This is because the lighting business bicycle must meet specific requirements according to Dutch legislation. Front and rear lights are mandatory, as well as reflectors and sometimes additional lighting depending on the bicycle type. Electric business bikes and cargo bikes often have additional requirements due to their size and also use in traffic. Thus, proper lighting business bike not only ensures safety, but also prevents fines during business use. In this article you will discover what requirements apply and how to make the best choice.
What are the legal requirements for lighting on business bikes?
In fact, Dutch business bikes must be equipped with a white front light and red rear light. Both must be visible at least 100 meters away. In addition, yellow reflectors are mandatory on the pedals, a red rear reflector and also white reflectors on the front and rear. These requirements apply to lighting business bicycle of any type.
When should you run lights?
The Road Traffic Act states that lighting must be functional between sunset and sunrise. But the lighting business bike must also work during the day when visibility is poor. Indeed, for business bicycles, this means having working lights at all times, even during short trips within the city.
Modern LED lights usually automatically meet legal requirements and also last longer than traditional incandescent lights. Just make sure that the lighting business bike is mounted correctly. This is because the lights should not be covered by cargo or accessories, which can happen especially with cargo bikes.
What are the fines for missing lights?
In fact, a fine for missing or non-functioning lighting business bike is €60-95 per violation. As an employer, you are responsible for maintaining company bicycles. Therefore, invest in reliable LED lighting or choose an electric bike with integrated lighting system.
Want to learn more about business bike insurance? Check out the STOER Bikes insurance policy which also provides coverage for lighting damage.
How does lighting differ between regular bikes and electric company bikes?
In fact, electric business bikes have the same basic lighting requirements as regular bikes. The big advantage is that the lighting business bike can be connected directly to the battery. So this ensures constant power supply without having to change batteries.
What are the benefits of integrated lighting?
The lighting business bike in electric models is often integrated into the system as standard. In fact, the STOER UrbanX and CityX have LED lighting with smart brake indication. This means that the rear light automatically lights up brighter when you brake, thus significantly increasing safety.
"We deliberately chose integrated lighting on all our models," says co-founder Thomas. "The lighting business bike has to be reliable. By connecting everything to the battery, you never have dead batteries and your bike is always safe."
What additional requirements apply to fast e-bikes?
In fact, fast e-bikes over 25 mph fall under stricter rules for lighting business bike. These bikes are often required to have additional reflective materials and sometimes additional lighting on the sides. Speed pedelecs are treated as mopeds and thus have more extensive lighting requirements.
The STOER models are all limited to 25 km/h and therefore fall under regular e-bike legislation. The lighting business bike meets all Dutch and European requirements as standard. In fact, all models are CE certified.
Want to know more about the technical specifications? Check out the STOER UrbanX with integrated LED lighting.
What are the best lighting options for cargo bikes in business use?
In fact, cargo bikes in business use have extra visibility requirements because of their size. So the lighting business bike must be more powerful and also remain visible when carrying cargo. In addition to standard lights, LED strips along the sides and also additional reflectors on the cargo box are useful.
What lighting does the STOER CargoX have?
The STOER CargoX has a complete LED lighting system that goes far beyond the legal requirements for lighting business bike. In fact, the system includes daytime running lights for maximum daytime visibility, integrated turn signals in the body and also brake lights that automatically activate when braking.
The turn signals work just like in a car, which makes the lighting business bike thus much safer in heavy city traffic. This is because you don't have to make hand gestures when turning, which is especially practical when fully loaded. The lights are connected directly to the 960Wh battery, so they always work reliably.
Why are side lights important for cargo bikes?
The CargoX's integrated turn signals are also on the sides of the body. This ensures better visibility of the lighting business bike from all angles. Indeed, especially when standing still for loading and unloading, this is a great safety advantage.
The lighting business bike of the CargoX is designed for intensive use. This is because it can withstand daily use, all weather conditions and also the vibrations of cobblestones and bumpy roads. By the way, the thick fatbike tires ensure a smooth ride that therefore does not damage the lights.
Want to experience CargoX lighting for yourself? Schedule a test drive and see how the complete lighting system works.
How do you mount lights on belt drive bikes?
In fact, bikes with belt drive require specific mounting points for lighting business bike. The frame is often constructed differently from chain bikes. Most modern belt drive bikes do have pre-drilled mounting points for standard lighting systems.
What are the benefits of Gates CDX belt drive?
When mounting lighting business bike on belt-drive bikes, make sure the wiring does not interfere with the belt. This is because the Gates CDX belt from STOER Bikes requires no maintenance. There is no grease needed that can damage wiring, nor is there a chain that can touch the lights.
In addition, the belt drive is much quieter than a chain. This makes the lighting business bike more audible to other road users when using a bell or horn, for example. The belt lasts more than 30,000 kilometers, so the lighting system never needs to be adjusted due to wear and tear on the drive.
Want to know more about belt drives? Then read our blog on the benefits of belt drives.
How are the lights mounted on STOER bikes?
