20.02.2024 | Reading time - 51 min(s)

Best Bike Lights on a Budget

Posted in: Lights

You may not know the Highway Code off by heart, but if you're going to ride your bike after dark it helps if you're at least a wee bit familiar with Rule 60. For your night-time jaunts, Rule 60 states that you'll need a white front light on your bike and red rear bike lights, and they should each emit at least four candelas of light (a candela = twelve lumens, so most cycle lights will qualify here). Both bicycle lights have to be fixed to the bike itself, so while your helmet mount light or rucksack light may provide brilliant extra illumination, especially valuable off-road, it's not enough by itself to make you legally compliant.

But it's not just about the law, of course. You also want your bike lights to charge easily, have decent battery life, to fix securely to the bike, have a simple mounting system and, let's be honest, to look cool. The best rear bike lights and best front bike lights on the market do all this and more, and there are plenty available to suit any budget.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the broad choices of lights available and then take you through some of our favourites for different sets of budgets.

Quick Navigation

Benefits of Bike Lights – We take a look at why bicycle lights are important
Choosing the Right Bicycle Lights – The right type of lights will depend on your particular cycling
USB Rechargeable vs Standard Battery Lights – What are the pro’s and con’s of each?
The Laws of Bicycle Lights UK – What are the laws? Making sure you are compliant for night riding in the UK
Being Seen vs Seeing Where You Are Going – This is the big question that will dictate the best lights for you.
The Top Bike Light Manufacturers That We Sell – A look at Lezyne, Moon, Exposure, CatEye, Knog and Giant
Best Bike Lights Under £50 (Front) – A selection of the best front bike lights under £50
Best Bike Lights Under £50 (Rear) - A selection of the best rear bike lights under £50
Best Bike Lights Under £50 (Light Sets) – A selection of the best bike light sets under £50
Best Bike Lights Under £100 - A selection of the best bike lights under £100
Best Bike Lights Over £100 - A selection of the best bike lights over £100

Benefits of Bike Lights

Safety: The main and most obvious benefit of bike lights is safety. They help cyclists see the road clearly and ensure they are visible to other road users. This is particularly important in low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, and night. Some lights are now coming with day flash modes for increased visibility in the daytime also. Opting for a nice bright rear light and front bike light will make you, and other road users safer. It is also important to use lights in built up areas as you cannot rely on the street lights to illuminate you.
Accident Prevention: Well-illuminated and highly visible cyclists reduce the risk of accidents. When drivers and pedestrians can see a cyclist from a distance, they have more time to react and make safe choices. When off road or on mountain bike trails, mountain bike lights will help illuminate the terrain and keep you safer too. Just be sure your light beam is not too bright for oncoming traffic or pedestrians if you are on paths and cycle lanes.
Legal Compliance: In many regions, it is a legal requirement for cyclists to have lights on their bikes when riding in low-light conditions - it certainly is in the UK. Compliance with these regulations not only avoids fines but also keeps you safe.
Versatility: Bike lights are designed for various terrains and situations. Some make for a great commuter light, while others are designed for off-road cycling (and there are many situations in between). The variety of lights available allows cyclists to choose how much light they require for the purposes they are using the bike light for.
Environmental Impact: Many modern bike lights use energy-efficient LED lights, which consume very little power and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. This not only saves money but is also more environmentally friendly. USB rechargeable lights also reduce the wastage of batteries as you will replace the battery on a USB rechargeable light significantly less. Modern lights can come with USB, micro-USB or USB c cables.

Choosing the Right Bicycle Lights

Selecting the perfect bike lights for your specific cycling can be a bit overwhelming due to the multitude of options available. There will be different lights for different types of bikes. Here are some factors to think about when making your choice:

