size: If you are a commuter, you will need to remove the light for storage. Find the most compact design that can be easily placed in a pocket or bag. Thanks to LED bulb technology, you can find impressively bright, pocket-friendly lighting. Sizes and weights are listed here without brackets (unless they are indispensable) because the size and weight in their bags are more important than adding a few ounces to your bike (unless you are a Pro Tour Rider).
Installation style: It is important where and how you fix the bike lights. The handlebar mount is perfect for illuminating the road ahead and looking for downward angle designs that will illuminate the road for increased visibility. The helmet mounted light moves with your sight, which is ideal for riding. The rear light should be securely mounted to your seat or bag. And look for toolless, quick release mounts for easy opening/closing, and rubber straps for easy swap to another bike rack. Some models also offer clip-on versatility for backpacks or clothing, giving you more visible ways.
TOLL: Unless you plan on epic all-night rides, brightness is more important than battery life. Everything tested here is collected via USB-A or USB-C. We avoided cheap designs that needed single-use batteries, as these designs died quickly.
Battery life: How long the battery lasts depends on the mode you choose. Battery life ranges from 2 to 30+ hours. The brighter the light, the faster the battery runs out, and juice with solid beams is also used more than flashing lights. On a road or trail, the better the better, but if you have a low battery, you can usually toss it to eliminate battery life.
Check your local legislation: While most states need some kind of low-light light, type The lights are legal – range, lumen, and can blink or not – will vary by state. If you are nervous, check out your local state legislation here.
