Rear View Mirror Options for Electric Bikes

https://electricbikereview.com/forum/threads/bike-mirror-options-handlebar-helmet-glasses-mounted.24603/ While visiting my friend, Chris Nolte, at Propel Bikes in Brooklyn, NY, we spent some time going over the different types of bike mirrors and talking about safety. In some parts of the world, bicycle mirrors are actually a requirement. Germany requires them for Class 3 speed pedelecs, for example. I had never really explored the options or learned how to use a bike mirror before this, but I see the value in keeping track of your surroundings. Many people use ebikes as a means of transportation in the city and I have used them for commuting to work. Sometimes you really need to be focused ahead vs. looking back over your shoulder, and that’s when a mirror can help. Most of them are small, adjustable, and mounted to the bike handlebar… but some options can mount to your helmet.

The mirrors that we looked at in this video guide include:
– Busch & Müller 701 Mirror: this mirror is fairly large, offers fine tune adjustment after being mounted, fits into the end of the handlebar tube, and has a spring loaded fold-in feature to reduce damage if you bump a sign post, automobile, or other obstacle when riding in tight spaces. The fold-in feature might also keep your bike handlebar from turning and causing an accident if you do make contact… it’s a very cool feature. I didn’t see the mirror listed on the official B&M website but here’s a link to Propel: https://propelbikes.com/product/busch-muller-701-mirror-e-bikes/
– Busch & Müller 901 You See Cycle Star: this mirror is medium sized and round, offers a bit of fine tune adjustment after being mounted, and fits into the end of the handle bar tube, and also folds in but does not spring back out on its own. You can see this mirror at https://amzn.to/2OCyHu9 and since it’s compact, it might be good for smaller ebikes that fold.
– Ergotec M-99: this mirror is fairly large, offers fine tune adjustment after being mounted, clamps onto the handle bar, and does not appear to have a fold-in feature. You can see more details about this bike mirror at their official website here: https://www.ergotec.de/en/products/spiegel/sub/ruckspiegel/produkt/m-99.html this one is made for e-bikes and rated for 45km/h speeds.
– Ortlieb UltraLight Bike Mirror: this mirror is fairly large, offers fine tune adjustment after being mounted, clamps onto the end of a handle bar, does not have a fold-in feature but also does not stick out. You can see more details on the official Ortleib website here: https://ortliebusa.com/product-category/ultralite/ it’s a good option for lightweight road bikes.

We also talked about handlebar diameter and opening sizes during this video and Chris explained that most handlebars are 25.4″ wide at the ends, and that most grips and mirrors should fit. In North America, in most place it would make sense to mount a mirror on the left handlebar (since bikes ride on the right side of the street), but there are places in Europe where you’d want to mount this to the right handlebar. Some mirrors are side-specific, so it’s something to be mindful of when you’re mirror shopping.

Some mirrors mount into the end of a bike bar, others clamp onto the outer portion of the bar and can be positioned above or below, inside or outside of the grip. It’s a good idea to simulate turning with a mirror before actually riding a bike, so you know that it won’t hit your knee or thigh. It’s possible to mount two mirrors, as we see with motorcycles and some Vespa type scooters, but since ebikes do not generally ride in traffic, most only utilize one side mirror. In terms of pricing, it seems like bike rear-view mirrors range from $20 to $50 depending on the features and quality. You can see a full list of Busch & Müller bicycle mirrors at their official website here: https://www.bumm.de/en/products/ruckspiegel.html

In addition to the bike-mounted rear view mirrors that we explored, there are also helmet-mounted mirrors. Apparently they can work pretty well, but it can create a bit of wind noise and get bumped easier when you take the helmet off. I haven’t used this type of mirror myself but you can explore a bunch of options here: https://amzn.to/2AysoVF and finally, there are even sunglass mountable rear view mirrors that are removable. These are the smallest option of the bunch and might stay in position the best, but could add some ear and nose weight, especially if it’s windy out or you’re riding fast: https://amzn.to/2KmoqPm EBR was paid to perform this review #Sponsored We try to be honest, thorough, and fun! Comparison tools, shop directory, and forums at: ElectricBikeReview.com