There’s a lot to consider when you come to choose bike lights for your ride.
As well as visibility and safety, your bike lights will also need to adhere to legal requirements that can vary from country to country.
Plus, bike light technology is constantly evolving. So, it can be tricky to know which lights are going to provide the best visibility and protection.
Don’t worry! Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bike light sets – from the different types available to what features you should look for to ensure you can both see and be seen. But first…
There are lots of retailers where you can buy bike lights online.
Just a few that are popular in the UK and Europe include:
In fact, Research Nester predicts that bicycle lights market revenue will reach USD 700 Billion by 2033!
However, none of the lights sold by these retailers will make you completely visible from all directions – which is why we developed the SeeMe lighting system.
With front and rear SeeMe lights installed on your bike, you’ll be visible through 360 degrees, making ours the most advanced bike light system available in the world.
You can preorder your SeeMe Pro 360 bike light set today.
There are so many different types of bicycle lights out there that it can be challenging to know where to start.
Here are the main types you’re likely to come across.
Rear bike lights are red lights that are typically mounted to your seat post or stay to allow other road users to see you from behind.
A lit rear bike light – also known as a bike taillight – is a legal requirement if you’re cycling on the roads at night in the UK.
Front bike lights are white lights that help cyclists to both see and be seen in low light conditions. In the UK, they’re a legal requirement if you’re riding on the road at night.
You can get both flashing and steady front lights. However, a steady bike headlight is recommended if you’re riding in areas without street lights.
Almost all bike lights today contain LED bulbs. These are extremely energy efficient, which means they last much longer than your average bulb.
This makes LED bike lights a great choice if you want to ‘fit and forget’ about them. But when they eventually do reach the end of their life, another benefit is that they’ll slowly get dimmer – rather than cutting out suddenly and leaving you in a tight spot!
Smart cycle lights are more than just lights. These intelligent lights actually use technology to enhance safety and improve the cycling experience.
As an example, some smart bike lights can use motion-sensing technology to respond to what’s happening around you – like adjusting brightness to account for surrounding light conditions.
360 degree visibility bike lights are designed to ensure you can be seen from any angle when you’re cycling day or night – including from the side.
At SeeMe Cycle, we’ve developed the most advanced 360 degree visibility bike lights to date. Our SeeMe Pro 360 Light Set combines high lumen LED front and rear lights with super bright LED strip lights radiating to the sides – to provide 100% side coverage.
Now you have a basic understanding of the different types of bike lights available.
But what kind of light features should you look for?
Here, we’ll break down some of the key features that can increase your visibility and safety on the roads and make your life easier at home.
These days, almost all bike lights are rechargeable.
Rechargeable bike lights are typically much better quality than the cheap, disposable battery ones you can still find on the market.
Most rechargeable cycle lights today contain lithium ion/polymer batteries, which are similar to the batteries inside our mobile phones.
USB bike lights are a great option to make charging more convenient.
The EU has recently approved legislation to make USB-charging mandatory for smartphones, cameras and tablets by the end of 2024, and it’s likely that this standard will be adopted worldwide by phone manufacturers.
With that in mind, we’d recommend looking for lights that have USB-C ports. This way, you’ll be able to charge them using your phone charger!
USB rechargeable bike lights with quick release also exist to make charging even quicker and easier.
It’s always worth checking the battery life of any bike lights you’re considering.
Brighter bike lights often require more power. So, opting for a long battery life bike light will ensure you have plenty of juice to get you through even the longest bike rides without needing to recharge.
Bike lights with a flashing mode can help you be seen better by other road users – while also saving battery power.
However, it can be wise to invest in a bike light that also has a fixed front beam mode to give you better visibility of the road ahead if you’re going to be cycling in areas without street lighting.
Similarly, bear in mind that, while flashing mode bike lights are permitted in the UK, they’re illegal in some countries such as Germany.
One of the latest technologies being built into bike lights is HD video cameras. These provide similar coverage to car dash cams – recording any dangerous incidents that happen and allowing cyclists to capture poor driving skills and pass videos to police.
Incorporating them into bike light systems like the SeeMe Pro 360, produces a very versatile single unit on one mount, rather than bolting on lots of extras bits to your bike, each on their own mount and cluttering the handlebars.
Although bike lights are only a legal requirement between sunset and sunrise, they can also help you to be seen in the daytime.
Choosing bright bike lights for daytime – with a high lumen output of 200 lumens or more – will increase your visibility to drivers, even in sunny conditions.
Lights with flashing modes will also help you to catch the attention of other road users more effectively when it’s light.
Bike lights with quick release are easy to attach and remove from your bike without tools.
This is especially helpful when it comes to charging.
But it can also be useful if you want to switch your bike lights from your commuter bike to your mountain bike and back again at weekends.