Brightness: The correct lights in terms of brightness will depend very mmuch on your specific riding conditions. For urban commuting, a lower-lumen light may suffice, while off-road cycling may require a brighter light. If you are interested in a daytime running light, these will usually have a higher light power to make you visible. For off-road, night riding on mountain bikes, you will likely need to look at the brightest lights on the market.
Light Modes: Many lights come with different light settings, including max power, steady light, flashing light, and strobe. These modes can help you adapt to changing conditions and conserve battery life. Bear in mind - the brightest setting on any bike light will drain the battery life the quickest. Some modern lights even come with ambient light sensors and can adjust their brightness accordingly - including 'peloton mode' where the rear bike lights will sense a light behind and will dim itself so as not to dazzle the rider behind.
Mounting Options: Ensure the lights are easy to use and adjust on your bike. Quick-release mounts are convenient for removing and reattaching lights allowing you to take the lights with you to prevent them getting stolen. Most come with a robust rubber strap for security and versatility for different mounting options. Many rear bike lights have the ability to mount the light horizontally or vertically.
Waterproofing: Most people reading this live in Britain so we know how changeable the weather can be, even in summer - it is therefore important to choose bike lights that are, at the very least, water-resistant to prevent them from failing in the rain.
Battery Life: How much battery life you require will be a big consideration for most people. Longer battery life will mean less charging and less low battery anxiety. Consider how long you'll be riding and whether you need lights with longer battery life. Some lights are rechargeable, while others use replaceable batteries. Modern bicycle light technology now allows for a supplementary battery pack to be attached to some lights to significantly extend their maximum range. Most modern USB rechargeable batteries have an impressive battery life.

USB RECHARGEABLE VS STANDARD BATTERY LIGHTS

Modern bike lights will come in a choice between battery lights and USB rechargeable battery lights. The main difference is that the USB rechargeable lights do not require you to buy replacement batteries and over the life of a bike light, this adds up to significant cost and environmental saving. USB port rechargeable lights will be the brightest light with the brightest setting when compared to a battery light. The upside of battery lights is that they are a relatively inexpensive light.

When choosing a bike light, you will have the choice between a disposable battery bike light or USB rechargeable bike light. There are some pros and cons to each option which we will explore here.

Disposable battery lights

Reasons to buy:

These lights will have a long battery life compared to a USB rechargeable light in terms of number of days.
A disposable battery light sometimes suits a more occasional cyclist as you can forget about your light but still find charge a number of days, and sometimes weeks, later.
You don't have to remember to take the micro USB or USB C cable with you.
Disposable battery lights are cheaper than a USB rechargeable light (due to materials used, construction and the fact that they are not as bright).

Reasons to avoid:

Will not be the brightest light as the USB rechargeable lights are significantly brighter.
Disposing of batteries more regularly has a negative effect on the environment
Having to have spare batteries at home in case the charge runs out

USB rechargeable lights

Reasons to buy:

USB rechargeable lights are significantly brighter than disposable battery lights.
One reusable battery means less waste and thus is better for the environment
USB rechargeable bike lights are generally more robust than other battery lights due to the construction and materials used - this is particularly the case when looking at a mountain bike light.

Reasons to avoid:

Will not last as long as disposable battery lights on a single charge (although they do still have a pretty solid battery life)
You have to remember to charge them.

The laws of bicycle lights UK

In the United Kingdom, there are specific legal requirements for bike lights to ensure safety when cycling, especially during low-light conditions. The key regulations related to bike lights are outlined in the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 and the Road Traffic Act 1988. Here are the key points to consider:

Front Bike Lights: Every bicycle must have a white front light that is visible from the front. This front bike light should be lit during the hours of darkness or in poor visibility conditions, such as heavy rain, fog or mist.
Rear Bike Lights: Every bicycle must also have a red rear bike light that is visible from the rear. Like the front bike light, the rear bike light should be on during the hours of darkness or in conditions with poor visibility. It is not uncommon to see rear lights on a bicycle even in the daytime to add visibility.
Reflectors: In addition to lights, a bicycle must have a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. The red rear reflector should be clearly visible from the rear, and the pedal reflectors must be visible from the front and rear.
Flashing Lights: While it is common for cyclists to use flashing lights, it's essential to ensure that they comply with the regulations. These lights should have a flash rate between 60 and 240 flashes per minute.
Additional Lights: Cyclists are allowed to use additional lights for enhanced visibility, but the white front light and red rear light are the minimum requirements.
Legal Penalties: Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties. The specific penalties can vary depending on the seriousness of the offense.

It's important to note that these regulations might change, so it's advisable to check for the most up-to-date information from official sources, such as the Department for Transport or your local authorities. Additionally, it's always a good practice to ensure your bike lights are in good working condition and are visible to others on the road to enhance your safety while cycling.

