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The Varia eRTL615 plugs right into compatible e-bikes and alerts riders of approaching traffic with radar.

When sharing the road with vehicles, it can often feel like you’re constantly looking behind you to know when a driver is approaching.

And the act of glancing back can be distracting and cause inadvertent swerving, especially if you’re on an e-bike with significant cargo—any unnecessary movement can feel dangerous.

But Garmin is aiming to solve that problem with radar lights, which keep riders safe and aware.

The Varia eRTL615 is the first in their line of radar lights that's designed specifically for e-bikes. The rear light is battery-free and plugs right into compatible e-bikes.

The radar in the light detects approaching vehicles, even around curves in the road. It sends visual and audible alerts via Garmin smart watches, bike computers, and the Varia smartphone app, which can be mounted to the bike.

Also, the rear light has a flash pattern that changes when an approaching vehicle is detected, to ensure that drivers see the bike and the rider. According to Garmin, the light can be seen by drivers a mile away.

With e-bikes in mind, there are several different mounting systems for seat, rail, or rack/pannier mounting.

Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, told Cycling Industry News, "As e-Bike riding becomes more and more popular, we are pleased to bring our trusted radar technology to this growing group of cyclists."

Radar detection is becoming more and more popular. Riders feel safer when they have an indication of vehicles approaching from behind.

Cycling Industry News reports that Cannondale's SmartSense was named a Design Award finalist last year, and Bryton unveiled its rearview radar and tail light, Gardia R300L, earlier this year. The Magene L508 Radar Tail Light also detects vehicles traveling toward the bike from up to 140 meters away, and is compatible with most watches and devices.

Any added safety is a good thing when sharing the road, and as e-cargo-bikes become more useful and more popular, being aware of approaching vehicles is vital.

Micah Ling is a freelance writer who lives in the mountains of Colorado. She splits her free time between mountain biking and trail running.

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