Installing turn signals on your electric bike is a smart upgrade that can greatly improve your safety and confidence on the road.
This guide will walk you through the process step by step, from choosing the right turn signal kit to mounting and wiring it, all in a friendly DIY manner.
We’ll also cover why turn signals matter, highlight tips for DIY enthusiasts, and discuss legal considerations so you can ride with both safety and peace of mind.
Quick Summary
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Installing turn signals on an e-bike is a straightforward project that yields big safety benefits.
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Riders can choose between simple battery-powered add-on kits and integrated handlebar-mounted systems, each with its own advantages.
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In essence, the process involves mounting indicator lights (front and rear), adding a handlebar switch or remote, and connecting the electronics (either to the bike’s battery or a standalone power source).
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This article provides detailed installation instructions, tips on selecting the right kit, and important legal considerations – such as remembering that electronic signals complement but don’t replace hand signals.
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By following this guide, DIY enthusiasts can confidently equip their bikes with turn signals, enhancing visibility and communication with other road users.
Why Add Turn Signals to Your E-Bike?
Cyclists have traditionally relied on hand signals to indicate turns, but adding electronic turn signals to your e-bike can significantly boost your visibility and safety.
Turn signals provide a clear, visual indication of your intentions to drivers and other cyclists, reducing the chance of accidents caused by miscommunication.
In fact, studies show that 78% of drivers feel more confident sharing the road with cyclists who signal, and proper signaling (whether by hand or lights) can reduce turning accidents by up to 47%.
For e-bike riders, especially those who commute in traffic or ride in low-light conditions, electronic turn signals offer additional advantages.
LED turn signal lights are highly visible at night and in poor weather, when hand gestures might be missed. They allow you to keep both hands on the handlebars during a turn, improving control and balance for those who find one-handed signaling tricky.
By simply pressing a button or switch, you can activate bright flashing indicators that drivers can see from a distance, much like the signals on a car or motorcycle.
This predictability makes you more noticeable and your movements more expected by others, which in turn helps traffic flow more smoothly around you.
Another benefit is confidence and convenience. Many riders feel safer when they know they have an additional way to communicate their intentions.
If you’re commuting in busy city streets, a blinking amber light on your bike’s rear can supplement your hand signal and catch a driver’s eye in a way an arm alone might not.
It’s about giving extra cues to avoid the common “I didn’t see you” scenario that causes so many close calls. Considering that most cycling accidents happen during turns or lane changes, every bit of visibility helps.
Lastly, while turn signals on bicycles aren’t legally mandated in most places (more on that later), using them is part of fostering a culture of safety.
As an electric bike rider, you’re already sharing roads with faster, heavier vehicles.
Showing that you take safety seriously – by signaling every turn clearly – can also encourage drivers to be more respectful and cautious around you. It’s a win-win for everyone on the road.
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Types of Turn Signal Kits for Bicycles
When it comes to adding turn signals on a bicycle or e-bike, you have a few different options. The best choice for you will depend on your budget, technical comfort, and desired level of integration with your bike.
Here we break down the main types of turn signal systems available:
1. Battery-Powered Add-On Turn Signal Kits (Easy Installation)
One popular option is a self-contained, battery-powered turn signal kit designed for bicycles. These kits usually include a rear light unit (sometimes with left/right amber arrows and possibly an integrated tail light) and a small handlebar-mounted remote.
They run on their own batteries (often AA batteries or a USB-rechargeable pack), which means no complex wiring into your bike’s electronics is required.
This makes installation extremely easy – often just a matter of clipping or strapping the light unit to your bike (e.g. under the seat or on a rear rack) and attaching the wireless remote to your handlebar.
Battery-operated kits are great for those who want a quick, plug-and-play solution.
They typically come with clear instructions, and you won’t need special electrical skills to set them up. However, be aware that some very cheap units might not be super bright or durable.
They’ll work fine at night, but in bright daylight the visibility may be limited. Quality can vary, so it’s worth reading reviews or choosing a reputable brand.
Also remember to check and recharge/replace the batteries periodically – you don’t want your signals dying mid-ride.
Despite their simplicity, these add-on kits serve the purpose for many riders. They often include extra features like integrated brake lights or even a horn sound.
