Best Biking Lights To Improve Your Visibility Even More At Night!
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We all know how important it is to wear a biking helmet when cycling, but what about bike lights? If you are not using your headlights or tail lights on the road, then you are missing an opportunity for safety. No matter what the weather, no matter how many miles you travel, there’s always a chance you could be involved in an accident. For the most part, you can avoid these accidents if you take the time to practice good bike safety habits.
Here’s a guide on what we’ve tested and the most important things you should look for when choosing the best biking lights for your needs.
Best Biking Lights
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vont ‘Scope’ Bike Light | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | BLITZU Bike Lights Front and Back, Bicycle Accessories | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Cycle Torch Night Owl USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | NiteRider Pro 3600 6 LEDs Bike Light, 3600 Lumens | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Garmin Varia RTL510, Bike/Cycling Radar Tail Light | 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set | 7.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | VASTFIRE Best Bike Lights for Night Riding | 7.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Recommended Bike Lights For Cycling:
Vont ‘Scope’ Bike Light, Bicycle Light
- Ultra bright LED illumination technology: Recognized as one of the most versatile and brightest led bike light sets in its category, this road hero bike lighting combo takes pride in its power-packed 120 lumens front and 15 lumens rear lights, enough to light up your entire road or path ahead, beam up an extensive range of your surroundings, and focus on an object 1000 feet away—practically 10 times brighter than its inferior counterparts in the market.
- Waterproof & indestructible: Don’t equip yourself with inferior bike lights. Our bike light is built to last with military grade materials. Built for tough handling and beatings, your led bike light will be able to survive a 10-foot drop, being underwater or being ran over by a truck. Use in snow, rain & emergencies.
Safe biking: 90% of bike light incidents happen due to a lack of vision. Being equipped with a reliable bike light is a must. Equip your bike with nothing less than the best bike light available on Amazon today. - Military-grade materials, premium-quality design: Precisely designed for uncompromised versatility in design and function to endure tough handling and beatings, this water- and pressure-resistant is your reliable partner for all your night bike adventures on the road, the woods, or other tough terrains—you don’t have to worry about your bicycle lighting breaking down on you.
- Lifetime warranty: You can rest in knowing that this product is of utmost quality. Warranted for life, it is covered against loss, theft, and defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the product.
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This set from Vont is quite a popular option, and thanks to its attractive price, it is a great alternative for anyone with a limited budget. This is a waterproof model, which is ideal, especially if you store your bike outside harsh weather conditions. The set comes with a powerful LED headlight and a tail light that you can easily mount without tools.
The headlight beam can be adjusted to your preference, so you can have a wide beam or a spotlight if needed. Moreover, it features three modes, flash, low and high output, that you can cycle through by pressing a button. Overall a great product, extra durable and lightweight that can be found at an attractive price. It is definitely worth a closer look while researching for your next purchase. I would consider this among the best biking lights on the market today.
BLITZU Bike Lights Front and Back, Bicycle Accessories
- Rechargeable With Long-lasting Performance – A complete cycling safety system featuring a rechargeable headlight and a battery powered taillight. Fully recharge in less than 2 hours when connected to any usb port. Runtime of up to 6+ hours on strobe mode. (2+ hours on the highest setting.)
- Super Bright Day Or Night – The 320 lumen headlight uses the latest led technology to illuminate your path and keep you visible during both night and broad daylight. Blitzu drls are visible from up to 1.2 miles away, even during daylight hours, so drivers have more time to see and react. For protection from behind, the 80 lumen red taillight has a 220° wide-angle beam that can be seen from blocks away.
- Easy To Install – Take just seconds to mount without the need for tools, wires, screws, or extra batteries and accessories. In addition to fitting all standard bicycles, lights are also suitable for use on scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs. Easily removable for storing and charging.
- Weather Resistant And Durable – Rated at ipx5 water resistant, these lights have been built to withstand adverse weather conditions. Constructed with military grade anodized finish (front light) impact resistant and built to perform. Constructed to last for years of use.
