Most Frequently Asked Questions

When you choose NiteRider, it is more than a purchase of a lighting system. It is an investment. Our commitment to you is to provide repair service and have available replacement parts for your NiteRider lighting system for as long as you ride it and that can be forever. Yes, that’s a long time, but our systems are so rugged and reliable and built using only the best and highest quality components that the darn things seem to last forever!
Below are some of the more frequently asked questions we hear and the answers that could save you a call.

I have an Evolution Smart and the LED’s are scrolling on the fuel gauge but the system is functioning properly, what does this mean?

Are Lithium Ion and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries/systems interchangeable?

Can I use the Universal Taillight (#6302) with my high-powered LED System?

Do the dual headlamps on the MiNewt Dual and MiNewt.X2 Dual Systems operate independently?

I have an older NiteRider System, do the current handlebar and helmet mounts and halogen and HID bulbs fit my older model?

I have an HID-LED headlamp. The LED’s light up but not the HID bulb, what does this mean?

Does my Lithium Ion battery need to be conditioned?

I have an Evolution Smart and I’m getting a single red LED on the fuel gauge after a full charge, what does that mean?

Which extension cords should I use with my LED system?

How long should I charge my RoadRat or TrailRat battery if I don’t know how long it’s been sitting on the shelf?

Can I order direct from NiteRider?

HID and Halogen bulbs interchangeable?

I have an Evolution Smart and the LED’s are scrolling on the fuel gauge but the system is functioning properly, what does this mean?
Most likely, the data wire is either loose or broken. Contact NiteRider Customer Service for an RMA number.

Are Lithium Ion and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries/systems interchangeable?
No, they are not.

Can I use the Universal Taillight (#6302) with my high-powered LED System?
You must use either the TL-5.0 (#5060) or TailFazer TL-5.0 (#5070) with the Sol, MiNewt.X2 or TriNewt high-powered, LED systems. Both taillights operate on their own battery, independent of the headlamp.

Do the dual headlamps on the MiNewt Dual and MiNewt.X2 Dual Systems operate independently?
They only work together in tandem.

I have an older NiteRider System, do the current handlebar and helmet mounts and halogen and HID bulbs fit my older model?
Yes, they are compatible.

I have an HID-LED headlamp. The LED’s light up but not the HID bulb, what does this mean?
Either the HID bulb or ballast needs to be replaced or there may be an issue with the PCB. Please contact NiteRider Customer Service for an RMA number.

Does my Lithium Ion battery need to be conditioned?
No. Lithium Ion batteries do not require conditioning. You will, however, need to fully charge the battery before its first use.

I have an Evolution Smart and I’m getting a single red LED on the fuel gauge after a full charge, what does that mean?
You might need to reset the battery’s chip. Run the lamp (discharge the battery) until it’s very dim, but not until it goes out completely. Then apply a full charge. Don’t forget to have a fan blowing over the lamp, to keep it cool, while discharging the battery.

Which extension cords should I use with my LED system?
There are two. A 36-inch (# 6460) and a 12-inch (# 6305).

How long should I charge my RoadRat or TrailRat battery if I don’t know how long it’s been sitting on the shelf?
Start from scratch. Run the lamp (discharge the battery) until it’s very dim, but not until it goes completely out. Then apply a full, 9-hour charge. From there, please refer to the charging chart in your user manual. Be sure to have a fan blowing over the lamp while running the battery down.

Can I order direct from NiteRider?
More than 2,000 Independent Bike Dealers sell NiteRider lighting systems nationwide. Enter your zip code or telephone area code on the Dealer Locator page to find the dealers nearest you. You can purchase accessory items from our online store.

HID and Halogen bulbs interchangeable?
Replacement bulbs must be the same “type” as the original. Halogen and HID bulbs are not interchangeable. If your system has a halogen bulb, you can use a different wattage halogen bulb. If the replacement bulb is a higher wattage, your burn time will be reduced. Likewise, if you replace the original bulb with one that has a lower wattage, your burn time
will increase. The installation of two 20-watt bulbs in a dual beam light head is discouraged as inadequate airflow will cause excessive heat build-up in the head that may result in damage.