LED headlight power ??

[Green1]

So I'm a newbie. I just ordered an LED light for my new bike. It came with a USB plug. Can I order a separate generator that runs off a wheel to power this? I assumed it ran on batteries or was rechargable.

[StuartN]

My wife had a Shimano generator hub installed on her Surly. Powers the lights and charges the phone.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

[jwrushman]

What type of light? Make and model?  With a USB plug, I would have thought the light has a rechargeable battery and it uses a USB cable for charging.

[Green1]

StuartN, My bike is an e-bike. Not sure. But, thanks.

[Green1]

jwrushman, The light is made by SolarStorm. It has three Led's and a strobe feature. When I disconnect the USB from mt computer, the unit will not come on. It has three light levels and the strobe. Needs power through the USB.

[Green1]

jwrushman, I found the light on ebay. It is listed as "20000 LM T6 Bicycle 3 LEDs Headlight Bike MTB Cycling Handlebar Front Torch Light.
Thanks for your help.

[John Nelson]

No offense, but I think you bought the wrong headlight. I wouldn’t like it, and I don’t think you will either. It claims to provide 20000 lumens MAX, which is a ridiculously large amount of light, but you’ll never actually see anywhere near that much. If you power it off your wheel, its brightness will be affected by your speed, and unless you ride 50 MPH, it probably won’t be bright enough. Buy another headlight, one with a rechargeable battery.

Exceptions: It depends on how you plan to use this headlight. If you are just using it to be seen, or if you plan to only ride in urban areas with street lights, or if you are young enough to have excellent night vision, then maybe this light is enough for you. But, as I said, I wouldn't like it.

[staehpj1]

Sounds like a light intended to be used on an ebike.

[DaveB]

Sounds like a light intended to be used on an ebike.

+1  The OP said his bike is an ebike and I presume the light is powered by the same battery that powers the bike. 

[staehpj1]

I didn't catch that.  The talk of a generator hub threw me off.  Not sure why he would ask about powering it with the front wheel if it is an ebike.  I'd assume that most ebikes have some way to plug in lights either via usb or via some other connector.  A usb port would seem likely to be standard equipment on any ebike.  I'd imagine folks would expect to be able to plug in lights, phones, etc.  Maybe the light draws more than his usb port is rated for?

[DarrenBnYYC]

OP: All you need is a USB powerbank like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI

There are smaller and cheaper options out there, too, if you shop around. Perhaps you even have an old powerbank kicking around somewhere?

There is probably a way to run a 5V USB power feed off your main battery of your e-bike, either as a built-in feature of the power controller or as a DIY upgrade. You will have to consult with your e-bike manufacturer to find out. But I would suggest trying a USB powerbank to make sure you like the headlamp you purchased before you go upgrading the e-bike.