Night riding is perfect for those people who don’t want to experience the hot temperatures of summer days and want to enjoy a more peaceful ride. Also, during wintertime, it is very unlikely that you’ll be able to catch the daylight hours to ride your bike, so nighttime riding is probably the only option you have. If you are one of those people, having the right bicycle lights for night riding is crucial.
During nighttime riding, you are prone to more incidents due to the limited amount of light; that’s why you’ll need bike night lights that provide a significant amount of light, are easy to install, and have long battery life.
Best 10 Bike Lights for Night Riding
Recently, many manufacturers have perfected their production of bike lights and have fixed any flaws they may have had in the past. Therefore, in today’s market, you will find some of the best bike lights for night riding and plenty of options to choose from.
In this guide, we have reviewed the top ten best bicycle lights for night riding, so make sure to keep reading if you want to find out more!
Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL & Strip Pro Light Pair
The Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL & Strip Pro Light Pair is a durable bike light for nighttime riding. It comes with two mounting options; front and rear.
The front-mounting option is a robust and multi-purpose light with an output of up to 1000 lumens. It has a lightweight and extremely tough machined aluminum body with cooling fins. It has eight different output modes, including a class-leading 1000 lumen Daytime Flash mode. Light output is optimized and evenly distributed with the Maximum Optical Reflection (MOR) lens. The battery’s running lasts for a total of 87 hours. Its adaptable strap securely attaches to a wide range of bar shapes and sizes. This bike light for night riding is compatible with the Remote Switch.
This bike light’s rear mounting option has a new Wide Angle Optics lens (270° of visibility) and a maximum running time of up to 53 hours. It has a 300-lumen Daytime Flash mode and ten other output alternatives thanks to its five LEDs. Its co-molded design is small and light and can be mounted to aero or round posts. It is equipped with a micro-USB port, making charging efficient and straightforward.
Key features
- Daytime flash
- USB rechargeable
- FRONT: Up to 1000 lumens of output
- REAR: 300 lumens
- 2 Lithium-ion batteries
Pros
- Very bright
- Easy to install
Cons
- Feature a strap – no quick release
Social proof
Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL & Strip Pro Light Pair has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 88 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL & Strip Pro Light Pair has a:
- 5.0 score for brightness
- 5.0 score for durability
- 4.1 score for battery life
NiteRider Lumina 1200 Boost
The Nightrider Lumina 1200 Boost is one of the best mountain bike lights for night riding and provides enough light to be used in almost any riding situation, whether you’re on the road or your favorite mountain biking trail. The Lumina 1200 Boost features the boost mode light setting, which is exclusively created to meet the riders’ needs in all cycling categories. Simply double-click the power button to enable you to operate your light at the maximum output! And using a Cree LED at 6000K means you’ll be getting what most people consider to be the best LEDs on the market today.
This high-performance bike light is highly reliable because there is no filament to tear or burn out. The Lumina 1200 Boost projects a beam pattern with all new custom engineered collimator optics that offers a generous widespread and even beam pattern of 1200 brilliant lumens! The high-strength headlight body casing is made of flexible and lightweight aluminum and highly durable DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon. In addition, this bike light features a low battery indicator where the power button goes from blue to red once the battery level drops below 20%.
Key features
- Lock mode
- Boost mode
- Five light levels
- Two daylight flash modes
- Low battery indicator
- FL1 standard IP64
Pros
- Dust and water resistant
- Fits up to 35mm handlebars
Cons
- Some reviewers claim that the switch stopped working.
Social proof
NireRider Lumina 1200 Boost has an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 624 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the NiteRider Lumina 1200 Boost has a:
- 4.2 score for brightness
- 3.7 score for battery life
- 3.5 score for value for money
Garmin Varia UT800
Whether you’re cycling on the street or the trail, you don’t have to limit your riding to daylight hours because the Varia UT800 provides all the brightness you could ever want. When used together with compatible Edge cycling computers, the UT800 unlocks a very intriguing feature: automatic lighting adjustments. It detects ambient lighting levels and adjusts output up to 800 lumens. This translates to longer battery life and hands-free operation.
Even if you don’t have the Edge head unit, you can still customize the UT800’s output by selecting one of five different lighting modes. As one of the best mtb lights for night riding, it also features the option of choosing a beam style. Depending on the package you purchase, this versatile light can be mounted on a helmet or a bar.