As well as your lights themselves, you’ll need to consider a range of bike light accessories.
These include:
Some bike lights may come with accessories and sets, while others will need you to purchase everything separately. So, always read the small print when ordering!
It’s important to mount your new bike lights safely and in the right position for them to function at their best.
The last thing you want is to invest in a state-of-the-art bike light only for it to be obscured by your saddle bag!
There are lots of different bike light mounts available, including mounts designed for handlebars, seat posts, helmets and saddle rails.
If you’re planning on riding your bike in the rainy UK, you’ll definitely need a weatherproof bike light (or water-resistant covers). But the waterproof ratings on bike lights can vary.
We’d typically recommend getting a bike light that’s rated at least IP64. This means it will be protected from water spray coming from any direction.
Higher IP ratings will offer even more protection. For instance, if you want a fully waterproof bike light, consider one rated IP67 or higher. IP67 can withstand immersion up to 1 metre, which will likely be plenty for your needs!
Look for a waterproof bike light with side illumination to ensure that you can see and be seen from every angle.
A front bike light with a high lumen output and a wide beam will give you the best visibility when cycling in darkness.
Meanwhile, 360 degree visibility bike lights and bike side lights will ensure that other road users can see you from the side as well as from the front and back. All these options are available in various waterproof ratings.
As you can see, there are so many different options available when it comes to bike lights.
So, how do you choose the right bike light for your needs?
Well, it all depends on your bike and how you plan to use it.
For instance, the best mountain bike lights will typically be those with a high lumen output and a fixed, wide beam.
After all, the brighter your mountain bike light, the more speed, control and confidence you’ll have when taking your bike off-road in the dark.
On the other hand, the best bike light for a road or commuter bike will typically come down to cycling safety – in urban areas with lots of other road users, ensuring you can be seen from all angles will help to prevent cycling accidents.
This makes 360 degree visibility bike lights and those with a flashing mode indispensable.
Nearly all bike lights on the market today are rechargeable.
But not all rechargeable bike lights are created equal!
Here are some things to consider when you’re looking for the best rechargeable bicycle lights for your needs:
These days, bike lights can do so much more than just light up your way.
Here are some of the innovative bike light technologies that are transforming the cycling experience for riders around the world.
Wondering what other bike accessories you might need alongside your bike lights?
Here’s a brief bike accessory guide to get you up to speed.
The accessories listed here can be purchased from a range of online retailers. In the UK and Europe, these include:
Biking GPS systems and computers can help you get where you want to be while tracking your performance.
Enjoy features such as speed and distance displays and progress tracking over time.
Many cyclists use their phone to navigate.
A bike phone holder will keep your phone safe, secure and in your line of sight.
A bike lock is crucial when it comes to protecting your ride from being stolen.
Chain locks and D locks are the most popular options. Those rated as Diamond locks by Sold Secure provide the highest levels of security.
A bike helmet is a must for your safety, whether you’re cycling on or off-road.
However, they can do far more than just protect your head. Smart helmets are also available with features such as integrated lighting, turn signals and automatic brake lights.
Front and rear bike lights and reflectors are a legal requirement if you’re riding on the road between sunset and sunrise. But regardless, they’re essential for helping you see and be seen.
Today, bike lights are becoming ever more advanced with features such as 360 degree visibility, motion sensors and long battery life.
Don’t forget to invest in related bike light accessories too – such as bike mounts, brackets and chargers.
Like bike lights, high visibility gear will help you to be seen by other road users when you’re cycling.
Gear to consider includes high vis cycling jackets, helmet covers, overtrousers and armbands.
Whether commuting to work or heading out on tour, kitting your bike out with storage can make life easier.
Just a few storage options include bike baskets, water bottle cages, pannier backpacks, saddle bags and bar bags.
Just make sure that none of the storage you add obscures your bike lights!
In wet weather, a mudguard will have your back.
Say goodbye to splashes of mud as you commute to work or explore those muddy bike paths at the weekend.
A bike bell or horn is another useful safety feature, allowing you to make yourself known to other road users when you’re riding in traffic.
Bike bells are the more traditional option. Their loud ring helps to lower the risk of accidents on the road.
A kickstand will let you keep your bike upright without leaning it against anything.
Not only is it convenient, but it can also help to reduce the chance of damage occurring to your bike while you’re not riding it.
If you’re planning on cycling long-distance, a hydration backpack or bladder could be just what you need.
Enabling you to stay hydrated without dismounting, it’ll level up your cycling performance while keeping you fit and healthy.
Keeping a bike pump handy will ensure you’re prepared for every eventuality.
Look for a compact and lightweight pump that can accompany you on every ride and get you out of a tight spot should a puncture occur.