- Multiple Lighting Modes – Headlight can also double as a handheld flashlight and has 4 versatile lighting modes (high, medium, low, flashing). Use it when you’re running, hiking, camping, road side emergency, walking your dog, cycling, power outage and more! Enjoy enhanced visibility and comfort knowing you’ll be safe and secure at any time of the day. Taillight has 3 modes (steady 36+ hours of runtime, strobe 72+ hours of runtime, flash 96+ hours of runtime).
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blitzu 320 is another popular option, and in fact, this is among the cheapest options on our list. It allows for easy mount without the need for tools, and it is impact-resistant and waterproof. It is rated for IPX5 and also comes with a tail light in this set. The device comes with a rechargeable battery with a run time of around 2 hours at the maximum setting.
You will be able to charge the battery via the USB port and only needs 2 hours for a full charge. This is a great option for anyone that hates replaceable batteries, and you will be able to save some bucks by not having to buy batteries constantly. It features a great design that allows you to remove the headlight with a quick-release button press while the mount remains on the bike.
This is quite handy when you need to use it in an emergency or as a flashlight when needed—overall a great option to consider, especially for its price.
Cycle Torch Night Owl USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
- SAVE YOUR MONEY DAY TO DAY – With this USB rechargeable front bike light, all you need is a USB cord (included) The Night Owl Bicycle Light comes with Smart Charging Technology and has Runtime of 2+ hours on High, making it a Top of the line light.
- DAYTIME RUNNING READY – Bike Lights are not for Night Only, around 80% of cycling accidents occur in daylight!! Thanks to our Specially Engineered Lens, it will keep you and your Loved ones Safe day or night! – 360 DEGREE PROTECTION -Free USB Rechargeable LED Taillight Included.
- ATTACHES IN SECONDS – Leave your Tools for Bike repairs, Night Owl bicycle light has universal fit, doesn’t matter what bike you’re riding, we’ve got you covered! Also good for strollers, kids bicycles & scooters, camping, family activities and more.
- SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT & WATER RESISTANT – When performance matters and each extra gram is important, Night Owl is the best partner with Just 80 Grams and IPX5 Rated, meaning 100% covered if you get caught in the rain.
- YOU COME FIRST -100% MONEY BACK & SATISFACTION GUARANTEE, if you are not completely satisfied with our front and back bike lights within the first year, we will replace it with a new one or refund your money- ORDER NOW RISK FREE
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cycle Torch’s set features a powerful headlight and a handy tail light that can easily be attached in seconds. It runs from a rechargeable battery that can last up to 2 hours at the max setting, and you can easily recharge it via its USB port. It is rated IPX5, which means this is a waterproof unit, so no worries if you leave it out on a rainy day.
The tail light features five modes to cycle through, so instead of the steady mode, you can easily pick a flashing for your tail light, saving battery life. The headlight can also be cycled through three modes, choosing between high, medium, and low to allow for up to 20 hours of use in the lowest setting.
Why Is Bike Safety Important?
Biking lights allow you to be seen by other road users, which is crucial because if no one can see you then you are at risk of being hit or seriously injured. Also, good lights illuminate your surroundings so that this increases reaction times and enhances safety.
Choose your bike lights carefully. It’s not all about the brightness though, good quality headlights are designed to cast light forward into your path of travel rather than merely lighting up stuff in front of you.
Most states require bicycles to have a front light and rear reflectors. Some also require a red taillight and/or reflectors, and the use of a proper mountain biking helmet whenever you’re on your bike. You can be ticketed for breaking biking laws, regardless of whether or not you were ready to take care of that matter at the time.
Bike lights can make biking at night a much more pleasurable experience. It’s difficult and dangerous to ride a bike without lights, but even if you just go for a few miles near your home, the right set of bike lights will not only make it safer for you to cycle, but they can actually prevent accidents.
While you may be able to see well enough with streetlights and such, other drivers might not be able to see you, or they may misjudge where you are. If you’ve ever ridden a bike at night without proper lights, then you know how dangerous this can be.