BEING SEEN VS SEEING WHERE YOU ARE GOING

There are a number of bike lights available which will all be suitable in different ways. One of our favourite questions to ask to determine the type of light required is "Are you buying this light to be seen, or to see?". If you need to see where you are going on dark tracks or roads, you will require more powerful lights with a different beam pattern, in order to see where you are going. If you are just looking to be visible then the best bike lights for you would depend on brightness required, what flashing modes seem best and, of course, budget. The brightness of bicycle lights used to be measured in candela's but, more often than not, they are measured in lumens on modern bike lights.

Bike light lumens refer to the measurement of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a bike light. Lumens are a unit of luminous flux, which quantifies the amount of light that is radiated in all directions from a light source, including the amount of light that falls on a surface or is perceived by the human eye.

When you see a bike light advertised with a specific number of lumens, it is an indication of the light's brightness or intensity. Higher lumen ratings generally mean a brighter light. However, it's important to understand that lumens alone don't tell the whole story, and the effectiveness of a bike light also depends on factors like beam pattern, beam distance, and runtime.

Here's a breakdown of what you should consider when understanding bicycle light lumens:

Brightness: A higher lumen rating typically means a brighter light. For most urban or well-lit cycling environments, lights in the range of 100 to 300 lumens may be sufficient. However, for unlit or off-road trails, you may need a light with 500 lumens or more.

It is worth mentioning here that some of the brighter lights, over 1100 lumens, can dazzle other road users. Please be considerate when in town or on paths and dip your lights so as not to dazzle people or animals.
Beam Pattern: The light's beam pattern is crucial. A good bike light should have a well-defined beam shape that focuses the light where you need it most, typically on the road ahead. A well-designed light beam pattern can make a lower-lumen light more effective than a higher-lumen light with a poorly focused beam.
Beam Distance: Consider how far you need the light to project ahead of you. Higher lumen lights can generally illuminate a longer distance, but a concentrated beam can extend the perceived distance.
Runtime: Higher lumen settings often consume more power and, therefore, reduce the battery life. Make sure the light provides adequate runtime for your specific needs. The max power settings will drain the battery quite quickly whereas, some bike lights have a flashing or "eco" mode that preserves battery and will result in incredible battery life.
Adjustability: Many bike lights offer multiple brightness settings, which can be useful for conserving battery life or adjusting to different riding conditions.

It's essential to choose a bike light with an appropriate lumen rating for your specific cycling needs. Additionally, combining a front light with a rear light for visibility from behind is good safety practice, especially when cycling in low-light conditions or at night.

Keep in mind that while lumens provide a useful reference point for comparing lights, the quality of the light, the beam pattern, and other factors can be equally important when choosing the right bike light for your riding style and conditions.

Our top bike light manufacturers

Here at Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative we are picky with the products we choose to stock. We only buy in companies and product we trust with products we would use ourselves. This is no different with bicycle lights as we stock the biggest names in bike lights such as Lezyne, CatEye, Exposure, Moon, Knog, Giant and many more. Here, we take a look at all these top brands with a bit of history thrown in too.

Lezyne

Lezyne is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality bike lights and other cycling accessories. The company was founded in 2007 by Micki Kozuschek in San Luis Obispo, California. Lezyne has forged a reputation for designing and creating innovative and well-designed products for cyclists. They have been responsible in the past for greats lights such as Lezyne lite drive 1000xl and the Lezyne Strip Drive to name but a few.

Here is a brief overview of Lezyne's history and its evolution in the field of bicycle lights:

Founding and Early Years: Lezyne was founded with a focus on engineering and producing high-performance bicycle accessories. Micki Kozuschek, the founder, brought his experience in the outdoor industry to the cycling world.
Innovation and Product Development: Lezyne quickly became known for its innovative and high-quality products. They started to offer a range of accessories, including bike lights, multi-tools, pumps, and more.
Cycling Lights: Lezyne's bike lights have been particularly popular and well-regarded in the cycling community. They offer a variety of lights for different cycling applications, from powerful front lights for road and trail riding to compact and versatile rear lights for visibility.
LED Technology: Lezyne has been at the forefront of incorporating advanced LED technology into their lights. This has allowed them to produce brighter and longer-lasting lights while maintaining compact and lightweight designs.
Design and Aesthetics: Lezyne places a strong emphasis on the design and aesthetics of their products. Many cyclists appreciate the sleek and stylish look of Lezyne lights.
Awards and Recognition: Over the years, Lezyne has received numerous awards for their products, including their bike lights. They have been recognized for their durability, performance, and innovation.
Expansion and Global Presence: Lezyne has expanded its reach and is now available in many countries around the world. They continue to innovate and develop new products for cyclists.

