Frisco E-Bike
City bike with a backpack

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Reflective Equipment · Salzmann

Salzmann 3M Scotchlite Reflective Ankle Bands

Moving reflectors catch a driver's eye better than static ones, which is why reflective ankle bands are one of the most effective cheap safety items you can buy. Salzmann's bands use 3M Scotchlite material, wrap with hook-and-loop, and double as pant-leg straps to keep trousers out of the chain. On an e-bike you may pedal less, but the bands still move and still mark you as a cyclist. They are light enough to live in a bag year-round. Buy a pair for each bike or commuter in the house; they are inexpensive enough.

Every commuterKeeping pant legs clear of the chainAdding motion reflectivityBudget visibility

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Key considerations

  • Reflective only — needs a light source
  • Hook-and-loop wears over years
  • Not a replacement for lights
  • Fit on heavy boots is tight

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Effective
  • Doubles as pant strap
  • Light

Considerations

  • Minimal daytime visibility
  • Easy to lose

Goes well with

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Cyclist wearing a helmet
Reflective Equipment

Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Vest

Most reflective vests are a neon mesh with a couple of stripes. The REFLECT360 is different: the entire fabric is made of reflective beads, so in daylight it looks grey and in headlights it lights up like a street sign. For e-bike commuters riding in the dark, that full-body reflection at car-headlight height is about as visible as you can get short of active lights. It is a windproof shell layer, which is too warm for Texas summer nights but fine from fall through spring. Sizing runs a bit large, and the vest does nothing in daylight without a light source.

Best for: Night and early-morning commuters · Riders on roads with car traffic · Cooler months

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Bike with a rear cargo bag
Lighting (Accessory)

Cygolite Hotrod 50 USB Taillight

The Hotrod 50 is a thin strip of bright red LEDs that mounts to a seatpost or seat stay with a rubber strap and charges by USB. Fifty lumens is plenty for a taillight, and the wide strip is visible from the side as well as behind. Several modes include a daytime flash that gets attention even in Texas sun. Runtime in flash mode is long. The strap fits round posts; for e-bikes with a rack that blocks the seatpost, mount it to a seat stay or buy a rack-mount light instead. It is a cheap, reliable improvement over most stock taillights.

Best for: Every commuter · Daytime visibility · Bikes with a free seatpost or stay

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