Why Proper Lighting Matters More in Fall

Fall means crisp air, colorful leaves, and the start of cozy season — but for riders, it also means one thing: less daylight. As the U.S. transitions into autumn, shorter days and time changes mean that commutes, workouts, and weekend rides are more likely to happen in low light. That makes visibility one of the most important safety factors for eBikers this time of year.

At Lectric, we’re all about helping riders enjoy the ride — safely. That’s why our eBikes come with powerful built-in lights, and why we offer accessories designed to keep you seen, safe, and confident on the road.

Here’s a closer look at why lighting matters more in fall — plus some fun facts about how our environment shifts this season.

The Science of Shorter Days

• Did you know? After the autumnal equinox in late September, the Northern Hemisphere loses 2–3 minutes of daylight per day. That adds up quickly: by November, we have an hour less of daylight than we did in early October.
• In early November, most of the U.S. “falls back” with Daylight Saving Time ending, pushing sunsets an hour earlier. Suddenly, that 6 p.m. ride home feels like nightfall.

All of these changes create new visibility challenges for riders — but the right gear can level the playing field.

Why Visibility Drops in Fall

Lighting in fall isn’t just about darkness. There are multiple visibility factors at play:

1. Longer Shadows: The sun sits lower in the sky, so cars, buildings, and even other riders cast longer, deeper shadows. Cyclists can easily disappear into those shadows.
2. Increased Glare: Sunlight at a shallow angle bounces directly into drivers’ eyes in the morning and evening. A rider without lights can blend into the glare.
3. Changing Weather: Fall brings fog, drizzle, and earlier frosts, all of which scatter light and reduce range of sight.
4. Unpredictable Timing: Commutes that felt bright and safe in July are suddenly in darkness by October. Riders may get caught off guard.

The Case for Better Lighting

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of bicycle crashes with vehicles occur between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. — exactly when light is fading in fall.
• A study from the European Cyclists’ Federation found that riders using lights in daytime reduced crash risk by 19%, proving lights help even when it feels “bright enough.”
• Reflective gear boosts visibility at night by up to 500 feet, compared to just 50–70 feet without it. That’s the difference between a driver stopping in time or not.

How Lectric Helps You Shine Bright

Lectric eBikes come equipped with lighting designed for real-world conditions — not just as an afterthought. Here’s how our gear keeps you seen this season:

Built-In Front & Rear Lights

Every Lectric model includes integrated front and rear lights powered directly by your eBike battery. No need to worry about swapping out disposable batteries or remembering to charge a separate unit.

Upgraded Visibility Accessories

For riders who want more, Lectric offers add-ons that make a big difference:

• High-Output Headlights: Bright, wide beams that cut through fog and illuminate the path ahead.
  • Premium Headlight
    • Boosted brightness for daily riders
    • Twice the output of our standard headlight
      
  • Elite Headlight
    • A step up in performance and visibility
    • Four times the output of our standard headlight
      
  • Beacon Light (also charges your phone)
    • Maximum output for ultimate safety and night riding
    • Includes 3 LED bulbs equating to 1600 LUMENS or 1050 LUX
      

Designed for Real Riders

Unlike some aftermarket lights that dangle loosely or require extra wiring, Lectric’s solutions are integrated and/or easily added-on, durable, and adventure-ready. We build them for riders who commute, cruise, and explore — all year long.

Pro Tips for Riding in Fall Light

1. Turn on your lights early. Don’t wait until it’s fully dark — treat lights as part of your “always on” gear in fall.
2. Double up when possible. A headlight + a helmet-mounted light gives you both visibility and the ability to point where you’re looking.
3. Add reflectivity. Reflective tape, vests, or accessories boost visibility without extra power.
4. Mind the timing. Check sunrise and sunset times for your city — you’ll be surprised how quickly they shift week to week.
5. Check your battery. Make sure your eBike lights are pulling clean power and that connections are snug before long rides.

Fun Fall Lighting Trivia

• Shortest Days: By December, Fairbanks, Alaska, gets just 3 hours of daylight — but even Phoenix loses nearly 4 hours compared to June.
• Twilight Advantage: Human eyes are actually more sensitive to motion in low light — which means flashing or moving reflectors grab more attention than steady ones.
• Color Matters: Studies show that white lights in front and red lights in back are universally recognized by drivers, reducing confusion compared to “novelty” colors.

The Lectric Difference

For us, safety is a standard. That’s why every Lectric eBike ships with built-in lights and reflectors, and why we offer upgrades at accessible prices. Because adventure shouldn’t stop just because the days are shorter.

This fall, ride into the season with confidence. Light up the road, stand out in the shadows, and keep exploring — because the best memories are waiting right around the bend.