New Type of Bicycle Tail Light

[aviration]

I've been designing a new type of bicycle tail light to solve some of the annoyances I have with existing tail lights. I'm thinking of taking the device to market, but before I do, I'm trying to gauge whether or not there would be interest in it. I've talked to a number of people locally, but am interested in getting a broader view. I've put together a short 9 question survey if anyone is interested in providing feedback. It is available at Impressity.com - Powerful online market research portal. Free surveys and free market research reports!.

I'd also be happy to discuss the light here. The key idea behind it is to remove the need for someone to have to remember to turn their tail light on or off. For instance if some has their light on and forgets to turn it off when they stop riding. This has happened to me on a couple of occasions and I end up burning through a set of batteries when it does. Instead this light automatically turns on and off based on external light conditions and whether or not the bicycle is being used. The light can also come in handy if you ride around dawn or dusk or through terrain where the light levels vary (mountains, terrain, rain etc). That way you don't have to pay close attention to the conditions and remember to reach back and turn the light on/off as needed.

As an added feature, I've developed a way to keep the brightness constant brightness over the life of the batteries. This was after having a number of conversations with people on group rides about whether or not people's lights were dim enough yet to warrant replacement. I really don't like the idea of riding with a light that works, but might be a little too dim to catch a driver's eye. With the light I'm working on, if it gets to dim, it lets you know.

Would anyone be interested in such a tail light?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[dabac]

I've been designing a new type of bicycle tail light ...The key idea behind it is to remove the need for someone to have to remember to turn their tail light on or off.

A light with most of those features already exists, see Basta zoom auto and its siblings.

It's got on/off/auto settings. On auto it'll go on automatically when the bike is moving if it's dark enough. It goes off when the bike has been stationary for a few minutes or if it's turned light. There's also an indicator diode that lights up when it's time to change batteries. It gives ample warning, you've got hours left when the indicator goes on.

If I really try I can think of two areas that could be improved:
1) the casing isn't all that waterproof. Judging by the road grit I've picked up inside I worry about long-term survival of the contact springs for the batteries. Still, it's made it through 2 winters OK, so maybe it isn't an issue.
2) the light is well focused to the rear, to the point of almost being hard to see from the rider's position. A bit more sideways leakage would make it easier to verify that it's on while riding.

 

[aviration]

Thanks dabac,

I'm in the US and hadn't seen that light before. It's not in the local stores or national chains. I'm going to see if I can find a place that sells that light and will ship to the US.

Also, I appreciate the heads up about the features you don't like. I'll keep them in mind if I end up selling the light.

 

[dabac]

.. I'm going to see if I can find a place that sells that light and will ship to the US.

Amazon ought to do it:
[ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Basta-Pannier-Mounted-LED/dp/B000XQAD7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sports&qid=1266417344&sr=8-1]Basta Pannier Mounted LED: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Leisure[/ame]

Or these guys:
AXA-BASTA Zoom Auto :: £23.00 :: ACCESSORIES :: Lights - Battery :: Bicycle Workshop. Londons bike repair specialist

I got mine way cheaper though, from here:
Cykellampa bak Zoom Auto
that's about 12 USD.

....I appreciate the heads up about the features you don't like.

Keep in mind that those are fairly mild objections. I don't see me changing this one out any time soon.