Key features
- 800 lumens blast for up to 1.5 hours
- Automatically adjusts to ambient
- Compatible with Edge cycling computers
- Five light modes; high, medium, low, night flash, and day flash
Pros
- Visible in daylight from 1 mile (1.6 km) away
- Automatically turns lights on/off and controls brightness
Cons
- Some users claim that the headlight loses connection frequently when paired with the Edge cycling computers.
Social proof
Garmin Varia UT800 has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 1,473 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Garmin Varia UT800 has a:
- 4.9 score for quality of material
- 4.7 score for brightness
- 4.0 score for value for money
- 4.0 score for battery life
NiteRider Lumina Dual 1800
The Lumina Dual 1800 from NiteRider transmits a wide beam pattern of smooth, non-glaring light. Its boost mode, which is enabled by double-pressing the power button, produces 1800 lumens. It also has four additional illumination levels and two-day flash modes. Side lighting is also provided to make your bike more visible at all times.
The Lumina Dual 1800 features a fiberglass-reinforced nylon body. Because of the aluminum heat sink, it is more heat resistant than some of the other models on this list. The mount is simple to install and remove or even transfer to another bike.
Key features
- Lock mode feature
- Low battery indicator
- DuPont fiberglass reinforced nylon housing
- Reliable li-ion – AC rechargeable battery
- 1800 max lumen output on Boost Mode
Pros
- Durable, rugged design
- Easy to put on and remove with the quick release tab
Cons
- Doesn’t have a helmet attachment option.
Social proof
NiteRider Lumina Dual 1800 has an Amazon score of 4.7 out of 5 with over 547 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the NiteRider Lumina Dual 1800 has a:
- 5.0 score for easy to install
- 5.0 score for commuting
- 4.6 score for brightness
- 4.5 score for mounting system
- 4.1 score for value for money
- 4.1 score for battery life
NiteRider Pro 1400
The Pro 1400 Race front light allows riders to own a high-quality lighting system at a more affordable price. Rich features such as an accurate eight-step fuel gauge keep the rider constantly informed of battery levels. These characteristics make the Pro 1400 the ideal light for the world’s top athletes and enthusiasts. The light head is powered by a long-lasting four-cell battery, which produces a solid beam of 1400 lumens to illuminate the night.
This bike light has superior design and engineering and a sleek and well-thought-out configuration. The handlebar mount places the light head directly in front of the bike stem, resulting in a clean and finished appearance. In addition, the nylon storage case neatly stores your lighting system and accessories, keeping you prepared and ready for wherever the road will take you.
Key features
- Lightweight True 1400 Lumen Headlight
- Rechargeable 4 cell battery pack
- Convenient nylon carrying / storage case
- Handlebar and helmet mountable
- Specialty borofloat glass lens
Pros
- Rugged design
- Water and dust resistance
Cons
- Users claim that the battery stopped working after some use.
Social proof
NoteRider Pro 1400 has an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 155 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the NiteRider Pro 1400 has a:
- 5.0 score for easy to install
- 4.7 score for commuting
- 4.5 score for brightness
- 4.5 score for mounting system
- 3.6 score for value for money
- 4.1 score for battery life
Light & Motion Urban 350 Bike Headlight
The Light & Motion Urban 350 is the ideal light for riding safely on dark streets. This battery-powered light has 350 certified lumens for secure and reliable riding in low-light conditions. It also has innovative high-intensity amber sidelights that increase visibility at crosswalks where most bicycle-vehicle crashes happen.
The Urban 350 has been tested to the FL1 standard and can withstand 1-meter drops on concrete. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating, which means it can be submerged up to 1 meter just in case you take an ill-advised shortcut. Given that water ingress is the leading cause of bike light failure, Light & Motion designed the Urban to withstand any weather condition. This bike light has a quick handlebar mount and a colored battery light indicator that tells you when it’s time to recharge (5 hours), and a GoPro mount is also available as an option.
Key features
- 350 lumen output
- Certified to the FL-1 Standard
- 4 Modes: High: 1.5 hours (350 lumens) > Med: 3 hours (150 lumens) > Low: 6 hours (75 lumens) > Pulse: 12 hours (75 lumens)
- Includes Micro USB Charge Cable
Pros
- Features a waterproof design with powerful amber safety sidelights
Cons
- Users claim that the plastic knob that connects the light to the bike mount snapped off.
