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SideLights – Innovative bicycle light system

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Project data

  • Project no: GRS-046/22 
  • Amount of funding: CHF 150'000 
  • Approved: 01.11.2022 
  • Duration: 07.2023 - 12.2024 
  • Area of activity:  First Ventures, seit 2018

Project management

Project description

Commuting by bicycle has become increasingly popular as an eco-friendly means of transportation. However, it is not without its dangers. In Switzerland alone, nearly 5,000 road accidents involving cyclists were reported in 2022, with a notable increase in accidents involving electric bicycles, particularly in heavily trafficked areas. Thus, enhancing visibility is a critical factor in improving cyclist safety. To address this need, the SideLights project is developing an innovative bicycle light system that aims to enhance safety and the overall commuting experience for cyclists. By providing 360-degree visibility, the SideLights system offers a comprehensive solution to ensure cyclists can be seen from all directions. The lights also effectively illuminate the cyclist's full width to indicate changes in direction. By providing an easy-to-use and design, the project aims to encourage widespread adoption and contributes to creating a safer and more enjoyable cycling environment.

Status/Results

The first phase of the First Ventures program consisted of functional prototype in order to be tested by target users. This first version of SideLights is a plug and play system with integrated batteries. Simultaneously, a patent application and a trademark registration has been conducted.
During the second phase of the project, a user test with 100 cyclists will be performed to gain a better understanding of the market and technical aspects. In the meanwhile, another version of the product will be developed, specifically designed for E-bikes.
In this third phase, once the final product is developed, SideLights will enter the market through a crowdfunding campaign.

Links

Persons involved in the project

Arthur Claessens, Project Leader
Nyffeler Nathalie, Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, HEIG-VD
Maurizio Tognolini, Head of the Institute of Industrial Automation, HEIG-VD

Last update to this project presentation  05.03.2024