High-quality bike lights for commuting are an essential piece of cycling kit, especially if you’re planning to ride before daybreak, after dark, or when visibility is poor. In some countries, such as England, it is a legal requirement to have lights on your bicycle if you’re riding after sunset. But bike lights are a smart addition even when commuting during the day, especially in winter, so other vehicles can see you better, thus preventing accidents.
Best 10 Bike Lights for Commuting
Like with everything else, various brands offer many different options, so it can be a challenging task to find the best bike lights for commuting. To make this near-impossible task easier for you, our experts at the Bike Adviser have tested many lights in order to bring you what we believe are the 10 best commuter bike lights on the market.
So, here are our top picks of the best bicycle lights for commuting:
Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
One of the best bike lights for commuters is the Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light by Ascher. This item offers proper illumination while cycling on days with poor visibility and at night. The headlight produces around 300 lumens of light output, providing optimum light that is enough to illuminate what’s in front of you and make you visible to other vehicles on the road.
Key features
The main features of the Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set are:
- USB rechargeable front and backlights built in 2000mAh rechargeable lithium battery for the headlight and built in 330mAh rechargeable lithium battery for the taillight
- The headlight and taillight feature a one-touch switch with four light mode options: full brightness, half brightness, fast flashing, and snow flashing
- The light comes with a mounting bracket that can easily be fixed to the bike’s handlebar
- The silicone mount strap for both lights is designed with four openings that tightly fit around the seat posts. They can easily loosen or fasten, and no tools are required.
- This bike light is versatile enough for cycling, hiking, camping, or any other outdoor activity and can be used as an emergency flashlight
Pros
- Offers versatility when it comes to using different bikes
- Very easy to install (comes with a mounting bracket)
- The light can be easily mounted/demounted in the bracket
- Features different four-light mode options
- Headlight and taillight come with rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Relatively short battery life
Social proof
The Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 16,697 global ratings.
Most reviewers agree that the Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set offers excellent visibility on the road:
“The blinking function on the headlight is illuminating every street sign, stop sign, and even license plates in my path, and it’s making me pretty visible out there.”
Many reviewers point out that the Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set is sturdy and easy to use:
“The rubber straps that you use to attach both lights feels strong and sturdy and attach really easily. I also like how you can adjust the headlight side to side and up and down and the taillight can be used in either vertical or horizontal positions.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set is excellent value for money:
“I bought it last fall and have only had to charge it a handful of times. I am considering buying another one of these because the price for the quality is hard to beat.”
You can buy the Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set on Amazon. This product is perfect for bike commuters who are looking for bike lights to illuminate their road and make them visible. So, if you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable bike light for commuting, this is a great choice for you.
Shark 500 USB Bike Lights for Night Riding, Front and Rear
The Shark 500 is a pretty simple bike light. It gets its name from its shape, as it kind of looks like a shark’s head. This bike light is perfect for those who don’t need dazzling brightness but rather a decent, average illumination. With a maximum output of 500 Lumens, this light is an excellent choice all-rounder that provides quick and convenient USB charging. You can expect the battery to last you an hour and a half of continuous illumination in “high mode”, around three hours in “medium”, fifteen hours in “low”, and thirty hours in “flashing mode”.
Key features
The key features of the Shark 500 USB Bike Lights for Night Riding, Front and Rear are:
- 500 claimed lumens
- Flat beam and three brightness levels including a flashing and pulsing mode
- No pulse mode
- Internal lithium batteries
- Low battery indicator
- Micro USB rechargeable
- Included mounts: Slide-on
- A runtime of up to two hours on high and thirty hours on flash mode
- Guaranteed to fit every type of bike and easily installs in five seconds (no tools required)
- Suitable for strollers, kids’ bicycles and scooter lights, camping, or emergency lights
- Water-resistant (IPX5 Rated)
- One year warranty included
- Features a specifically engineered beam reflector that makes you more visible on the road day or night
- USB rechargeable LED bike tail light included
- Easy-on and easy-off silicone rubber strap
Pros
- Good battery life
- Offers decent illumination
- Easy to install
- Once the light is strapped properly, it remains sturdy even under the harshest of terrains
- Comes with an included chargeable taillight with a brightness of 10 lumens
- It has five different light modes
Cons
- Relatively short lifespan, however, they do respect their one-year warranty
Social proof
There are more than 4,191 global reviews on Amazon about the Shark 500 USB Bike Light at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.6 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews for this urban bike light are positive overall.