If you’re a casual rider or not comfortable tapping into your e-bike’s wiring, a battery-powered kit is an excellent starting point. Just mount it, and you’re ready to ride with newfound confidence.
2. Integrated Wired Turn Signal Systems (Hardwired to E-Bike)
For a more permanent and robust solution, you can install turn signals that tie into your e-bike’s main battery and electrical system.
This approach is akin to how motorcycles or scooters handle turn signals – it uses the vehicle’s power and often mimics automotive-style circuitry with a flasher relay and handlebar switch.
It’s a bit more involved as a DIY project, but it results in a very sleek and reliable setup.
In a wired turn signal system, you’ll typically need the following components: a pair of front turn signal lights and a pair of rear turn signal lights (these can be small amber LED lamp units), a handlebar-mounted turn signal switch (usually a toggle or slide switch that you flip left or right), and a flasher relay or controller to make the lights blink.
All these parts get wired together and connected to your e-bike’s battery (often through the bike’s fuse or accessory circuit).
Some e-bikes even have accessory lighting ports or controllers that support turn signals; in other cases, you might add a DC-DC converter if your main battery is high voltage (to step down to e.g. 12V for the lights).
Installing a hardwired system means running wires along your bike’s frame from the handlebar switch to each turn signal light.
The lights themselves need to be securely mounted – commonly on the front handlebar or fork for the front signals, and on the rear seat stays, rack, or fender for the rear signals. This could involve minor drilling or custom brackets to attach the lights firmly.
Many riders use small motorcycle indicator lights or LED strips for this purpose. The handlebar switch clamps onto your bar, and the relay (a little electronic or mechanical flasher unit) is tucked away (perhaps near the battery or controller housing).
The wired approach is favored by enthusiasts who want a factory-like finish. Since it draws power from the main battery, you don’t have to worry about changing batteries in the signal lights.
These systems also tend to be brighter and sturdier than the cheap add-ons. On the flip side, the installation will take more time and some basic wiring skills – you might be splicing wires, crimping connectors, and figuring out your bike’s wiring layout.
It’s absolutely doable as a DIY project (many e-bikers have done it), just plan it out carefully. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions later in this guide to help you through a generic install.
3. Handlebar-End Turn Signals (Bar-End Lights)
Handlebar-mounted turn signals can also refer to the clever bar-end lights that install directly into the ends of your handlebars. A good example is the WingLights indicators, which are small LED units that plug into the hollow handlebar tube on each side.
These lights act as turn signals (usually blinking amber) and sometimes as running lights or position lights. They’re activated either by a button on the units themselves or via a connected remote, depending on the model.
Bar-end turn signals are a favorite of minimalist riders and those who don’t have a rear rack or obvious mounting point for traditional blinkers.
They keep the profile of the bike clean, since the lights are part of the handlebar, and are visible from the front and rear sides.
Installation is usually simple: you remove your handlebar’s end plugs or caps and insert the WingLights (or similar product) in their place, tightening them so they’re secure.
Once installed, a tap on the light can make it flash to indicate a turn, or some systems come with a handlebar remote. They often run on small batteries (like watch batteries or built-in rechargeables).
One thing to consider with bar-end signals is visibility range. They are relatively close together (handlebar width apart), which some argue isn’t as immediately clear to drivers as widely spaced lights on the far left/right of your bike’s frame. However, many designs mitigate this by using bright, wide-angle LEDs and even arrow shapes to show direction.
As long as the lights are bright, drivers who are reasonably attentive should notice an amber flash on the correct side. Still, you should use them as a supplement to safe riding practices (don’t assume a driver saw it just because it’s blinking).
Overall, handlebar-end signals are a sleek and easy way to add turn indicators.
They’re practically plug-and-play and appeal to those who want a subtle look or have road/gravel bikes where attaching external lights could clutter the bike. Plus, they double as conversation starters at bike meet-ups – they look pretty cool in action!
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4. Wireless Remote Turn Signal Lights
Another modern solution is a wireless turn signal system. This typically consists of a battery-powered light unit for the rear (and sometimes front) of your bike and a wireless remote that you attach to your handlebars.