Is a rear light sufficient, or would you want the complete set?
After all, the laws regarding bicycle lights are simple: You must have front and rear red lights. These red lights must be visible from at least 500 feet in each direction. You should make sure that both the front and rear lights are bright enough to be seen easily from at least half a mile away.
If you are worried about the price then don’t be, because there are plenty of affordable bike lights out there. Money can sometimes be an issue when it comes to buying high-quality bicycle lights. But luckily, there are numerous places online where you can buy well-priced bike lights that still do a great job.
You can either have a light mounted on your handlebars, or you may have the option to mount it onto your helmet as well. If you want to mount your lights onto your handlebars then it’s best to go for the types that are specifically designed to fit on there. The reason is that they are usually mounted via a quick-release system, which makes it easy to take the light on and off. And since every handlebar has a different diameter, you should be able to find one that fits your specific bar.
Mounting a light on your helmet is great for giving you plenty of illumination right in front of you while still keeping your hands free. These types of lights are typically easier to secure than the helmet mountable or clip-on types.
What to Consider When Looking for the Best Biking Lights?
Brightness and Lumen Outputs of Rear Lights
When it comes to choosing the best rear bike lights, brightness is a critical factor to consider. A brighter light not only makes you more visible to other road users but also illuminates the road ahead, making it easier to navigate on dark roads.
Lumen output is a measure of the total amount of light emitted by a bike light. The higher the lumen output, the brighter the light. To give you an idea, a light with 100 lumens would be suitable for urban environments, whereas lights with 500 lumens or more are better suited for unlit roads or mountain biking.
Maximum beam distance is another vital factor that affects brightness. It indicates how far the light can illuminate ahead of you. Rear bike lights usually have shorter beam distances compared to front lights, with most falling between 10 and 50 meters.
If you’re looking for the brightest rear lights on the market, brands like Light & Motion’s Vis 180 Pro or Cygolite Hotshot Pro 200 are among the brightest with over 200 lumens and a beam distance of up to 50 meters.
Budget categories for rear bike lights depend on the product’s lumen output and beam pattern. Products in the $20-$30 range generally offer lower lumen outputs (around 50-100 lumens) and narrower beam patterns, which are suitable for urban environments. As the price goes up, the lumen output and beam distance increase, offering better visibility and functionality. However, it’s worth noting that even budget options can be efficient and effective, and it all depends on your needs.
Beam and Patterns
LEDs are the most common type of bulb used in road lights. They are reliable, bright enough, and have a longer lifespan than other types of lights. That’s why they’re also more expensive. Road lights usually come with several modes that let you adjust the brightness of your light or allow you to switch between flashing and constantly on.
As you might have thought, we aim for a strong light beam, show the higher the lumens, the better in our situation. Keep in mind that lights with high output will draw more power from the battery, so we have to find a balanced model that would last enough time for your daily rides.
You should be able to adjust the beam’s width. Most lights have a smooth spot where all the light is concentrated. However, many modern lights have an optic that spreads the light out evenly over a wide area. This is better for city riding since it’s safer to be seen.
Some lights also come with a strobe function that makes the light blink quickly. This is meant to grab the attention of motorists or other cyclists on the road. While this feature can’t hurt, it typically isn’t very effective at getting drivers’ or riders’ attention.
Wide beam lights offer a broader field of vision, which is ideal for open roads in urban environments. The Light & Motion Vis 360 is a great option for wide beam lighting, as it illuminates both the front and back of the rider. However, wide beams tend to use more battery life because they cover a larger area, and the brightness levels may not be as intense as narrow beams.
On the other hand, narrow beam lights provide more focused and intense lighting, which is ideal for tight trails or mountain biking. The Serfas Thunderbolt is a good example of a narrow beam light that offers bright and focused lighting. Narrow beams tend to consume less battery life, which allows for longer rides, and they produce brighter levels of lighting than wide beams.