Most reviewers agree that the Shark 500 USB Bike Light is practical and convenient:
“It attaches and detaches easily and it’s small enough to fit in my jacket pocket.”
Many reviewers point out that the Shark 500 USB Bike Light’s battery lasts for a really long time:
“The battery life works great. I have used the front light for over 2-3 hours at a time and it was still burning bright so I can’t really tell when it will go out.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Shark 500 USB Bike Light offers decent illumination:
“This lights up the night! At first, I thought a quiet car had come up behind me, then I realized my own light was throwing all the light in front of me. This shows me the road ahead at least as well as car headlights – on the low setting.”
You can get the Shark 500 USB Bike Light on Amazon. This bike light is perfect for commuters who want good illumination without waiting around for long periods of charging.
NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter
When a bike light’s lumen count approaches a thousand, one expects some serious illumination, and NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter lives up to the expectations. This bike light is bright enough and suitable for various uses. Its LEDs create a neutral white light that focuses on the road with little bleed outwards. It comes with seven modes which are set out in two levels, and you can easily access them via the use of a power button.
Key features
The main features of the NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter are:
- Five light levels and two daylight flash modes
- Lock mode feature to keep the headlight securely powered off during storage
- Daylight visible flash for increased visibility
- Low battery indicator
- Durable and long-lasting rugged design and engineering
- Reliable LI-ION USB rechargeable bike light (can be recharged from any powered up computer, device, or AC well adapter
- IP64 rated water and dust resistant utilizing gasket sealing designed to withstand diverse riding conditions and environments
- Easy on and easy removal with the quick release tab
Pros
- Offers increased visibility
- Perfect for mountain bikers, road riders, and urban commuters
- Remains rock-solid on challenging terrain
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Easy on and off
- Convenient USB rechargeable
Cons
- Relatively short battery lifespan
- Quality could be improved
Social proof
There are more than 1,301 global reviews on Amazon about the NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter at the time of writing, and they have given it a 4.6 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews for this urban bike light are mostly positive.
Most reviewers agree that the NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter is easy to use:
“The NiteRider line of lights is very easy to install and provides a lot of light.”
Many reviewers point out that the NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter’s battery holds a charge:
“I’m impressed by the quality of the battery they use–it seems to have a low self-discharge.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter offers an amazingly bright light:
“This headlight is incredible! On low it is so much brighter than my last headlight which was very good in COMPLETE darkness in woods on a bike trail. On its brightest setting I think you could land a plane with it!!! The daylight strobe is bright enough to see it reflect off signs and markers at a long distance with ease in the light of early evening.”
You can buy the NiteRider Lumina 900 Boost USB Rechargeable MTB Road Commuter on Amazon. This is a strongly-performing bike light for commuting that offers incredible brightness and decent battery life. Plus, it’s good for pretty much all uses!
Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB
“Bright? These are so bright you can see the future.” one user admits. Even though this commuter bike light is a bit expensive, it is a pretty reliable choice. Cygolite designs and engineers each light meticulously in order to make them perfect for lighting the way in poor visibility. It has multiple modes, including low, medium, high, boost, steady pulse, daylighting, triple flesh, etc. And the battery lasts you for one to two hours on average.
Key features
The main features of the Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB are:
- Intense 800 Lumen USB rechargeable bicycle light
- Sleek design
- 9 modes (hours) (6: 30), Medium (3), High (1: 30), Boost (1), Steady Pulse (3: 30), Daylighting (12), Triple Flash (18), Zoom (3: 30), Walking (110)
- Steady Pulse alerts with pulses as its overlapping steady beam lights the night; Daylighting’s powerful flashes make you visible in broad daylight
- Extra-wide, long-range beam
- Light activation lockout
- Low battery indicator
- Water resistant
- Made in the United States
Pros
- Proven high-intensity brightness
- Precise optics
- Provides maximum brightness for the duration of the run time
- Reliable and durable
- Easy to install or remove
Cons
- Quality control could be improved
- A little pricey
Social proof
There are more than 1,628 global reviews on Amazon about the Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB at the time of writing, and they have given it a 4.6 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews for this urban bike light are positive overall.