Lezyne's commitment to quality, innovation, and design has made them a popular choice among cyclists for their lighting and accessory needs. Their products cater to both casual riders and more performance oriented cycling enthusiasts, and they continue to be a respected brand in the cycling industry.

Knog

Knog is an extremely popular and well-known brand famed for its innovative and stylish bike lights. They offer a range of lights designed to improve visibility and safety for cyclists. Here's an overview of some of their key products and features:

Blinder Lights: Knog's Blinder lights are compact, powerful front and rear lights. They come in various models, each with its unique design and features. They are rechargeable and often have multiple modes, including steady, flash, and eco-flash to conserve battery life.
Oi Bell: Although not a light, Knog's Oi Bell is a popular accessory. It's a sleek, minimalist bike bell that fits seamlessly on your handlebars. It's available in different sizes and finishes.
Cobber Lights: The Cobber lights are known for their wraparound design, which provides excellent visibility from multiple angles. They are available in both front and rear versions and come in various sizes and lumens.
Plus Series: The Plus lights are characterized by their straightforward design and excellent visibility. They are typically designed for urban and commuter cyclists, offering various brightness levels and modes.
Features: Many Knog lights are known for their water-resistant design, durable build quality, and user-friendly mounting systems. They often use USB rechargeable batteries, which are convenient and eco-friendly.
Aesthetic Design: Knog places a strong emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of their lights, making them stand out from traditional, utilitarian bike lights. Their designs are often sleek, minimalistic, and available in various colors.

Exposure

Exposure bike lights are a brand of high-quality bike lights that are known for their innovation and performance. They are designed to enhance visibility and safety for cyclists, especially in low-light or night-time conditions. Exposure are popular among all types of cyclists, from commuters to performance cyclists due to their enhanced durability, brightness, beam pattern and overall quality. An exposure light will be made with an incredibly robust light body to withstand rough trails and the occasional spill. Here are some key features and products associated with Exposure bike lights:

High-Intensity LEDs: Exposure use powerful LED technology to produce bright and focused beams of light. This helps cyclists see the road ahead and also makes them more visible to others on the road. This is especially useful on trails at night time with some specific off-road, night riding lights available.
Rechargeable Batteries: Most Exposure are rechargeable, often using USB ports for convenience. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries and helps reduce environmental waste. USB rechargeable will always be brighter than their disposable battery equivalent.
Intelligent Beam Patterns: Many Exposure have intelligent beam patterns that adjust to the speed of the cyclist and the terrain. This ensures that the light is directed where it's needed most, improving visibility without wasting energy.
Various Models: Exposure offers a range of models to cater to different cycling needs. This includes front lights, rear lights, and combination sets. Some are designed for road cycling, while others are tailored for mountain biking and adventure cycling.
Long Battery Life: Exposure typically have good battery life, especially on lower power settings. This means you can go on long rides without worrying about the light running out.
DayBright Mode: Many Exposure have a DayBright mode, which increases visibility during daylight hours, making it an ideal choice for daytime running lights. Daytime lights are becoming increasingly popular as this makes cyclists that much more visible from further away.
Waterproof and Durable: Exposure are built to withstand various weather conditions and are typically waterproof to varying degrees, depending on the model. The durability extends to the casing and construction as well, as Exposure lights are designed for rough use and withstanding a bit of abuse.
Mounting Options: Exposure often come with versatile mounting options to attach them securely to your bike. This can include handlebar mounts, helmet mounts, and more.
Smart Features: Some Exposure are equipped with smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to control the light's settings via a smartphone app.

Exposure Lights is a UK-based company known for their commitment to quality and innovation. Before purchasing any specific Exposure bike light, it's essential to consider your cycling needs and the type of terrain you'll be riding on, as different models are optimized for different purposes.

CatEye

CatEye is a well-known brand that specialises in bike lights and cycling accessories. They offer a range of high-quality lights for bicycles, designed to improve visibility and, therefore, safety for cyclists, especially during low-light conditions or at night. CatEye's products include various types of lights, such as front lights and rear lights, which are essential for ensuring that you can see the road ahead and that others can see you from many angles and thanks to new lighting technology, visibility is increased to the sides depending on the model chosen.