Properly maintaining your bike lights will make sure they work as effectively as possible.
Not only is this important for visibility, but it can also help to improve battery efficiency and even extend the lifespan of your bike lights!
Here’s what to do.
Regularly cleaning your lights will help to keep them in good condition and make sure that visibility isn’t compromised by dirt and debris.
Make sure to regularly check your lights for signs of damage and deal with any issues quickly to prevent further problems from occurring.
Protecting your bike lights can prevent them from getting damaged.
If your bike light stops working, you’ll need to do something about it as quickly as possible.
Try these problem solving tips to see if the issue can be fixed easily – if not, the chances are you’ll need to invest in a new bike light.
As we’ve touched upon already, bike lights are a legal requirement in the UK if you’re riding on the road between sunrise and sunset.
As stated in the Highway Code:
“At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.”
The UK’s Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (RVLR) also state that these lights and reflectors must be clean and working properly.
Many countries have similar rules, but it’s worth noting that not all countries allow flashing lights. For instance, in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, flashing bike lights are prohibited.
However, it’s not just about the legal requirements – it’s been proven that bike lights make cycling safer.
According to SWOV, cyclists riding in the dark are 17% less likely to fall victim to an accident if they have a working front and rear light.
Meanwhile, We Love Cycling cites a Danish study where cyclists using lights during the day were able to reduce the risk of colliding with a car by 19%.
Ultimately, the government, road safety advocates and cycling groups are all in agreement about one thing: bike lights are key to reducing accidents and improving safety for cyclists on the road.
Although bike lights are an important matter, that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with them too!
If you’re a fan of DIY and you’re keen to level up your ride, why not have a go at integrating lights into your bike frame?
As well as giving a boost to your visibility, it’ll also make your bike look like something out of a sci-fi novel.
Some cyclists also enjoy creating custom light patterns, but we’d always advise caution here. The last thing you want is to compromise your bike light’s functionality!
As you can see, the future of bike lighting is very bright (no pun intended!).
Not only is there a range of emerging technologies transforming the way that cyclists can see and be seen – such as 360 degree visibility and integration with smart city infrastructure.
But this is also coupled with a new enthusiasm for sustainability in bike light manufacturing, making the world a better place for both people and the planet.
It remains to be seen exactly how far bike lighting will go. But one thing’s sure – they’re already doing far more than just lighting up our streets!
For urban cycling in well-lit areas, a bike light with 100 to 200 lumens will usually be sufficient. This will ensure you’re visible to other road users without blinding them.
However, if you’re cycling off-road or in unlit areas, you’ll need a bike light with a higher lumen output – for instance, between 800 and 2,000 lumens.
Yes, it’s illegal to ride a bike without lights at night in the UK.
To make sure you’re acting within the law, you’ll need to fit your bicycle with a white front light and a red rear light, as well as a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.
Yes, flashing bike lights are legal in the UK. However, they’re illegal in some other countries, such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
A rear bike light should be a minimum of 50 to 100 lumens.
However, higher lumens lights make you visible from greater distances. So, choosing a 200 up to 450 lumen rear light is now becoming more popular.
Different bike lights will attach to your bike in different ways. Here are the common methods.
Elasticated straps
Whilst elasticated straps are a fast way of attaching and removing bike lights, it is very difficult to set up the light beams correctly each time on the roadside to not shine into other road users’ eyes.
Feedback on biking social media also suggests that these straps stretch and fail regularly.
Clips and Clamps
These systems are more secure than elasticated straps.
However, it generally takes longer to tighten and release them each time you fit or remove them and they share the issue of needing to be re-set up each time.
Rigid mounts with quick-release fittings
Wherever possible it is best to choose a system where a rigid mount is fixed firmly and securely to the bike, and the light is attached to the mount using a robust quick-release mechanism.
They can be set up just once, in the comfort of your home or garage, to ensure the correct downward angle of lighting is set. Quick release/fittings ensure that the lights retain their original set-up when re-fitted, and guarantee that other road users are not blinded by badly adjusted light beams.
From a security point of view, you just quick-release them and take them with you and this also allows simple charging at your convenience.
As you can see, investing in not just any bike light – but the right bike light – is super important, whatever you use your bike for.
As technology has evolved, bike lights have become about far more than just helping you to see where you’re going.
They’re now also an essential safety feature, making sure that you can both see and be seen by other road users.
If you take one thing away from this guide, we hope it’s the need to prioritise safety and visibility when you’re choosing your bike light.
On which note, why not check out the SeeMe Pro 360 bike light set, which combines many of the features we’ve written about above:
Designed to keep you as safe as possible, they’re the only cycle lights available that ensure other road users can see you, regardless of the angle or direction that they approach you from.
Want more information? Here are some organisations that champion cycling safety.