Most reviewers agree that the Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB is practical and convenient:
“I’m pretty thrilled to get almost twice the brightness with a nice small, easy to install or remove light – and to be finally free of that big heavy battery pack!”
Many reviewers point out that the Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB is a good value for money:
“For the money I doubt there is a better option.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Cygolite Metro Plus 800 USB offers an amazingly bright light:
“These lights lit up the trail like it was daylight around me. It was awesome.”
If you are a cyclist looking for a reliable and durable bike light for commuting, this one is an excellent choice to have; it is bright enough and very easy to use.
Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light
Blackburn does a range of Dayblazer lights, but this 800 lumens front light is the sweet spot and one of the best choices for commuters who need illumination in poor visibility. If you want a tough, waterproof light that is bright enough for cruising and commuting at a pretty reasonable price, then the Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light is a strong choice. However, keep in mind that it has limited battery life.
Key features
The main features of the Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light worth mentioning are:
- Synthetic
- Blitz mode is designed to increase your visibility and keep you safe, day and night
- LED fuel charge indicator
- IP-67 rating; meaning that this product is protected against dust, grit, and water
Pros
- Decent light
- Reasonable price
- It has a BLITZ mode to grab the attention of cars and other vehicles
- IP-67 submersibility and ample side visibility
Cons
- Poor battery life
Social proof
There are more than 218 global reviews on Amazon about the Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews for this urban bike light are positive overall.
Most reviewers agree that the Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light is lightweight and easy to use:
“Compared to other lights I have looked at and handled this one is simple to use, lightweight and good looking.”
Many reviewers point out that the Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light is easy to use:
“I like the rubber strap for attaching it to my handlebars – it makes it really easy to take on and off for recharging.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light offers an amazingly bright light:
“Super bright and good illumination range. No need to use the highest setting, which depletes the battery faster, the lower settings are more than enough.”
If you want a sturdy bike light that offers decent illumination and is pretty easy to install and remove, this one should do the trick. You can buy the Blackburn Dayblazer 800 Front Light on Amazon.
Cygolite Hotrod 50
The Cygoolite Hotrod 50 USB rear light is a sleek model that performs well in all conditions thanks to its various setting and generous run-time. This urban bike light unleashes 50 powerful, radiant lumens. And its six attention-grabbing modes increase your visibility and keep others aware of your presence in traffic.
Key features
The main features of the Cygolite Hotrod 50 bike light are:
- Powerful 50 lumens flashing
- Low profile and compact size
- USB rechargeable LI-ion battery
- Low battery indicator
- Water-resistant
- Six modes: High Flash – SteadyPulse® – Zoom – Group – Low Flash – High Steady
- Run time: 1.30 – 100 hours
- Made in the United States
Pros
- Offers maximum visibility with proven high-intensity brightness
- Six different lighting modes for day and night
- Endures road cycling conditions with durable and water-resistant body and sturdy, flexible seat post mount
- Designed for convenience
- Provides an extra-wide and far-reaching glow optimized for busy roads
Cons
- Quality control could be improved
- Some reviews complained about the poor battery life of this product
Social proof
There are more than 984 global reviews on Amazon about the Cygolite Hotrod 50 at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.7 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews for this urban bike light are positive overall.
Most reviewers agree that the Cygolite Hotrod 50 is durable:
“I purchased this light on 6/2017, a year and a half ago! And it still works like a brand new light. I’ve used it for about 12 hours a week for eighteen months, fully charging it after each ride. I’ve done at least 20 century rides with this light and it’s lasted the entire ride on the medium flashing setting every time.”
Many reviewers point out that the Cygolite Hotrod 50 stays securely in place and does not move:
“Another key thing about this light is that the mount is secure and you don’t lose the light.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Cygolite Hotrod 50 offers an amazingly bright light:
“I ride a lot on highways and this is a great attention getter on the flash setting even in full sun light.”
Cygolite Hotrod 50 is perfect for those riders that need a very powerful and versatile bike ride to increase their visibility day or night.
Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light
Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light keeps you visible and safe day and night in every weather condition. With two LEDs pumping out 65 lumens, 270 degrees of visibility, and the BLITZ mode, this bike light for commuting is focused on visibility to feel safe whenever you’re riding.
Key features
The key features of the Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light are:
- Synthetic
- BLITZ mode
- Meets ANSI FL-1 standards
- Versatile mounting system
- TIR LENS TECHNOLOGY (the light will point in the right direction)
- Meets IP-67 SUBMERSIBLE standards meaning it is totally protected against dust/grit and is fully protected against the effects of immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for half an hour
Pros
- Offers more than sufficient illumination
- Suitable for day and night
- Waterproof and durable
- Easy to operate
Cons
- The battery life could be improved
Social proof
There are more than 181 global reviews on Amazon about the Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews for this urban bike light are good overall.
Most reviewers agree that the Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light is easy to use:
“Does what it says, easy to operate.”
Many reviewers point out that the Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light is good value for money:
“Nice and bright and reasonably priced.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light offers an amazingly bright light:
“Amazingly bright even in full sunlight. Be seen by all of those behind you. Makes me feel safer knowing I have this on my bike.”
You can get the Blackburn Dayblazer 65 Rear Light on Amazon. This commuter bike light packs a fair punch for its price point, with a 65-lumen output more than sufficient for your needs.
Cygolite Hotrod Front 110 and Hotrod Rear 50 USB Combo
These lights from Cygolite are designed to be equally effective day and night. The Cygolite Hotrod ensures safety on the road in whatever visibility. In addition, it has six light modes, a low battery indicator, and good battery life.
Key features
The main features of the Cygolite Hotrod Front 110 and Hotrod Rear 50 USB Combo lights are:
- USB rechargeable with internal Li-ion battery
- 110 Lumen front light and 50-lumen taillight
- 1: 30 – 100 hour run time (depending on the mode you use)
- Has six modes per light
- Offers a wide and powerful illumination day and night
- Steady Pulse alerts with pulses as its overlapping steady beam illuminates the night; day lightning’s powerful flashes highlight your presence in daytime
- Low battery indicator
- Water-resistant
Pros
- Extra-wide and radiant light
- Can be attached anywhere on the bike
- Long battery life
- Great design
- It mounts nicely and does not slip
Cons
- A bit complicated to use
- Takes a pretty long time to charge
Social proof
The Cygolite Hotrod Front 110 and Hotrod Rear 50 USB Combo lights have an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 340 global ratings.
Most reviewers agree that the Cygolite Hotrod Front 110 and Hotrod Rear 50 USB Combo lights offer great visibility on the road:
“Both front and rear have sufficient brightness and a variety of light modes. The light mode I find myself using a lot is the low flash. It says low flash, but my no means is it ‘low’. During sunset to the darkest of nights, this low flash setting is unbelievably bright.”
Many reviewers point out that the Cygolite Hotrod Front 110 and Hotrod Rear 50 USB Combo lights are convenient and easy to use:
“The rubber band retention system also makes it extremely easy to put onto and take off of the bike yet holds the light very strongly while riding. Charging is very easy with the provided charging cable.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Cygolite Hotrod Front 110 and Hotrod Rear 50 USB Combo lights are worth the money:
“These lights allows me to be seen miles away. Definitely worth every penny.”
You can get the Cygolite Hotrod Front 110 and Hotrod Rear 50 USB Combo lights on Amazon. Even though these lights are not exactly cheap, they are a highly visible, high-quality commuting light set.
Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL
The Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL is a reasonably priced ‘be-seen-by’ bike light that offers enough visibility to see where you’re going and for others to see you. It is sturdily built, practical to use, and its quick recharge time and relatively long burn-time mean it can last you to year-round commuting. Plus, you can plug the battery straight into a USB port, so you won’t need to carry a cable.
