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The best bike lights accomplish two tasks: they allow you to see and they ensure that you are visible. If you ride frequently, you'll probably want a front and rear light for riding in low light, at night, and in bad weather. That means that selecting the best bike light entails selecting two lights.
Fortunately, many bike lights are available as kits. You'll get a front and rear light in one package, along with a charging cable and appropriate mounts. If you want to do everything at once, a front and rear kit is your best bet. However, if you want the best bike lights, you should probably mix and match individual options.
That's because there are a plethora of bike lights available that provide features other than, well, light. Radar systems, integrated video cameras, and even Bluetooth capabilities to communicate with your smartphone are all available in some bike lights. So, how do you go about selecting the best bike lights? Begin by deciding how, when, and where you will ride.
We road-tested some of the most popular bike lights on the market to help you choose the best bike lights for you. We considered how bright they were, how long the battery lasted, how long it took to charge the lights, how heavy they were, and how easy they were to get on and off the bike.
Choose headlights as well as side and rear safety lights for optimal illumination.
Lumens and luminance
When shopping for a bike light, counting lumens is essential. After all, lumens are the simplest unit of measurement for the total amount of light emitted by a light source. Higher lumens usually equate to a brighter light. We generally recommend at least 1,000 lumens if you're going to put a light through its paces on singletrack or frequently riding the roads at night. While lumen output is important, being seen is just as important as seeing. During a night ride, most cyclists will encounter other motorists or riders, so consider how visible you are from the back and sides.
Modes of illumination
Most lights have multiple settings that allow you to choose between flashing and steady modes, as well as low, medium, and high brightness levels. A flashing light emits a noticeable pulse while using less battery power than a steady beam. All six lights we tested switch from illumination mode to a daytime flashing pattern, keeping you safe and visible during the day. If you frequently ride through cross-traffic, look for a light with lateral visibility.
Life of the battery
A bright light is only as good as the battery that powers it, so battery life is also an important factor to consider. Battery life is determined by the type of battery used in the light, the system's power, and the type of LEDs used in the light. The majority of bike lights, including our top six picks, are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries, which provide excellent power for their weight. If you require both brightness and battery life, you should consider a light that produces fewer lumens but lasts longer. Check the product specifications for the stated battery life in the flashing, low, or high settings of the light.
System of mounting
Headlights attach to your handlebars or helmet. A helmet-mounted headlight has the advantage of being able to be directed by turning your head. Some mountain bikers and riders in low-light urban areas opt for both a handlebar light and a helmet light. Both types should be considered for nighttime trail riding. So, if you're riding twisty trails and only have one light, a helmet-mounted light will be the most versatile.
Meanwhile, rear safety lights are frequently mounted on a seatpost or rear rack, or clipped to a pack, bike bag, or pocket. To increase visibility from the side, side safety lights can be mounted on spokes or, if in a tube or string, wrapped around your frame. Another factor to consider is how the light will be attached to your handlebars or helmet. Check the specifications of the mounting system to ensure that it will fit your handlebars or helmet. All of the lights featured here, including the best, attach firmly to your bars without damaging or scratching them, but are relatively easy to remove for charging.
Bike light regulations
Federal law requires that all bikes intended for road use be sold with a combination of reflectors; generally, bicycles must have a colorless front reflector, reflectors on the back and front sides of the pedals, and a red reflector on the rear. However, bikes are not required to be sold with lights other than reflectors. Still, when cycling, it's a good idea to make sure you can see and be seen by others. Is it illegal to ride without a light at night or in certain conditions? Examine the applicable local and state laws. Many states require that bikes used after dark or during low visibility conditions have a white light visible from at least 500 feet away.
What type of battery is best for a bike light?
Almost every light will be powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Some lights will be self-contained, whereas others will require a separate battery pack. On the road, we prefer self-contained lights that eliminate the need for awkward cables and bulky battery packs, the latter of which are typically larger and significantly more substantial. For lights that have a head and a separate battery connected by a cable, you'll need to find a place for the powerpack. External packs can be replaced or upgraded as batteries degrade over time, and some brands even offer different capacity options.
How long should the battery in my bike light last?
Lights that don't last the entire ride. When considering run time, consider how long you intend to ride and budget a little extra. Did you know that many batteries are affected by temperature, and thus cold can have a significant impact on run time? Consider purchasing a larger battery if you live in an area where nighttime temperatures drop below freezing. Knowing how much power your lights have left is also critical. Some bike lights have simple green, orange, and red battery indicator lights, while others display the time or percentage of charge remaining.
How do I attach a light to my bicycle?
A single light mounted to your handlebars and seat post would be more than enough for road riding - mountain bikers often use a helmet-mounted light to illuminate where they are looking, but these aren't necessary for road riding. Many lights come with a plastic/silicone mount, but some of the more heavy-duty bike lights will come with a dedicated mounting bracket, often made of aluminum for added security.
With the introduction of out-in-front computer mounts, there are numerous options that see an action camera-style or brand-specific bracket on the underside; we like these because it cleans up your cockpit while still allowing you to ride with a light. If you're commuting and need to lock your bike outside, look for lights that can be easily removed without the use of a multitool.
We've compiled a list of what we believe are the best bike lights on the market for a variety of different situations based on our experience. We have the best front bike lights and the best rear bike lights, and some are bike commuting lights while others are adventure lights.
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