The remote uses radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth to communicate with the light unit. When you press the left or right button, the corresponding turn signal blinks on the light unit at the back. Many of these also have built-in brake light functionality (accelerometers that detect slowing and make the light shine solid red) and multiple modes.
Wireless kits are extremely easy to install – no wiring between the front and back of the bike needed. You simply mount the rear light (usually on the seat post, seat tube, or clipped to a saddlebag) and secure the small remote on your handlebar.
Because they are self-contained and often designed for bicycles, they’re a go-to choice for riders who aren’t comfortable running cables or who want to avoid any modifications to the bike’s frame.
They’re also a good choice if you want to use the same turn signal unit on multiple bikes (since you can just unclip it and move it, as long as the remote is portable).
Do wireless signals have downsides? Mainly the reliance on battery power and potential connectivity issues.
Make sure to charge the units regularly (most have USB recharge nowadays). Also, test the range – generally the remote and light are within a few feet, so it’s fine, but very rarely things like interference could cause a missed signal.
The good news is these systems have improved greatly in recent years and are designed to be foolproof for cyclists. They often even include hazard modes (both signals flashing) or turn signal beeps to remind you they’re on.
In summary, whether you opt for a bolt-on battery kit, a fully wired setup, handlebar-end lights, or a wireless system, you can find a solution that fits your needs.
Some riders even combine approaches (for example, using bar-end lights in front and a wireless unit at back). The key is to choose a setup you’re comfortable installing and operating. In the next section, we’ll get our hands dirty with an example installation process that can be adapted to many of these kit types.
An example of a DIY bicycle turn signal setup attached to the rear of a bike. This simple custom solution uses LED brake lights as blinkers, wired to a handlebar switch for left/right signaling.
How to Install Turn Signals on Your E-Bike (Step-by-Step)
Now for the fun part – the installation instructions. We’ll outline a general step-by-step process applicable to most bike turn signal kits.
Whether you’re installing a pre-packaged kit or doing a custom wiring job, these steps will guide you through the key stages. Be sure to also follow any specific directions provided with your kit. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Plan Your Setup and Gather the Parts
Begin by planning where each component will go on your bike. Decide on the mounting points for your front and rear turn signal lights.
Common locations are the handlebar or front fork for front indicators, and the seat post, rear rack, or frame stays for rear indicators.
Also figure out where the handlebar switch or remote will be placed (usually near your left hand, where you can easily flick it with your thumb, similar to a motorcycle turn signal switch).
Planning placement now will help you determine how much wiring you need to run. As one DIY builder notes, it’s wise to temporarily hold the switch and lights in position and ensure the wire lengths are sufficient for the bike’s movement (e.g., turning the handlebars).
Gather all the parts and tools required for the job.
This typically includes the turn signal lights (either separate units for left/right or a combined unit), the handlebar turn signal switch (or wireless remote), a flasher relay or control module (for wired kits), and all necessary wires, connectors, and hardware.
If your kit is battery-powered, make sure you have fresh batteries or charge the unit beforehand. For wired installs, you may need additional wire (red and black hookup wire) to extend connections, and possibly a DC-DC converter if tapping a high-voltage e-bike battery.
Tools often needed are screwdrivers, hex wrenches, a drill (if you must drill mounting holes or brackets), zip ties, electrical tape, and a soldering iron or crimp tool for connecting wires.
Don’t forget safety items like a multimeter to verify voltages and wire polarity, especially if integrating with your e-bike’s power.
Finally, power down your e-bike (turn it off and maybe disconnect the battery) before working on any electrical wiring.
It’s just good practice to avoid short circuits. With a clear plan, the right parts, and tools at hand, you’re ready to move on to the physical installation.
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Step 2: Mount the Turn Signal Lights on Your Bike
Start with attaching the lights themselves. Install the rear turn signal lights first, as they are crucial for indicating to traffic behind you.
If you have a single unit with both left/right signals (for example, a bar that has left and right arrow LEDs), mount that centrally – typically just below the seat or on the rear rack.
Ensure it’s level and facing straight back. Use the provided clamps or brackets; many kits have a seatpost clamp or rubber straps for tool-free mounting.