Key features
The main features of the Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL are:
- Maximum lumens: 500 front, 10 rear
- Eight output modes, including a Daytime Flash mode
- Built in cooling fins and cutouts for side visibility
- Type: USB rechargeable
- Weight: 84 grams
- Maximum battery life: 20 hours
- Charging time: 2:30 hours
- Compact and durable with a machined aluminum body
- Waterproof
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact and durable
- Value for money
- Practical to use
Cons
- Short battery life for constant modes
Social proof
There are more than 170 global reviews on Amazon about the Hecto Drive 500XL at the time of writing, and they have given them a 4.4 out of 5 rating on average. The global reviews for this urban bike light are positive overall.
Most reviewers agree that the Hecto Drive 500XL is easy to use:
“I love this headlight! It is so easy to use and the soft rubber band doesn’t scratch my handlebars on my Trek bike.”
Many reviewers point out that the Hecto Drive 500XL is reliable:
“The light is reliable, holds a charge and has a simple mounting system that does not interfere with biking.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Hecto Drive 500XL offers an amazingly bright light:
“So bright I actually got pulled over and given a warning saying my lights blinded the officer when he drove past.”
You can buy the Hecto Drive 500XL bike light on Amazon. It is a well-made cycling light for being seen by and seeing with, and you can buy it for very little money.
Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL
We’re big fans of the more powerful Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL, which is perfect for night trail or road rides. The light puts out 1000 lumens in eight output modes with up to 87 hours of runtime. This urban bike light is a perfect example of a solid, simple, universal design with an excellent performance-for-price ratio.
Key features
- Powerful and multi-purpose front light with up to 1000 lumens of output
- Up to 87 hours of runtime
- Eight output modes, with a class-leading 1000 lumen Daytime Flash mode
- Versatile strap that securely mounts to a variety of bar shapes and sizes
Pros
- Offers a lot of light for the money
- Top-quality build
- Tough and versatile
- Simple operation
- Universal bar/bike fit
- Multiple modes
Cons
- Could do with better mode grouping
- May wobble on rough rides
Social proof
The Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL bike light has an Amazon score of 4.4 out of 5 with over 194 global ratings.
Most reviewers agree that the Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL bike light offers great visibility on the road:
“I have been flashed by cars more than a few times with this light its no joke the beam spreads wide all the way across the road.”
Many reviewers point out that the Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL bike light is strong and sturdy:
“Feels noticeably more ‘solid’ and sturdy than similar lights I’ve had. Glad I bought it.”
Some reviewers also mentioned that the Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL bike light has a decent battery life:
“Fabulous beam that lasts a long time!!!! I have it on flashing mode and have ridden 70+ miles and I have yet to recharge!”
The Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL is much more powerful than you’d expect, and it comes with a decent range of modes to stretch run times. Plus, it will mount on any kind of bike, it is tough, and it comes at a reasonable price.
What to Look For When Buying Bike Lights for Commuting
A cyclist should carefully choose the right bike lights for commuting in order to see the road better in poor visibility and for others to see them too and avoid accidents. There are some factors to consider when buying a bike light for commuting, but we will discuss the three most important ones.
Battery life
Most bike lights will either be USB rechargeable or require batteries. Modern lights are usually USB rechargeable with a Lithium-Ion or similar battery, saving you money by not having to buy batteries and also being easy and practical to keep charged.
Run time is also important to consider since it indicates how long the light will last from being fully charged to flat. Battery life depends on the battery type, the power of the system, and the lumens. For instance, a flashing light emits pulsing light that uses less battery compared to a steady beam, so you won’t need to recharge it very often. But a high-intensity, steady light drains the battery more quickly. So, switch between the multiple modes as necessary to save your battery life. And pay attention to the run time of a bike light before purchasing it.
Lumens
The more lumens a bike light has, the more light it emits. Bike lights start with as low a lumen count as 30 and go beyond 2,000. If you need a lot of brightness, go for a higher lumen count. But make sure to tilt it downwards slightly so that it’s not directly in the oncoming driver’s eye line.
Waterproofing
Be sure to check that the bike light you choose is waterproof so that you can use it when riding in the rain too. It wouldn’t be a good idea to invest in a light that is not fully waterproof, even if you’re not planning on riding in the rain; surprise storms are called “surprise” for a reason.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful to you and provided some valuable information. Remember to research the product, its features, and the customer reviews before purchasing a product; they can be very helpful when choosing the best bike light for commuting or other needs. And remember, try not to blind other road users.
