Making bicycles roadworthy: you have to take this into account
Related Videos: Making a Dirt Bike STREET LEGAL!! [Supermoto Build Part 15] (May 2024).
As soon as winter is over, the bike season begins. But when is a bike fit for traffic? We show you what you have to consider according to the Road Traffic Regulations.
How to make your bike roadworthy
The Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) regulate when a bicycle is roadworthy. As soon as you are on the road with your bike, you must comply with the regulations of the StVZO. If you don't do this and get into a traffic control, it can be expensive. Therefore, check whether your bike meets the following requirements:
- §64a stipulates that your bike must be equipped with a light-colored bell. It is best to assume a conventional bicycle bell. Wheel arch bells, blows or horns are not allowed.
- According to §65, the bike must have two independent brakes. Usually these are a front and a rear brake, but this is not explicitly mentioned. The brakes must be easy to operate.
- The lighting regulations are quite extensive in §67. Accordingly, there must be a white headlight and a forward-looking white reflector. In addition, a red rear light and a red reflector of category Z are mandatory. The Z reflector is a designation from the StVZO. You should make sure that the reflector is marked with the Z.
- The lighting systems must be operated with an alternator, i.e. a dynamo. Batteries or accumulators, such as are increasingly being offered today, are also permitted. You may only use lighting that is approved by the Federal Motor Transport Authority. You can recognize this by a wavy line, the capital letter "K" and an approval number. If you have removable bicycle lamps, you do not have to have them with you at all times. In dusk, darkness or poor visibility, however, it is mandatory.
- By the way: Since the last new version of the StVZO 2017, lamps with daytime running lights, high beam and brake lights have also been permitted. Turn signals may also be used when turning. However, this is not mandatory.
- In addition to the lamps, your bike must have two yellow spoke reflectors on each wheel, which are attached opposite each other, or an all-round white reflective ring on each tire. The pedals must also be equipped with yellow reflectors at the front and rear.