Social proof
Light & Motion Urban 350 Bike Headlight has an Amazon score of 4.4 out of 5 with over 349 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Light & Motion Urban 350 Bike Headlight has a:
- 4.6 score for easy to install
- 4.3 score for brightness
- 3.7 score for battery life
Serfas Thunderbolt Taillight
Serfas Thunderbolt Taillight is a durable bike light for night riding that combines style and safety in a powerful and affordable package. This bike light helps you stay visible even in the harshest conditions keeping you safe and comfortable while bicycling.
This USB rechargeable bike light packs 35 lumens of light while providing riders with various rear-facing mounting options. Because of the two silicone straps featured on this bike light, you can easily mount your Thunderbolt in a variety of configurations on the bike, depending on the need and the situation. In addition, the 30 micro-LED strips will alert cars and bikes to your presence.
Key features
- 35 lumens of pure red light
- USB rechargeable light – fully charges in 3.5 hours
- 30-mini LED strip
- Modes: high beam low beam – 1.75 hours (high beam); 3 hours (low beam)
- Two flash modes – 7 hours (high blink); 9.5 hours (low blink)
Pros
- Features a water-resistant silicone body
- Easy to mount
Cons
- Some reviewers claim that it tends to turn off itself while riding.
Social proof
Serfas Thunderbolt Taillight has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 725 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Serfas Thunderbolt Taillight has a:
- 4.7 score for value for brightness
- 4.6 score for mounting system
- 3.7 score for battery life
Cygolite Metro 850 Headlight
The powerful 850 lumens of the Cygolite Metro 850 USB rechargeable bike light provide an outstanding experience. This light is ideal for mountain bikers and road cyclists because it combines the best performance, protection, and customizability. Its cycling-tuned optics optimize its power into a long-range and extra-wide beam, maximizing your sightlines with outstanding brightness and clarit
The Cygolite Metro 850 will provide you with all the light you could ask for during the night and day due to its six powerful lighting modes (three steady, two flashing, one walking) and up to more than 100 hours of brightness on a single charge. In addition to the stable illuminance modes, the patent-pending Steady Pulse mode alerts drivers with attention-grabbing flashing lights while an intertwining steady beam illuminates your path at night. The eye-catching Day Lightning mode emits lightning-like flashes to make you stand out in broad daylight when used as daytime running lights. The durable, quick-release handlebar mount secures the light in the difficult ground while allowing for easy and quick detachment as needed.
Key features
- 850 lumen light
- Day Lightning mode
- Steady Pulse mode
- Six powerful light modes to choose from: High (1: 30 hr. run time), Medium (3: 30 hr.), Low (10 hr.), Steady Pulse (4 hr.), Day Lightning (14 hr.), Walking (100 hr.)
Pros
- Durable
- Extended battery life
Cons
- Some reviews claim that it doesn’t fit the handlebars.
Social proof
Cygolite Metro 850 Headlight has an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 1,360 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Cygolite Metro 850 Headlight has a:
- 4.6 score for easy to install
- 4.5 score for commuting
- 4.8 score for brightness
- 4.2 score for mounting system
- 5.0 score for value for money
- 4.4 score for battery life
NiteRider Lumina Micro 750
The NiteRider Lumina MICRO 750 produces 750 brilliant lumens and is a small, light, and convenient bike light option. The Lumina Micro 750’s compact profile and good lighting output make it ideal for helmet-mounted applications; a helmet mount is available as an optional accessory. With the included handlebar strap mount with a quick-release tab, you can easily remove and install the headlight, reducing the possibility of theft.
This li-ion USB rechargeable bike light is simple to charge, eliminating the need for batteries to be replaced regularly. It can be charged by any computer, device, or AC wall adapter that is turned on. Furthermore, the LOW BATTERY INDICATOR is cleverly incorporated into the power button. A blue light indicates that there is enough charge left in the battery. A red light indicates low battery level, with less than 20% remaining.
Key features
- Lock mode feature
- Low battery indicator
- Reliable li-ion USB rechargeable
- IP64-rated
Pros
- Lon-lasting product
- Easy to charge battery
- Water and dust resistance
Cons
- Some reviewers claim that the mounting band tends to break off easily.