The top five bike lights for wide beam patterns are Light & Motion Vis 360, Serfas E-Lume, NiteRider Solas 100, Blackburn 2’Fer, and Cygolite Hotrod 50. For narrow beam patterns, the top options are Serfas Thunderbolt, Bontrager Ion Pro RT, NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost, Cygolite Dash Pro 600, and Lezyne Hecto Drive 400XL.
Durability
Along with brightness, durability is the biggest factor to consider. While searching, you should keep in mind that the materials used to manufacture the biking light affect the unit’s quality, durability, and waterproofing. Generally speaking, it is wise to pick a waterproof biking light even though you may not commute on rainy days.
Electronic parts are susceptible to water damage and physical impact, especially when mounted on your mountain biking gear. Fortunately, road lights typically come in shock-resistant aluminum housings that make them stronger and longer-lasting than other commuter lights.
What is the seal like between lenses and reflectors? Will water or dust get between them? You want the lenses to be sealed so that they won’t separate from the reflectors when you ride in bad weather. You can find models made from waterproof materials or that are rated to IPXwaterproofing standards. Keep in mind that despite these features, road lights aren’t meant to be submerged in water, just made to withstand extreme weather conditions you might face while winter biking!
Generally, you will get what you pay for. The expensive lights are built to last. They’re also better sealed against weather changes, bumps, and scratches. Don’t worry, though. You can find some decent lights for under $50.
Mounting
Handlebar-mounted lights typically require a mounting bracket and rubber band strap. The handlebar mount is usually easier to attach than helmet mounts since you can usually just pop it on and off the bar. On the other hand, if your handlebars are particularly large or shaped oddly, finding a suitable handlebar mount might be difficult.
When it comes to headlights, you need to consider their beam angle to match your needs. In general, a narrow beam of light will allow you to see at a greater distance, which is handy for off-road rides. Headlights that are meant to be used in an urban environment typically feature wider beams for greater visibility on the roads’ sides while also allowing drivers to notice you easier.
Helmet-mounted lights often use a plastic clip to secure them on your helmet. The ease of installing and removing these types of lights depends on the model, so check the specs before you buy. A good helmet mount should attach to the vent holes of your helmet and tighten with a screw knob to secure it.
Light Modes for Different Riding Conditions
Different light modes are available for bike lights that cater to various riding conditions. Road biking in urban environments requires a different set of lights than off-road terrain. Therefore, using different light modes for different scenarios can provide better visibility and conserve battery life.
For road biking in urban environments, steady modes are ideal as they provide a consistent beam of light that illuminates the surrounding area. Steady modes are perfect when cycling in groups or on busy roads and intersections. Flash modes, like pulse and flashing modes, are best for standing out in traffic and alerting road users of your presence.
Off-road terrain requires a different type of bike light. Mountain bike lights need a light that illuminates not just the surrounding areas but also far ahead. High-intensity, bright beam modes are essential for off-road terrain riding. Steady and flashing modes are also available for off-road terrain, allowing riders to save battery life when needed.
Selecting the correct lighting mode for different riding conditions is crucial for better visibility and battery conservation. When road biking in urban environments, steady modes, and flash modes are ideal, whereas off-road terrain requires a high-intensity beam of light. Choosing the correct mode for your situation can provide an enjoyable, safe biking experience.
Battery Type and Battery Life
The size of the batteries and their type essentially determine how the biking lights behave. These will affect how long the battery would last, how much time it would take to charge if it’s rechargeable, and how often you need to replace the battery due to degradation. Some cyclists prefer rechargeable batteries, which usually have a lifespan of up to 2 years. Others prefer replaceable batteries that you can find almost anywhere, yet they maybe come pricier in the long run.
Road lights with integrated batteries are usually the best choice. They’re more rugged and durable, plus they are less likely to get water damaged. Look for a light set that uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries are lightweight and can last a long time. Your light set should include a charger that plugs into your outlet or USB port. Some models come with car adapters so you can charge them on the go.
Some road lights also use replaceable AA or AAA batteries but are wary of those since they can take more effort to recharge or you’ll probably have to buy new ones every few months. If you go for replaceable AA or AAA batteries, you should be able to switch them out without hassle. Just make sure you have a spare set in your pocket.
