As a dashcam (from the English dashboard camera = dashboard camera) a Video camera The term is used to describe devices that record traffic events while driving.
Many drivers are simply not aware of how fast an S-Pedelec can be. Our brains still hold onto the old speed patterns of leisurely pedal bikes.
A cyclist has no airbags to protect them in a crash. Also, in an accident, it's often unclear who caused it. A dashcam can help with this. For cars, the selection of models is vast, but for bicycles, it's quite limited.
Legal basis
The approval regulations of the devices in the respective countries apply, e.g. in Germany the StVZO approval.
The German Federal Court of Justice in May 2018 following judgment issued:
[...] a permanent recording of the entire event on and along the route [...] is not necessary to safeguard his interests in preserving evidence, because it is technically possible to make a short, event-related recording directly of the accident, for example by permanently overwriting the recordings at short intervals and triggering permanent storage only in the event of a collision or severe deceleration of the vehicle.
BGH - VI ZR 233/17
Dashcams are generally permitted in Switzerland – but...
Garmin Mini 2 on an ST3
A price-attractive offer (street price 09/2023 approx. CHF 100.-) is the Dash Cam Mini 2 from Garmin. It is small, can be easily and unobtrusively mounted on the bike and offers all the features (except GPS) that a dash cam must have. It can be controlled by voice, has a wide 140-degree field of view that captures important details in Full HD 1920 x 1080p, and can be powered via a USB 2 Mini-A connection.
Installation example: Mounting bracket for the Roxim Z4E Pro light on an ST3 with permanent magnets for quick, temporary mounting, as well as better operation of the instant recording and securing. Connection is made to the Stromer daytime running light's USB port.
More dashcams
- Cycliq.com FLY Generation 3, FLY6 Pro, and FLY12 Pro are dedicated dashcams for bikes.
- The radar camera rear light Garmin Varia RTC71
- Garmin launched the successor to the Mini 2 in November 2024, the Mini 3
- GoPro Hero 5 | GoPro Hero 5 Session | GoPro Hero Black 13 GoPro Lit Hero
- DJI Osmo Action 4 Pro DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro DJI Osmo Action 6 Pro