Some key features and types of CatEye bicycle lights include:

LED Technology: CatEye bicycle lights typically use LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology, which is energy-efficient and provides bright and long-lasting illumination.
Front Lights: These lights are mounted on the handlebars or helmet mount and are used to illuminate the path ahead or to just make you visible to oncoming traffic or path users. They come in various brightness levels and modes, including steady and flashing options.
Rear Lights: These lights are usually mounted on the seat post or rear rack of the bike. They are designed to make you more visible to vehicles approaching from behind. Top Tip: Wear an extra clip-on light on your ankle for an extremely visible, moving rear light to increase how visible you are.
Rechargeable: Many CatEye lights are rechargeable, which is eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run. They can be charged via USB -this could be USB c, micro-USB or USB.
Battery-Powered: CatEye also offers lights that use replaceable batteries, which can be convenient for longer rides where recharging isn't an option.
Safety Features: Some CatEye lights come with additional safety features, such as side illumination to increase your visibility to traffic from various angles.
Mounting Options: CatEye provides different mounting options, including quick-release brackets, rubber straps, helmet mounts and more, to make it easy to attach and remove lights from your bike.
Water Resistance: Many CatEye lights are designed to be water-resistant, ensuring they can withstand various weather conditions.

Remember to check the specific models and product details to find the CatEye bicycle lights that best suit your needs and preferences. Proper lighting is crucial for your safety while cycling, and CatEye is a reputable brand known for producing reliable and durable bike lights.

Moon

Moon bicycle lights are a well-known for producing excellent quality, bright bike lights for very good prices. These lights are essential for make a cyclist more visible and safer. Bicycle lights are essential in low-light conditions and a legal requirement at night in the UK. Wearing lights in the daytime will also increase your visibility and many of us here at Edinburgh Bicycle Coop wear lights all day, in all conditions. Here are some key points about moon bicycle lights:

Types of Moon Bicycle Lights:
- Front Lights: These lights are typically mounted on the handlebars and project a bright beam of light to illuminate the path ahead or to make you more visible to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
- Rear Lights: These lights are attached to the rear of the bicycle and emit a red light to make the cyclist more visible from behind. Typically not as bright as a front light as red rear light modes are visible from a long way off.
- Combo Sets: Some moon bicycle lights come as a combination of both front and rear lights for comprehensive visibility.
Key Features:
- LED Technology: Most moon bicycle lights use energy-efficient and long-lasting LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology - very efficient and bright technology.
- Multiple Modes: Many lights offer multiple lighting modes, including steady, flashing, and varying intensity settings.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Modern moon bicycle lights are often powered by rechargeable batteries, reducing the need for disposable batteries.
- Water Resistance: They are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof to withstand various weather conditions.
Mounting Options:
- Handlebar Mounts: Front lights are typically mounted on the handlebars using adjustable brackets or straps but can also be mounted on your helmet but please tke note; to be legally compliant, at least one front and rear bike light has to be mounted on your bicycle.
- Seatpost or Frame Mounts: Rear lights can be attached to the seatpost or the bicycle frame using similar mounting mechanisms but can also be mounted to the rear of the helmet or ankle.
- Clip-On and Strap-On Lights: Some lights come with clip-on or strap-on options, making them versatile for different parts of the bike or for on your person. Clipped onto a sock, overshoe, back pocket or anywhere that can increase your visibility.
Regulations:
- It is a legal requirement in the UK to wear front and rear bike lights at night time. These lights have to be mounted to your bicycle. You can, of course, wear supplementary lights on your helmet or ankle to increase visibility.
Battery Life:
- The battery life of moon bicycle lights can vary depending on the brand, model, and usage. Lights with longer battery life may be more suitable for longer rides.
Additional Safety Considerations:
- Many moon bicycle lights come with features like side visibility to enhance a cyclist's safety at intersections.
- Some lights have a daylight mode for visibility during the day.

When choosing moon bicycle lights, consider your riding conditions, budget, and specific needs. Look for lights that provide sufficient brightness and visibility for your cycling environment, whether it's for urban commuting, off-road trail riding, or road biking at night. It's also important to maintain and charge your lights regularly to ensure they function when needed.

