Garmin launches eBike-specific rear light radar, while Q1 financials are steady

Garmin’s Varia eRTL615 is its first rearview radar and tail light specifically designed for eBike riders.

A battery-free design, the Varia eRTL615 plugs into a compatible eBike and can help detect approaching vehicles with visual and audible alerts when paired with selected Garmin devices (including Garmin smartwatches and Edge cycling computers) or the Varia smartphone app.

The rear light’s flash pattern changes when an approaching vehicle is detected. There are multiple mounting options thanks for a universal seat rail mount or a rack/pannier mount.

Products using ‘radar’ or its ilk are becoming more common in the cycle market; Cannondale’s SmartSense – designed to provide heightened visibility for riders – was named a Design Award finalist last year, while earlier in 2023 saw Bryton unveil its rearview radar and tail light, Gardia R300L.

Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, said: “As eBike riding becomes more and more popular, we are pleased to bring our trusted radar technology to this growing group of cyclists. No matter where the next adventure leads, explore with ease knowing that Varia eRTL615 has your back while you ride ahead.”

With feet in different markets (including adventure watches worn by crew members of the forthcoming Polaris Dawn space mission), Garmin’s first quarter saw a minimal decline of 2%, in terms of revenue, to $1.15 billion. Four of its five segments posted double-digit revenue growth – the ‘Outdoor’ segment seeing some decline – though that appeared largely due to a tough comparable period when it launched specific adventure watches in the previous period.