If you’re using two separate light pods (left and right), you’ll want to put one on each side symmetrically – for instance, on the rear rack or the frame, left and right of the wheel.
Aim them slightly outward/backward so that they are visible from the rear and side angles. Secure them tightly so they won’t wobble over bumps.
For the front turn signals (if your system includes them), placement can be a bit more flexible on a bicycle.
Some riders mount small indicator lights on the handlebar itself, near the grips, facing forward. Others attach them to the front fork or even the sides of a front basket or rack.
The goal is to have them as far apart as possible (to emphasize left vs right) and forward-facing so oncoming traffic and pedestrians can see them.
Mount these lights using the hardware provided – often a simple clamp for handlebars or a bolt for fork mounting.
Ensure that the front lights don’t interfere with your brake cables, shifters, or headlight. They should also not blind you as the rider; most bike turn signals are not overly bright straight-on, they are meant to be seen from a distance off-center.
While mounting, route any wiring neatly. Wired kits will have wires trailing from each light – try to run these along the bike’s frame tubes.
Zip ties or adhesive clips are your friends to keep the wires snug and out of the way (no loose wires that could snag on anything). Leave a little slack at joints (like where the handlebar turns) to allow movement without straining the cable.
If using a wireless system, you won’t have wires to worry about between the remote and lights – a plus for installation ease.
By the end of this step, you should have all turn signal light units firmly mounted at their chosen locations.
Take a moment to step back and double-check alignment: lights should be pointing straight and clearly visible. A crooked turn signal not only looks off, but could also direct light away from drivers who need to see it.
Step 3: Install the Handlebar Switch or Remote Control
Next, set up the control switch that lets you activate the signals.
For wired turn signal kits, this is usually a physical switch assembly that mounts to your handlebars. It often has a lever or toggle you move left or right (and sometimes a middle neutral position).
Choose a convenient spot on the left side of your handlebar (since your right hand often manages the throttle or rear brake on e-bikes, the left side is common for signal controls, akin to a motorcycle).
The switch can usually be clamped on with a simple screw, much like a bike bell or light mount. Position it so that your thumb can easily flick it without letting go of the handlebar grip. Once in place, tighten it securely.
If you’re using a wireless remote, the process is similar.
These remotes are typically small, with buttons for left, right, and maybe an emergency flash or horn. Mount the remote’s bracket to your handlebar and slide or snap the remote into it. Again, ensure it’s within easy reach of your thumb.
Many remotes use a silicone band or a clamp that doesn’t require tools, making it straightforward. Test pressing the buttons or moving the switch a few times to get a feel for it. It should be comfortable and not obstruct other controls.
Now is also a good time to think about how you’ll power the switch if it has illumination or if it’s part of a wired system.
In a wired kit, the switch will have wires coming out of it that need to connect to the lights and the power source (through the flasher relay).
Usually, you’ll have three wires on a basic on-off-on turn signal switch: one common power feed and one output for left, one for right.
Route these wires along the handlebar and down the frame toward where your other wiring will converge (often near the bike’s battery or controller area). Keep the wires tidy using zip ties or by tucking them alongside existing cables.
At this stage, nothing is electrically connected yet (ideally). You have the hardware in place: lights mounted, switch/remote mounted.
The bike still looks pretty normal, just with extra lights and a new switch. The next step will be connecting all the pieces into a functioning circuit.
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Step 4: Wire Everything Together
Wiring is the heart of the installation. If you have a wireless system, you can largely skip this step – your lights and remote are already paired, and you just need to ensure the light’s battery is supplying power.
For a wired system, follow along carefully:
First, if your kit includes a flasher relay or control module, mount that in a safe spot.
The flasher is what makes the lights blink on and off. It’s usually a small plastic or metal canister or box. You might attach it near the bike’s battery, under the seat, or in a storage compartment if your e-bike has one.
It should have a few wires: typically input from power, and outputs to the left and right signals (and possibly a ground wire if needed).
Some kits might integrate the flasher function into the switch or lights, but most have a separate little unit.
Now, run the wiring: Connect the power feed from your bike’s battery or power source to the flasher relay input (this may involve tapping into your bike’s wiring harness or using a dedicated accessory circuit).