Giant

Illuminate the road or trail with Giant's range of robust, bright and efficient bicycle lights, featuring the latest technology to keep you safe and seen while out on your bike. Most of Giant bike lights are USB rechargeable with good battery life and excellent run times. Whether you are riding in the city, on dark country roads or are mountain biking at night, the Giant bicycle light range will have you covered. Available to purchase as front light only, rear bike light only or as a bike light set.

BEST BIKE LIGHTS UNDER £50

In this section, we will take you through some of the best lights under £50 for excellent quality, budget friendly options. To keep it simple, we will group these as Front, Rear and Light sets.

Front Lights

Cat Eye AMPP 100 Front Light - £19.99

The new Cat Eye AMPP 100 represents a great value 100 lumen front light in an affordable rechargeable compact & lightweight body. This is an ideal light for use in cities at night to allow you to be visible to other road users. Easily mountable to your bicycle handlebars.

Knog Frog V3 Front Light - £23.99

The rebirth of an iconic bicycle light, the Knog Frog Front Bike Light: bright, versatile & fun. A design that millions of riders around the world have come to love. 40 lumens is powerful enough for everyday commuting or used to complement an exisiting lighting set-up. This light is also designed to give some side visibility due to the curved light board.

Taking cues from more advanced Knog lights, Frog is designed with Chip on Board LED technology, enabling a high intensity light that's compact, low profile and packed with features. An easy, robust, one-piece elastic attachment means an easy mounting system with no fuss.

CatEye AMPP 400 - Max 400 Lumen Front Bike Light - £29.99

The more powerful bigger sibling of the Ampp100 above. The AMPP400 offers a maximum lumen output of 400 lumens to light up dark paths or for keeping you visible in cities at night. Perfect for urban riding, the compact, lightweight CatEye AMPP 400 offers impressive functionality and visibility, securely held on your bars with the FlexTight bracket.

Lezyne Mini Drive 400XL Rechargeable Front Bike Light - £30.00

Lezyne Mini Drive 400XL's bright, single LED system provides up to 400 lumens and a Daytime Flash mode. Battery runtime has increased by 2.5 hours for up to 20 hours of battery life. It features eight output modes and cut-outs for side visibility. Charging is simple with an integrated cable-free USB stick and it securely straps to a variety of handle bar shapes and sizes.

The XL here refers to the beam pattern that lights up dark paths or roads so you can see where you are going.

Giant Recon HL 350 Front Light - £34.99

The Recon HL350 has the lightest weight of the Recon series, boasts day/night flash modes with superior battery life and is IPX7 waterproof rated, making it perfect for commuting. USB rechargeable and up to a maximum output of 350 lumens.

CatEye AMPP 500 Rechargeable Front Bike Light - £39.99

Powerful CatEye AMPP 500 front bike light with 220% larger side lens for a significantly wider beam and enhanced side visibility. 500 Lumen maximum output and a robust matt polycarbonate body with enhanced scratch resistance.

Great for leisure or commuting and can be used to light up dark roads or paths. This depends how fast you are going though - if you are a faster rider, then a higher lumen light would be recommended.

Lezyne Zecto Drive 250+ Front Light - £40

The Zecto Drive 250+ Front is a low-profile, high-visibility light with six ultra-bright LEDs that offer up to 250 lumens of brightness. Its six combined solid and flash output modes offer versatile options for any situation.

Its highly disruptive Daytime Flash mode ensures maximum visibility during daylight hours, and the intelligent Power Indicator displays battery runtime and increases side visibility. The light is fitted with a patented 2-in-1 clip and strap mounting system, allowing easy attachment to handlebars or loops.

It is rigorously tested to IPX7 Waterproofing standards to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. With a 650 mAh battery capacity, the Zecto Drive 250+ Front offers a maximum battery life of up to 40 hours in Femto mode. It also boasts waterproof USB-C charging, making it easy to keep it charged and ready to go.

Lezyne Fusion Drive 500+ Front Light - £45

The Fusion Drive 500+ is a feature-packed visibility solution. With its impressive 500-lumen output and a maximum battery life of 35 hours, this light ensures exceptional visibility and reliability.

This light offers six output modes, including highly disruptive Daytime Flash ensuring maximum visibility during daylight hours, and the intelligent Power Indicator displays battery runtime. The CNC-machined aluminium construction with cooling fins guarantees durability and efficient heat dissipation, the fresh optical design enhances light dispersion, and the optional GoPro mount allows for versatile mounting options.