With STOER bikes, the lighting business bike is integrated into the frame and body by default. So you don't have to mount or modify anything extra. In fact, the wiring runs internally through the frame, which gives a sleek look and also protects against damage.
The LED lights are waterproof and resistant to all weather conditions. Thus, the lighting business bike also works reliably in rain, snow or in extreme temperatures. In fact, this is important for business bikes that are used all year round.
What lighting is most cost-effective for a company bicycle fleet?
For companies with multiple business bikes, the choice of lighting business bike is an important cost consideration. LED lighting with integrated battery connection is the most cost-effective in the long run.
Why is integrated lighting more economical?
In fact, LED lights last 5-10 years and require minimal maintenance. So the lighting business bike does not need to be replaced regularly. In electric bikes such as the STOER models, the lighting is connected directly to the battery, which also saves battery costs.
For large fleets, standardization is important in lighting business bike. Choose one type of lighting for easy maintenance and also replacement of parts. STOER bikes all have the same lighting system, which therefore simplifies the management of a business bike fleet.
What are the financial benefits?
Through the Small-scale investment deduction (KIA) in fact, you get up to 28% of the investment in business bike back. This includes the lighting business bike included as standard. VAT on purchase and maintenance is also deductible for business use.
So the complete lighting business bike from STOER models is included in the purchase price by default. In fact, there are no additional costs for lighting kits or mounting. This makes the total investment clear and also predictable.
Want to know more about the financial benefits? Then read our blog on the KIA scheme.
How do you maintain lighting on business bikes?
Indeed, proper maintenance of lighting business bike is essential for safety and also to avoid fines. In electric bicycles with integrated lighting, fortunately, maintenance is minimal.
How often should you check the lights?
In fact, check the lighting business bike weekly for heavy use, or at least monthly for occasional use. Make this part of your regular safety check along with tires and also brakes. LED lights will last for years, but so replace defective parts immediately.
With the STOER bikes, the lighting business bike is linked to the battery. Therefore, check that the battery is sufficiently charged before you leave. This is because with a full battery, the lights are guaranteed to work all day, no matter how long your rides are.
What do you do in the event of faulty lighting?
Never ride a business bike without working lights. Use battery lights temporarily if the integrated lights do not work. Have the bicycle repaired by an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This is because the STOER warranty also covers lighting for 2 years.
Find a STOER Bikes dealer near you for maintenance and repair of your lighting business bike.
The right lighting for your business bike
After all, proper lighting business bike is not only a legal obligation, but also an investment in safety and professionalism. Whether you choose a fatbike, electric bike or cargo bike, always make sure you have quality LED lighting that fits your specific business needs.
The STOER CargoX won the German Design Award 2025 and has the most complete lighting system in its class. With daytime running lights, turn signals, brake lights and also reflectors, the lighting business bike more than meets all requirements. The 5-year warranty on the frame provides additional security for intensive business use.
Schedule a test drive and experience for yourself how STOER's lighting business bike works in practice. That way you can make an informed choice for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fined if my lighting batteries are dead during business use?
Yes, in fact you can be fined €60-95 for insufficient lighting business bike, even if the batteries are unexpectedly dead. As an employer, you are responsible for the maintenance of company bikes. Therefore, invest in electric bikes with integrated lighting on the battery, then you will not have this problem.
How often should I check and maintain lighting on company bikes?
In fact, check the lighting business bike weekly for heavy use, or at least monthly for occasional use. Make this part of your regular safety check along with tires and also brakes. LED lights last for years, but so replace defective parts immediately to avoid fines and accidents.
What lighting do I need if I am cycling for business early in the morning or late at night?
Indeed, for early morning or late evening rides, powerful LED lighting business bike is essential. STOER models come standard with powerful LED lights with brake indication. Also consider reflective clothing for optimal visibility. So for regular rides in the dark, an e-bike with integrated lighting is the most reliable choice.
May I add additional indicators or LED strips to my business bike?
Yes, additional lighting business bike is allowed as long as it does not replace the mandatory lighting but complements it. In fact, turn signals may not be white at the front or red at the rear. The STOER CargoX already has integrated turn signals, so additional additions are usually not necessary.
What should I do if the lights on my company electric bike don't work?
First check that the battery is sufficiently charged and all connections are in fact tight. For integrated lighting business bike, a faulty fuse may be the cause. Do not ride without working lights and so use battery lights temporarily. Have the bike repaired at a STOER dealer.
How do I make sure the lights on my cargo bike are not covered by cargo?
In fact, plan your cargo so that front and rear lights of your lighting business bike always remain clear. The STOER CargoX has high-mounted lights and also turn signals in the body that are not covered. The CargoX cover flap is designed to keep the lighting so free.
Which lighting options are most cost-effective for a company bicycle fleet?
In fact, electric bikes with integrated LED lighting business bikes are the most cost-effective in the long run. They last 5-10 years and require minimal maintenance. STOER models all have the same lighting system, which makes standardization for large fleets therefore easy.