Use the appropriate voltage – for example, if your lights are 12V, you may need a converter from a higher-voltage e-bike battery down to 12V.
Many e-bikes run lights on 6V or 12V circuits even if the main battery is 36V/48V, so check if your bike has a lighting output you can use.
Otherwise, a small DC converter or a separate 12V battery pack can be used.
From the flasher relay, you’ll have wires going to the handlebar switch and then to each turn signal lamp.
A typical setup: the relay’s output connects to the common input of your handlebar switch. Then the two outputs from the switch (left and right) run one wire to the left signal light and one to the right signal light.
The other side of each light connects to ground (common return path). Ensure all ground wires are tied together and connected to the negative side of the battery or frame ground, as required.
If this sounds complicated, refer to a wiring diagram if provided – the concept is the same as on a scooter or motorcycle, just on a smaller scale.
Pro tip: Label your wires or use color coding (e.g., yellow for left, green for right, black for ground, red for power) to keep track of everything.
Secure all connections by soldering and heat-shrinking, or using crimp connectors, so that vibrations won’t loosen them. Also, make sure any connectors or open wires are insulated and weather-resistant – a dab of silicone or electrical tape can seal things nicely for waterproofing.
As you wire things up, periodically check that wires aren’t overly taut or at risk of snagging on moving parts. The goal is a clean, safe wiring job that’s almost invisible unless you look closely.
When all wires are in place, do a quick sanity check: left switch should feed the left light, right switch feeds the right light, and both lights share a common ground.
The flasher should be in the circuit feeding the switch (or sometimes between switch and lights) so that it can blink the current on and off. Double-check polarity on LED lights (most LED signals have a positive and negative lead).
Step 5: Test the Turn Signals
Before you hit the road, it’s crucial to test everything to make sure it works as intended.
Reconnect the main battery or power supply if you had it disconnected. Turn on your e-bike’s ignition if needed (for systems tied into the bike power) or ensure the signal kit’s power is on.
Now, activate the turn signals one side at a time. Flip the handlebar switch to the left – the left front and rear turn signals should start flashing in a consistent blink pattern. Flip to the right – the right side lights should blink.
If you have a wireless remote, press the left turn button and observe the lights, then the right.
Also test any additional functions: hazard mode (both sides flashing) if available, brake light if integrated (you might need to actually squeeze the brakes or simulate a slowdown if it’s an auto-sensing brake light), and any sound feature (some kits emit a beeping when signals are on, acting as a reminder).
If something isn’t working, now’s the time to troubleshoot. Common issues include:
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A light not turning on at all (could be a loose connection or a ground issue).
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One side stays solid and doesn’t flash (likely a wiring mix-up with the flasher or using the wrong type of relay).
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The wrong side flashes (you might have swapped the left/right wires – easy fix by swapping them to the correct lights).
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Nothing happens at all (check your power source and fuses; a blown fuse or disconnected wire could be the culprit).
Take your time to resolve any problems. For wired setups, a multimeter is helpful to verify voltage reaching each point. For wireless, ensure the remote is paired and the batteries are charged.
When everything is functioning correctly, do a final clean-up: tighten any bolts, add extra zip-ties to secure wires, and trim off excess zip-tie ends for a neat look.
Tuck away the flasher unit (maybe wrap it in foam or tape if it tends to rattle).
Essentially, make the installation look tidy and professional, which also helps ensure longevity (less chance of wires catching or connections breaking).
Lastly, simulate a real-world use: sit on the bike and pretend to make a turn, flipping the signal on, and see if you can easily cancel it after the turn (some switches are manual, so you have to switch off the blinker after completing a turn).
If your kit has auto-cancel or a timer, familiarize yourself with it. The testing phase is not complete until you’re fully comfortable that the system works reliably and you know how to operate it without thinking.
Legal Considerations and Safety Tips
Before you start using your newly installed turn signals on public roads, it’s important to understand the legal considerations and best safety practices.
While adding turn signals makes you more visible, you should treat them as a supplement to, not a replacement for, traditional methods of signaling and safe riding.
Hand Signals vs. Electronic Signals
In many jurisdictions, the law technically requires cyclists to signal turns using hand/arm signals.