With waterproof USB-C charging (cable not included), compatibility with the Infinite Light Power Pack+, and rigorous IPX7 waterproofing testing, this light is ready to accompany you on any adventure.

Rear Lights

Here are the best of the rear lights under £50.

CatEye Wearable Mini Rear Bike Light - £9.99

A new addition to CatEye’s Wearable Lighting range, the compact Wearable Mini provides versatile additional safety lighting to enhance your visibility day or night, at a very affordable price. Runs off a single circular CR 2032 battery with exceptional battery life.

Knog Frog V3 Rear Light - £23.99

The rebirth of an iconic bicycle light, the Knog Frog Rear Bike Light: bright, versatile & fun. A design that millions of riders around the world have come to love. Powerful enough for everyday commuting or used to complement an exisiting lighting set-up

Taking cues from more advanced Knog lights, Frog is designed with Chip on Board LED technology, enabling a high intensity light that's compact, low profile and packed with features.

Cat Eye VIZ100 Rear Light - £24.99

The new Cat Eye VIZ100 rear light produces 100 lumens of light output and runtime in a lightweight compact body. USB rechargeable, highly visible during daytime and superior 300 degree visibility make this an excellent, simple rear bike light that does way more than it's price suggests.

CatEye Wearable X Rechargeable Rear Bike Light - £29.99

CatEye employ the latest COB (Chips On Board) LEDs to help ensure the Wearable X is one of the brightest as well as the most wearable rear bicycle lights on the market. Clip-on lights are an amazing option if you are looking for versatility and want a lot of different options of where to mount them - on your backpack, rear pocket, on your sock and can also be mounted to your bike as well. This light offers 35 max lumens for brightness to go along with the versatility.

CatEye Rapid X2 Kinetic Rechargeable Rear Bike Light - £39.99

Bringing together the brightness and 180 degree visibility of the Rapid range, the Cateye Rapid X2 Kinetic light adds an incredible new feature.

With an integrated accelerometer to detect the movement of the rider, the beam will automatically change from flashing mode ( 10 Lumens ) to constant “Burst” mode ( 50 Lumens ) for 2.5 secs under sudden deceleration.

Lezyne Strip Drive 300+ Rear Light - £40

Experience the next level of cycling safety with the Strip Drive 300+ Rear light. This exceptional rear light offers ten LEDs and a maximum output of 300 lumens; it is engineered for impressive efficiency and runtime, providing the best beam pattern for optimal light dispersion in even the most challenging conditions. Plus, with an impressive 80-hour max runtime, you can rest assured that this light will last as long as you need it to.

Rigorously tested to IPX7 Waterproofing standards, it is built to withstand various weather conditions. With seven output modes, including highly disruptive Daytime Flash modes, wide-angle optics providing 270 degree visibility, USB-C waterproof charging, and a lightweight yet durable co-moulded design, it's the ultimate choice for every cyclist. A versatile mounting system attaches to aero or round seatposts and recharges via a waterproof USB-C connection.

Front and Rear Light sets

For those looking for a front and rear combo set of lights - we have listed the best sets for under £50.

Giant Cast 30 Combo Light Set - £29.99

Perfect for city commuting and evening road rides,the all-new Cast 30 combo light set are compact, bright and durable USB rechargeable LED tail lights that come at a price that won't break the bank.

Lezyne Femto USB Drive Rechargeable Bike Light Set - £33

The Lezyne Femto USB Drive Light Set are durable co-moulded construction, is minimal and has an IPX7 water resistance rating, in other words - it can withstand immersion up to one meter and up to 30 minutes. Essential in our climate.

The Front light offers five output modes offer up to 15-lumens and the custom Wide Angle Optics lens provides well over 180° of visibility.

The rear light offers five output modes offer up to 5-lumens and the custom Wide Angle Optics lens provides well over 180° of visibility.

Knog + Rechargeable Bike Light Twinpack - £34.99

The Knog + twinpack is a set of super-bright, 100% waterproof and totally versatile USB rechargeable bicycle lights. Mount the lights to your handlebars, forks, steaposts and stays, or use the integrated wearable clip to attach the light to your shirt pocket or panniers. With an output of 40 lumens at the front, 20 lumens at the rear, and a run time of up to 20 hours in eco flash, the Plus ensures you are well seen to all other cyclists, road users and trail runners all night long.

