Redshift Sports’ Arclight pedals are more than just a bike component; they are a high-tech safety system that addresses one of the biggest risks in cycling: being seen by motorists. While they work on any bike, they have become a favorite for e-bike riders due to their weight, power needs, and the higher speeds often involved in e-biking.
Here is a breakdown of how they work and why they are the perfect match for your e-bike.
How They Work: The Tech Behind the Glow
The Arclight system consists of two durable aluminum pedal bodies and four removable LED light modules (two for each pedal).
- SmartSet Technology: This is the “brain” of the pedals. Each light module contains sensors that detect orientation. No matter how the pedal is flipped or spinning, the front-facing light always stays white and the rear-facing light always stays red.
- Bio-Motion Recognition: Humans are hardwired to recognize the “biological motion” of a person’s legs. Because these lights move in a circular path at your feet, studies (including research from Clemson University) have shown that motorists recognize you as a cyclist up to 57% faster than they would with a traditional stationary seatpost light.
- Auto On/Off: To save you from fumbling with buttons, the pedals have built-in motion sensors. They wake up the moment you move the bike and enter a sleep mode once you’ve parked, ensuring you never accidentally drain the battery.
- Magnetic Modules: The lights snap into the pedals with high-strength magnets. When it’s time to charge, you simply pull them out and plug the integrated USB tab into a charger—no cables required.
Why They Are Perfect for E-Bikes
While the Arclight pedals are a great upgrade for any rider, they offer specific advantages for the e-bike community:
1. Managing Higher Speeds
E-bikes allow riders to travel faster and maintain higher average speeds than traditional bikes. This means you approach intersections and move through traffic more quickly, giving drivers less time to react. The enhanced visibility of “bio-motion” ensures drivers spot you earlier, providing a vital safety buffer for high-speed commuting.
2. Offsetting the “E-Bike Weight” Penalty
The Arclight pedals are beefier than standard plastic pedals, weighing about 350 grams each. For a weight-conscious road cyclist, this might be a deterrent. However, for an e-bike—which already weighs 50+ lbs—the extra few ounces are negligible. The motor does the heavy lifting, allowing you to prioritize safety and durability over shaving grams.
3. 360-Degree Visibility at Intersections
E-bikes are frequently used for city commuting where side-on visibility is critical. Most bike lights only shine forward or backward. The Arclight modules wrap around the pedal, casting light to the sides. This creates a “glow” around the bike that makes you visible to cars pulling out of side streets or turning into your lane.
4. Durability to Match Your Build
E-bikes are often built to be rugged utility vehicles. The Arclight pedals are CNC-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum and feature triple-sealed bearings. They are built to handle the torque and wear of a high-power mid-drive motor or a heavy cargo e-bike, ensuring they last as long as the bike itself.
The Verdict
If you use your e-bike for commuting or night riding, the Redshift Arclights are arguably the most effective safety upgrade you can buy. By combining smart orientation sensors with the science of human motion, they ensure that you aren’t just a “blinking light” in the distance—you are a recognizable human on a bike.