You think: "it's just a light". But if you cycle to school on a dark morning and the front light doesn't work anymore, then it suddenly becomes quite important. A working bicycle light ensures that your child is seen by cars, scooters and other cyclists. And fortunately, you really don't have to go to the bike shop for a broken light. You can easily fix this yourself, even if you are not at all technical.
First check: is the light really broken?
Sometimes a bicycle light seems broken, but it is just a dead battery. Or the battery is still in, but the light does not make good contact. So: before you buy a new light, first see if you can get the old one working again.
Take the light from the bike and press the button firmly a few times. Shake it a little. Does it suddenly turn on? Then the contact was loose for a moment, or the button was a bit stuck. In that case, you can open the light, clean it and put in new batteries. Does it still work? Great, then you don't have to replace anything else.
Replacing batteries – how does it work?
Most children's bikes have loose lights that are attached with a rubber band or a snap hook. These lights work on batteries. Usually these are button cell batteries (those flat round discs), or regular AAA batteries .
Here's how to do it:
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Remove the light from the bike. Usually you pull it off the handlebars or saddle, or click it off a holder.
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Find where the light can open. Many lights have a click-open or slide-off back. Sometimes there is a small screw in there.
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Take out the old batteries. Look carefully at how they were in, usually there is a plus and minus sign on the inside.
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Insert the new batteries in the same way.
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Close the light again and test if it works.
Does the light come on? Great! Then it's solved. Does it still not come on? Then it might not be the battery, but the light itself that is broken.
What if the light is really broken?
Sometimes a light bulb is simply worn out. For example, because it has fallen, has become damp, or is simply too old. If the switch no longer responds or the light looks dull or damaged on the inside, it is better to buy a new light bulb.
Luckily, they only cost a few euros and are easy to replace. Pay attention to the following things when buying a new bulb:
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Type : front lights are white, rear lights are red. Make sure you buy the right type.
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Attachment : most lights have an elastic band that you attach to the handlebars or saddle. Check to see if it fits on your child's bike.
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Batteries included : some lights come with batteries in them, others don't. Check the packaging.
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Modes : Many lights have different modes such as 'steady light' or 'blinker'. Note that you may not use the blinker mode in traffic!
Bought a new light? Then it's just a matter of attaching it. Pull the strap around the handlebars or seat post, click the light in, point it properly forwards or backwards and you're done.
Still not working? Or would you like some help?
Sometimes it just doesn't work. You can't open the bulb, the new bulb doesn't fit, or you have no idea what batteries you need. Don't stress, that's what we're here for.
You can easily submit a request via the BikeFlip portal . Then one of our Flippers will come to you to fix it for you.
Are you not yet a member of the children's bike subscription? Maybe this is a good time to take a look at it. You will always have a good, suitable bike for your child and we will make sure that everything works! From the saddle to the light, and everything in between.