Cat Eye Ampp 100/VIZ100 Light Set - £39.99

The new Cat Eye AMPP 100/VIZ100 represents a great value 100 lumen front & rear light set in affordable, rechargeable, compact & lightweight bodies.

BEST BIKE LIGHTS UNDER £100

In this price bracket, there tend to be more front lights as these are the ones that benefit from being a higher price due to higher lumen output, more robust machining and more technology built in so in this section we will only look at front lights and one combo light.

Front lights

Knog Blinder Pro Front Light - from £59.99

A powerful and compact front light to light up the way when you are riding in the dark. There are three versions of this light available - Knog Blinder Pro 600 Lumen (£59.99), Knog Blinder Pro 900 Lumen (£79.99) and Knog Blinder Pro 1300 Lumen (£99.99). What makes this light unique is that it features Tesla high-density battery technology to extend run times and keep the light nice and compact.

Giant Recon HL 1100 Front Light - £79.99

Aside from outstanding lumen capacity and industry-leading usage time, the Recon HL1100 bike light monitors ambient light to change output accordingly, helping to save battery power for when you need it. Shine brighter, run longer and work smarter.

This is an excellent light for night time path and road cycling and you need to see ahead of you to navigate and boasts 270 degree visibility.

Lezyne Lite Drive 1200+ Front Light - £85

Experience unparalleled illumination and versatility with the Lite Drive 1200+ Front bike light. With eight LEDs, this light has a maximum output of 1,200 lumens and an impressive 60-hour max runtime, providing the best beam pattern for optimal visibility in even the most challenging conditions.

Its waterproof USB-C 2A+ fast charging capability allows for convenient recharging, while the CNC-machined aluminium construction with cooling fins ensures durability and efficient heat dissipation. The fresh optical design and the MOR(Maximum Optical Reflection) lens optimize light dispersion for enhanced visibility.

With the optional GoPro mount and compatibility with the Infinite Light Power Pack+, this front light offers versatile mounting options and extended battery life. Rigorously tested to IPX7 Waterproofing standards, it is built to withstand various weather conditions.

Choose from seven different output modes, from the attention-grabbing Daytime Flash Mode to the long-lasting 60-hour runtime Femto Mode, to suit your lighting needs. Illuminate your rides with confidence using the Lite Drive 1200+ Front.

Frequently Asked Questions

What strength bike lights do I need?

This depends where you are cycling. If you cycle in the city, then 11 lumen plus should suffice. If you are on dark roads outside the city then we would recommend between between 800 and 1200 lumens and if you are trail riding at night, go for the strongest you are willing to pay for.

How do I choose a bike light?

To make the best decision about which bicycle light is right for you, you would need to factor in where you are cycling and on what terrain.

How many lumens should bike lights be?

See question one for the answer to this and we cover this in length here.

Is 200 lumens good for a bike light?

In the city yes, on dark roads or trails this would not be sufficient to light your way.

Conclusion

There you have our ultimate guide to shopping bike lights by budget. As always, if you have any questions then please contact our online department or pop into any of our stores in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Leeds and Newcastle.

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Best Bike Lights on a Budget

Benefits of Bike Lights

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USB RECHARGEABLE VS STANDARD BATTERY LIGHTS

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The laws of bicycle lights UK

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Lezyne

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BEST BIKE LIGHTS UNDER £50

Front Lights

Cat Eye AMPP 100 Front Light - £19.99

Knog Frog V3 Front Light - £23.99

CatEye AMPP 400 - Max 400 Lumen Front Bike Light - £29.99

Lezyne Mini Drive 400XL Rechargeable Front Bike Light - £30.00

Giant Recon HL 350 Front Light - £34.99

CatEye AMPP 500 Rechargeable Front Bike Light - £39.99

Lezyne Zecto Drive 250+ Front Light - £40

Lezyne Fusion Drive 500+ Front Light - £45

Rear Lights

CatEye Wearable Mini Rear Bike Light - £9.99

Knog Frog V3 Rear Light - £23.99

Cat Eye VIZ100 Rear Light - £24.99

CatEye Wearable X Rechargeable Rear Bike Light - £29.99

CatEye Rapid X2 Kinetic Rechargeable Rear Bike Light - £39.99

Lezyne Strip Drive 300+ Rear Light - £40