Spanninga launches new Base, Beat and Pulse rear-light collection

The three ranges cover different specifications and price points, from economical, high-volume bicycles to premium e-bikes, but share a common design identity. Developing them meant finding the right balance between compact dimensions, optical performance, functionality and cost.

From good to best

Spanninga has divided the collection into three levels. Base is the ‘good’ option, with a compact, cost-effective dual-LED design aimed at economical, high-volume bicycles. Beat is the ‘better’ level, bringing more performance, design and functionality. At the top is Pulse, the ‘best’ option, with premium performance and advanced functionality aimed particularly at high-end e-bikes.

The three ranges may sit at different points of the market, but they are designed to look like part of the same family. “We identified a need for a rear-light series with a consistent, distinctive and sleek design to match the design language of current bike platforms,” says Arend de Vries, product manager at Spanninga.

Making the rear light part of the bike

That design thinking takes some inspiration from the automotive industry, where rear lights have long played a role in a vehicle’s identity. Spanninga has taken a similar approach to bicycles, using clean shapes, controlled light distribution and distinctive light signatures. The aim is simple: make the rear light look like it belongs on the bike, rather than something bolted on afterwards.

“Modern bicycles, and especially e-bikes, are becoming more sophisticated. Lighting is no longer simply an accessory that is added to the bicycle, but is becoming part of the bicycle’s overall design,” says De Vries.

Compact dimensions are important as manufacturers look for cleaner ways to incorporate lighting into the overall bike design, without making the light itself feel separate from the bicycle. All Base, Beat and Pulse rear lights – except for the versions with indicators – also feature an integrated Z-approved reflector, removing the need for a separate reflector.

Making braking more visible

Safety is moving beyond simply being seen. With Quick Stop Alert, selected models flash rapidly when the rider brakes suddenly, giving following traffic an immediate warning and making sudden deceleration harder to miss.

“We are seeing a growing interest in intelligent functions that actively contribute to safety, rather than simply providing more light,” says De Vries. “Functions that were once seen as ‘extra’, such as Stop-Light and Brake-Light functions, are now becoming essential features.”

At the top end of the collection, Pulse also features an LED-matrix version, giving brands more freedom to customise the light with signatures, logos, text and dynamic visual effects.

Built around today's bike platforms

The collection covers a broad range of bicycles, from city and trekking bikes to cargo bikes and high-end speed e-bikes. The Base, Beat and Pulse rear lights are designed for carrier mounting, with models supporting either 50mm or 80mm carrier bolt distances.

For e-bikes, electrical compatibility is just as important as the physical fit. The lights work with most common drive systems, and Spanninga provides OEMs with detailed technical specifications, including voltage, power consumption, cables and connectors, so they can easily check which light best fits their bike model. The collection has also been developed to meet the latest requirements of the French Code de la Route and German StVZO regulations.

Fewer SKUs, more recycled content

There is another reason for taking a platform approach. OEMs are looking to simplify their ranges and reduce the number of lighting references they need to manage. “Another main topic right now is SKU reduction and platform thinking,” says De Vries. “OEMs are looking for lighting solutions that are flexible and compatible with different bicycle categories, so that fewer product references are needed across large ranges.”

The new collection also brings recycled material into the mix. Selected housing components are made using 95% recycled plastic.

New foundation

The brand sees Base, Beat and Pulse as a foundation for its rear-light portfolio in the years ahead. “The collection provides customers with a clear, future-proof range that can continue to evolve with the ever-moving bicycle market,” concludes De Vries.

For an industry in which lighting is becoming increasingly integrated into the bicycle, Spanninga brings design, functionality and active safety together in its new rear-light collection. Base, Beat and Pulse combine different levels of performance and functionality in one sleek and coherent range, creating a clear foundation for the company’s rear-light portfolio as bicycle design and technology continue to evolve.

Specifications

This article is sponsored by Spanninga.