Social proof
NiteRider Lumina Micro 750 has an Amazon score of 4.5 out of 5 with over 662 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the NiteRider Lumina Micro 750 has a:
- 4.6 score for brightness
- 4.5 score for easy to install
- 4.1 score for battery life
Cygolite Metro Pro 1100
The Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 is the first of its kind, generating an impressive 1,100 lumens in a compact way to keep your handlebar clutter to a minimal level while optimizing light output. Aside from its exceptional nighttime functionality, the Metro Pro includes daylight visible flash modes to help you stand out in bright sunlight. Incredibly powerful 1,100 lumens in the most compact and stylish form cast a long-range, extra-wide beam suitable for road and mountain biking.
This bike light features five steady brightness modes for night riding to best suit your riding conditions. It has three different flash pattern modes for the daytime to best suit your riding conditions. Finally, the walking mode can be used as an extra-long-lasting flashlight.
Key features
- 100 lumen USB rechargeable
- 9 LIGHTING MODES: (Night Use: Boost – High – Medium – Low – SteadyPulse); Walking mode(Day Use: DayLightningFlash – Triple Flash – Zoom)
- Exclusive steady pulse mode
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great price
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Some reviewers claim that it doesn’t charge to its full potential.
Social proof
Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 has an Amazon score of 4.6 out of 5 with over 1,659 global reviews.
Based on customer reviews, the Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 has a:
- 4.7 score for brightness
- 4.3 score for easy to install
- 4.3 score for battery life
What to Look For When Buying Bike Lights for Night Riding
When choosing a light for your nighttime riding, you must be sure that it fulfills the most common requirements. The best bicycle lights for night riding give you a lot of brightness, have an extended battery life, and are easy to install.
Brightness
The ideal bike light for night riding will give you all the brightness you could ask for to allow you to experience safe and happy riding. The units used to measure the brightness of light are called lumens.
Most experts suggest a bar-mounted light with a lumen output of at least 800-1000. The brightest bike lights are in the 2500+ range, but be cautious and check local regulations. In the meantime, helmet-mounted lights can get away with a lower-power light that starts in the 500-600 lumen range.
Battery
When speaking of battery life, you will undoubtedly want a light that lasts longer than the duration of your ride. When estimating this, keep in mind that people move more slowly in the dark. Winter riding also means colder temperatures, and batteries perform poorly in extreme cold, so poorly that some riders enclose their battery packs in insulating material during the winter. With that information in mind, look for a model that outperforms your average ride time by at least 25%, with 50% being a safer bet.
Beam pattern
When it comes to beam patterns, most bike lights for night riding are available in two options floodlights and spotlights. Floodlights, which are more frequently found on bar-mounted devices, light up a larger circle in front of you. That larger circle, on the other hand, tends to be dimmer. This type of bike light is ideal for twisty or hilly terrain.
On the other hand, spotlight patterns have a relatively narrow, more concentrated light beam. These are frequently found on helmet-mounted lights. They provide intense brightness but may be best used with a second light on the handlebars. This is due to the fact that every bump in the road can send that narrow helmet light bouncing around, reducing your visibility of the road.
Mounting
Bike lights are typically mounted on the helmet, handlebars, or the back of the bike. A helmet-mounted light attaches to the top of your helmet and directs its light beam in the direction that your head is pointing. A handlebar light is attached to the middle of your handlebars, pointing forward at the ground in front of the wheel.
Rear-mounted lights are attached to the back of the bike and are typically smaller, cheaper, and produce less light. They’re a must-have for city dwellers and commuters. All of the passing cars, illuminated storefronts, and blinking intersection lights can drown out you and your bike. A rear light ensures that you are visible and safe.
Whatever bike light option you pick, purchasing one that is easy to install is a must since it will be less time-consuming and won’t require a particular set of skills.
Conclusion
Bike riding is one way of commuting and the most common hobby for many people. Nighttime bicycling is also very common, and in such conditions, you will need all the artificial light you can take in order to avoid any possible risks or accidents. Choosing the right lights for your nighttime biking is crucial. Purchasing one of the options we have listed above will ensure you a safe and enjoyable ride.