In fact, most U.S. states legally define a bicycle’s turn signal as the hand signal given by the rider. This means that even if you have bright blinking lights on your bike, you could still be considered as “not signaling” in the eyes of the law if you don’t use your arm.
Practically, enforcement of this is rare, and having electronic signals is certainly better than nothing – but to be safe and compliant, you should continue to use hand signals in conjunction with your new turn signals.
Think of it this way: hand signals communicate to those immediately around you (drivers next to or behind who can see your arm), while bike-mounted turn signals may reach those farther back or in poor lighting.
Using both gives you the best of both worlds and covers all bases.
Color and Visibility Regulations
Be mindful of the color and flash pattern of your signals. Generally, amber (yellow-orange) is the accepted color for turn indicators on vehicles, front or rear.
Using amber lights for your bike’s turn signals will align with what drivers expect and is legally safe everywhere.
Avoid using any blue lights – in many places (e.g., California) it’s illegal for any vehicle other than emergency services to display a blue light.
Similarly, flashing red lights on the front of your bike would be a no-no (red flashes should face rearward only). Most bike turn signal kits are designed with these norms in mind, but if you’re DIY-ing your own, stick to amber LEDs for turn signals.
Additionally, some local laws have specifications for how far apart turn signal lights must be or what angles they should be visible from (borrowed from motorcycle regulations).
While bicycle installations won’t perfectly meet motorcycle standards, aim to have your signals as visible as possible from the rear and side angles.
It’s also worth noting that flashing lights on bicycles are generally allowed for signaling and safety, despite some outdated regulations that ban vehicle flashing lights (those are aimed at cars).
Many states have explicitly legalized things like flashing bike tail lights. As long as you’re using your flashing turn signals in the context of indicating a turn or lane change, you’re within reasonable use.
If in doubt, you can check your local bicycle statutes, but you will rarely, if ever, get in trouble for using safety lights as intended.
Usage Etiquette and Caution
Even with turn signals, continue practicing good road awareness. Always signal well in advance – at least 100 feet before your turn is a common rule (which is a few seconds at cycling speeds).
Early signaling gives drivers time to react. Also, remember to cancel your turn signal after completing a turn.
Unlike cars, most bike turn signals are manual, and leaving a blinker flashing can confuse others (not to mention drain your battery if it’s a standalone system).
If your kit beeps while flashing, that audio cue can help remind you; otherwise, make it a habit to switch off the signal once you’ve turned or changed lanes.
Maintenance
Keep your turn signals in good working order. This means occasionally checking that all LEDs are functioning, and that the units are still securely attached.
Because bikes are subject to a lot of vibration, screws can loosen over time. Check the tightness of mounts every so often, and inspect wires for any wear or fraying.
If your system uses batteries, establish a routine (maybe weekly or biweekly) to recharge them or swap in fresh ones. The last thing you want is to go for a signal and find out the battery died.
For wired systems, it’s a good practice to ensure your connections stayed waterproof – if you ride in heavy rain, later examine any exposed connectors for corrosion.
Lastly, from a safety perspective, do not rely solely on the turn signals to keep you safe. They are an aid, not a force field.
You should still perform shoulder checks, make eye contact with drivers when possible, and be prepared for the possibility that a driver doesn’t notice your signal.
Use your lights to augment your visibility, but always ride defensively. That said, many drivers will appreciate and respond to your turn signals.
It’s still a relatively novel thing on bicycles, so you might even get a friendly wave or nod from a driver who’s pleasantly surprised to see an e-bike indicating like a car.
Riding predictably and communicating your intentions clearly is one of the best ways to stay safe – and you’ve just added another tool to do exactly that.
Conclusion
Adding turn signals to your electric bike is a worthwhile DIY project that enhances your safety and modernizes your ride.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ve learned how to choose the right system and install it with confidence.
You’ve also seen that while installing turn signals is relatively straightforward, using them effectively involves a mix of technology and good old-fashioned caution (yes, you still need those hand signals!).
Remember to keep your signals maintained, practice using them regularly, and stay aware of your local cycling laws. By doing so, you’ll ride with greater confidence and help foster safer interactions between bikes and cars. Enjoy your improved, signal-equipped ride, and as always – stay safe and happy cycling!