Speaking of batteries, you should pay close attention to how long your batteries last between charges. Most models can go at least three hours on the brightest setting and around seven hours on the lower modes. If you don’t like having to worry about whether or not your light is charged before leaving for work, look for a set with longer battery life.
Portability and Extra Features
Sturdy construction and integrated batteries are great, but you’ll need to consider the light set’s overall size and weight if you plan on commuting with it.
Road lights are typically compact enough to fit in a bag or pocket during the day since they’re used mostly for commuting. Some models can double as a flashlight when not attached to your handlebars. If you’re going to be using your lights for different kinds of riding, look for a light set that can easily detach from its handlebar mount or helmet clip.
Light sets with remote switches are more convenient since you only need to flick a switch on the handlebars or helmet to change modes. You can even find some models that have built-in remotes. With a wireless light set, you’ll have to stay within a distance of about 30 feet from the handlebars or helmet for your controller to work.
Other extra features include light patterns, flashing modes, and emergency signaling. You might find these options useful if you ride at night or in bad weather conditions frequently.
Price Range for Bike Lights
Bike lights come in various price ranges, depending on the features that they offer. Affordable bike lights are perfect for those who want a decent light at a reasonable price. They typically have basic features like steady and flashing modes, and lower lumen output. Prices for these lights can range from $10-$30.
Mid-range bike lights offer a wider range of features like helmet mount options, rechargeable batteries, and brighter lumen output. Prices can range from $30-$100, depending on the features offered.
High-end bike lights are the most expensive, but they provide excellent quality and durability. They typically have a high lumen output, a wide beam pattern, and multiple light modes. Prices can range from $100-$500.
One example of a reasonably priced bike light with excellent features is the Bontrager Ion 200 RT. It costs around $60 and offers a 200 lumen output with a wide beam pattern. It also has a quick-release mount and a rechargeable battery.
When choosing a bike light, consumers can expect more features as the price increases. Lower-priced lights are ideal for those who need basic functions, while mid-range and high-end lights provide more advanced features for serious cyclists. Overall, there are bike light options for every budget and need.
Mounting a Rear Light on Your Bike
Mounting a rear light on your bike is a simple process that can greatly enhance your visibility and safety while riding in low-light conditions. Most rear lights come with a plastic or silicone mount, or a dedicated mounting bracket made from aluminum.
To mount your rear light, start by selecting an appropriate location on your bike. Some riders prefer to attach their light to their seat post, while others prefer the back of their helmet or even their backpack. Regardless of where you choose to attach your light, make sure it is visible to other road users.
Next, attach the plastic or silicone mount to your light by sliding it onto the back of the light and tightening the screw. Alternatively, if your light comes with a dedicated mounting bracket, attach this to your bike using the supplied screws and allen key.
For added convenience, consider a quick-release mount, which allows you to easily remove and reattach your light without tools. You can also use an out-in-front computer mount to clean up the cockpit while still allowing for the use of lights.
In summary, mounting a rear light on your bike is a simple yet important safety measure for any rider. Choose a visible location, attach the mount, and consider options like quick-release or out-in-front mounts for added convenience.
FAQ
Are There Any Differences When It Comes to Bike Lights for Mountain Biking and Road Riding?
Most mountain bike lights are built for ruggedness. These lights tend to have more powerful beams that can light up long stretches of the trail ahead, especially in low-light areas. Some of these lights can even double as a handheld flashlight when detached from the handlebars. I personally love their versatility, I used them a lot when I got my first hoverboard.
What Is the Ideal Brightness for City Biking?
As a general rule, most road bike lights produce between 500 and 1000 lumens in their brightest modes. Most manufacturers will list how many lumens the light set produces on its package or online store listing.
What is IP Rating?
The standard for bike lights used to be a rating of IP65, which meant that it could only handle light splashing from any direction as well as dust and drizzle. Now, most modern light sets have a rating of IP67 or higher.