Simple Bike Wheel Lights

4 years ago I've already written how to build this project and it's still one of my favorite projects(original project). This one however is a lot brighter and slicker. From integrated battery to hidden wires. The way it works is super simple. There are LEDs on each wheel that shine on a paint that glows in the dark. As the wheel spins, it'll charge up the paint around the entire wheel. While it may look intimidating it's really simple and you can make it simpler by just simply plugging it into a power bank which can be put anywhere as I did in the original project.

Also, check out the video for detailed instructions: https://youtu.be/4R3CO3pkXDE

There are just a couple of things you'll need:

• Glow in the dark pigment- I'm using LIT - THE WORLD'S GLOWIEST PIGMENT. It's a lot brighter than any other glow in the dark paint
• SUPERBASE / STICK - The glow pigment needs to be mixed with a base. I've used "superbase" however it looks like "STICK" would be a better option for this application.
• 12x 5mm UV LEDs
• power bank - I used a single cell one. Link1 Link2 Link3
• Flat power cable - usually used for LED strips. Link1 Link2

You'll also need a soldering iron, masking tape, and a 3D printer. Although a 3D printer is not completely necessary, it'll make things easier.

Each rim of the wheels needs to get a coat of the glow in the dark paint. I started by cleaning the wheel thoroughly otherwise the paint wouldn't stick. Next, I masked the area where I want the paint to be with masking tape. By placing the wheel back on the bike, I can rest an x-acto knife on the fork and spin the wheel to get a perfect circle cut out from the masking tape.

With the surface ready for painting it's time to get the paint ready. Since the glow pigment is a powder it needs to be mixed with a base. I used the superbase which is also made by Culture Hustle the makers of the pigment. In retrospect, I would use their product called "STICK" instead, as it looks like a better fit and I'd suggest you use it. It's cheaper and simpler. They have instructions on how to use it as well. Anyway, I ended up mixing the glow powder and superbase in a 1:1 ratio and then applied them in a thick layer onto the wheel. After removing the masking tape, I got a perfect circle and I could repeat the process on the three remaining sides.

The battery solution is really well hidden and one button controls all LEDs. On top of that, the battery is easily removable and rechargeable. The utilization of the empty space in the fork is brilliant but not universal. It's not going to work on all bikes. The hole in the fork needs to be 22mm and you'll also need some flat space around it for screws. The bike I'm using is genesis solution 3.0. I've included a picture of the dimensions so that you know how much space you need. I've also made the STEP files available for easy modifications.

The LED mounts are once again made for this specific bike but they should fit on other bikes too. They can either be attached with zip ties or double-sided tape which is what I used. And the STEP files are available for modifications. If all that fails you can always just glue the LEDs directly to the frame.

I've also included the schematic which is very simple. I went with a 68Ω resistor so each LED will draw just 10mA at 5V to keep them cool. and for the wiring, I used a flat cable with an adhesive back. These are usually used for LED strips. It just makes the bike look slicker. If you end up putting the battery in the fork, don't forget to leave some slack for the wires otherwise you'll rip them when making tight turns.