It's important to use bike lights if you ride at night, but not everyone wants them cluttering up their handlebars, nor do they always remember to attach them when heading out before dark. Well, that's why Licht was created. It's a set of handlebar grips with multi-function lights, that are always on your bars.
Each Licht unit consists of a silicone grip that stays on the bars permanently, along with a cylindrical electronic module that can be removed for battery-changes. That module contains two user-supplied AA batteries which sit inside of the hollow handlebar, along with the LED lights themselves, which protrude out the end of the bar.
Controlled by a built-in thumb switch, those lights include a 125-lumen headlight that can be set to high-, low-output and flashing modes; a 28-lumen turn indicator visible from the front and rear of the bicycle; and a 65-lumen brake light that automatically illuminates whenever the bike is stopping, thanks to an integrated accelerometer.
Each grip/module combo weighs in at 180 g (6.3 oz), is IP55 waterproof (meaning it can withstand low-pressure jets of water), and should run for 20 to 50 hours on one set of batteries, depending on the operating mode – an indicator on each grip shows the charge level.
If you're interested in getting a Licht setup, it's currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$63 is required, with delivery estimated for July if everything goes according to plans.
The product can be seen in use, in the video below.
Prospective backers might want to also check out the existing Lumma, Brightspark and WingLight grip-light systems – they offer some of the same features, along with some different ones.
Sources: Licht, Kickstarter
