
Magnic’s current site presents a family of lights with mountings for different bike layouts. Check the product-specific mounting and compatibility information rather than assuming the old brake-shoe arrangement applies across the range.
Rank #2
- Rechargeable Bike lights: USB rechargeable front and back lights, built in 2000 mAh rechargeable lithium battery for headlight and built in 330 mAh rechargeable lithium battery for taillight.
- Four Light Mode Options: The headlight and taillight feature an one-touch switch with four different lighting modes depending on your preference. Include full brightness, half brightness, slow flashing and fast flashing.
- Advanced Design: With simple structure and lightweight, our bicycle lights are easy to carry. Rated IPX4 waterproof. The indicator of headlight turns red, when the battery power is too low.
- Easy Installation: The Headlight is equipped with a mounting bracket that can be easily fixed to the handlebar. The silicone mount strap for Headlight and Taillight are designed with four openings that tightly fit around most size seat posts. Both Headlight and Taillight can be easily loosen and fasten, and no tools are required. Note: If the bracket is damaged, you can tell us for replacement.
- Multifunction: This bike light set is versatile enough for cycling, hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity and can be used as emergency flashlight. This is great for cycling at night or in places where visibility and safety are concern.
Which Magnic light may fit your bike?
Start with the rim and mounting position. The system needs a conductive metal rim; Magnic says conventional full-carbon rims are unsuitable. Then match the brake or fork arrangement to the model:
| Bike setup | Magnic option and fit notes |
|---|---|
| Compatible caliper, V-brake or cantilever brake-shoe configuration | Microlights mounts in compatible brake-shoe configurations, according to Magnic’s product information. |
| Disc-brake fork | Microlights Disc uses a flexible strap mount. Magnic specifies an outer fork-to-rim dimension below 65 mm; check that clearance on your bike before choosing it. See the Microlights information. |
| Wide fork, suspension fork or wide tyre | Magnic identifies Wega as its option for these wider-clearance setups. See its current product range. |
Compatibility is not established by the bike’s brake type alone: the conductive rim and the generator’s position relative to it matter too. Follow the chosen model’s mounting guidance and adjustment instructions.
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Current Microlights Front Light specifications
At the time its product page was accessed, Magnic listed the Microlights Front Light Single at €43 each and gave a weight of 70 g for the offered configuration. These are changeable manufacturer listings, not a guarantee of current stock, shipping cost or total delivered price in a particular location.
| Manufacturer-listed detail | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Generator output | About 0.1–0.5 W, depending on speed and adjustment |
| Generator voltage | About 2–5 V AC, depending on speed and adjustment |
| Weather rating | IPX6 |
| Front-light approval | German STVZO type approval, K 2240*00 |
| LED | Cree high-power LED; stated lifetime above 20,000 hours |
| Standlight | None for the front light |
These figures and claims come from Magnic’s Microlights product page; they are not independent laboratory measurements. The manufacturer says output varies with speed, rim material and geometry, and adjustment. A stated LED lifetime is not a guarantee of the service life of the complete light.
Rank #4
- Super Bright & Wide Coverage:1000 Lumen super bright bike headlight creates a focused and powerful beam pattern, visible up to 650 feet, evenly illuminates from your tire all the way to where your eyes are looking. Additionally, eight auxiliary floodlights enhance penetration and provide a wider coverage area, ensuring optimal visibility even in challenging weather conditions like heavy fog and rain.
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- Efficient Charging, Long Runtime: The special two-port USB-C charging cable supports fast charging which can fully charge the headlight in just 2 hours and the taillight in 1 hour. Meanwhile, our bike lights for night riding can work for up to 4 hours at the highest brightness and 19 hours at the lowest brightness by virtue of the 2000mAh built-in battery. The rear bicycle light can last for up to 50 hours with the 350mAh rechargeable battery.
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- Easy Setup, Versatile Usage: Our bike lights front and back features a mounting bracket and elastic strap, installation is tool-free and simple. Beyond enhancing cycling safety, these lightweight and versatile lights serve dual purposes as emergency lighting for outdoor endeavors such as hiking or camping. They can also be used on electric scooters, strollers, backpacks, and more, making them an ideal lighting solution for a variety of activities.
What to weigh against a conventional battery light
An eddy-current light trades routine battery charging for dependence on a moving, suitable rim and careful alignment. A rechargeable light can be used with rims that are unsuitable for this system, but must be charged. The practical choice also turns on illumination when slowing or stopped, installation, weather protection and verified beam performance.
- At low speed or when stopped: output depends on wheel motion and speed, and the front light is specified without a standlight. If you need light while stationary, consider a separate battery-powered backup. A USB-rechargeable front-and-rear light set is one category to look at; no particular backup model is assessed here.
- Fit and setup: a compatible conductive rim and the correct mount are necessary, and the small generator-to-rim gap has to be aligned.
- Weather: Magnic lists IPX6 for the Microlights front light. That manufacturer-listed rating does not establish how another light performs in a direct comparison.
- Beam and real-world performance: no independent comparative measurements of brightness, beam shape, visibility, drag, durability or braking behavior are established here. A wattage specification alone does not show how well a beam illuminates the road.
What the Kickstarter figures do—and do not—show
The 2018 Kickstarter campaign ran from November 6 to December 21 and recorded 1,129 backers and €109,264 pledged toward a €70,000 goal. The campaign page displayed an update dated July 29, 2025. These figures document participation and funding; they do not establish backer satisfaction, delivery outcomes, long-term reliability or technical performance. See the Kickstarter campaign record.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
