A DIY LIGHT BIKE TUTORIAL
In this article I’ll show you how to convert your bicycle into an LED Light Bike. It’s surprisingly easy and really cheap. I did mine for around $60. If you ride at night, this will make your bicycle more safe and better looking. If you are into photography like us here at Stimulight the Night. Your bike will become the ultimate light painting tool.
I’ve included all the links to the materials used and a detailed step by step tutorial. If you’re a visual person you might prefer the video. Choose your adventure and enjoy!
Let’s Begin!
STEP 1: ORDER THE PARTS
While there are many options here, these are the parts I ordered and so far I have been happy with the choices.
–LED Light Strip with Control Box and Remote
–12V Lithium Rechargeable Battery Pack
The quick connectors aren’t very long so if you know how to solder, this would be a good choice to give you even more flexibility.
I used my bike rack to hold the 12V battery, but in hindsight an under the seat bag could be a good investment.
STEP 2: CLEAN THE BIKE FRAME
You can use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to do this. Just get it nice and clean so the LED light strip will stick to the frame.
STEP 3: PLAN THE LOCATIONS FOR THE LIGHT STRIPS
Note: The quick connectors are only about 4 Inches long so keep this in mind when planning the route of the light strips. As noted above, If you are using a soldering gun and wires, you have more flexibility.
STEP 4: CUT AND EXPOSE THE COPPER CONNECTIONS
Cut the strip to the desired length down the middle of any of the copper connections. Peel back the waterproof encasing and cut off the excess. For the back of the connections, peel back the plastic and then scrape off the sticky glue with a utility knife. This can take some time.
Soldering: If you are soldering then you don’t have to scrape off the glue on the back of the strip.
STEP 5: ATTACH THE QUICK CONNECTOR
Line up the positive (+) side on the connector with the positive (+) side on the LED strip, then snap it shut.
Soldering: If you are soldering, then just solder the connections together.
STEP 6: ATTACH THE IR CONTROL BOX TO THE FRAME
I used velcro, but you can also place it into a bag under your bike seat along with your battery.
STEP 7: REPEAT UNTIL THE BIKE IS COVERED IN LIGHTS
If you planned out the layout of the LED light strips ahead of time, this should go smoothly. If you are putting any LED strips on the front forks, just allow plenty of length for the handlebars to turn. With the quick connectors this might not be a viable option. If you are soldering then it is possible.
STEP 8: TEST IT OUT
If a connection isn’t working, make sure you have the copper connections exposed enough for the quick connector to make contact.
Soldering: Check all your connections
STEP 9: WATERPROOF WITH HOT GLUE
Use a hot glue gun and cover all the connection points between the quick connectors or soldered connections and LED light strip with hot glue. This helps to waterproof them and hold them tight.
STEP 10: ZIP TIE THE LED LIGHT STRIP TO THE FRAME
Although the LED light strip has a sticky back, it’s a great idea to zip tie it as well to keep it from peeling off when riding.
And that’s it! Your LED light bike is now ready for the road! The LED Light strip I used changes color, and you can select from a variety of colors on the remote. Not only can you select different colors, you can also change the brightness and have the lights rotate through colors as your riding around town.
Bicycle lights at Sunset
Light Painting with Bicycle
If you know anyone that would enjoy this article please give it a share. Thanks for Reading.
-Dan McCreight
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