What to Consider When Choosing Bike Lights - A Basic Guide

Whether you are on a road bike, mountain bike, or hybrid, there’s one piece of biking attachment that should be the top priority—bike lights. Riding without a set of lights attached to your bicycle is an accident waiting to happen. If you’re planning to ride after, then you will absolutely need to invest in a high-quality set of bike LED lights. 

Here’s what you need to know when choosing bike lights to help you on your ride.

Bike Lights Are a Legal Requirement

It is considered illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights or reflectors. The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (RVLR) are quite specific on the technical requirements of bike lights and reflectors for road safety. 

Lights and reflectors are required on a pedal cycle between sunset and sunrise. Your lights must always be clean and working properly whenever you plan to use them.

Types of Bike Lights

A well-lit bicycle should always be equipped with front, side, and rear lighting to ensure visibility to motorists and pedestrians. There are two main types of bike lights that you should know about:

• High-Output Lighting Systems: These are mostly rechargeable systems that offer the highest possible level of illumination. They are a bit more pricey than your garden variety safety lights, but they are perfect for going on the trail or in most road conditions. 

• Front, Side, and Rear Safety Lights: For dim light conditions, safety lights are the go-to choice. Safety lights come in various mounting options, the number of LEDs, and the type of battery used. Since they’re designed for dim light conditions, they’re not bright enough to help when you’re riding in the black of night.

Bike Light Performance

Choosing the correct type of light source should be the next thing on your mind. Measuring light performance can be broken down by knowing the following:

• LEDs: As compared to other light sources, LEDs are more energy-efficient, and they last longer as well. They come in a wide range of brightness levels that will suit various road conditions.
• Lumens: A lumen is a unit of measurement that quantifies the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Most manufacturers provide a lumen rating that describes the intensity of the lighting unit.
• Beam Pattern: Choosing a beam pattern depends on the types of surroundings you’re going to pedal through. Roads with a lot of streetlights would require a front light with a narrow-focused beam. Wide-focused beams are better on darker roads and trails for a better view of your surroundings.

Run Time and Battery Life

Depending on the type of lighting unit you choose, it’s either a rechargeable battery system or a disposable one. Most rechargeable units have multiple settings that let you switch between lighting modes that consume a lot or minimal energy. Be mindful of how much battery your lighting unit has so it won’t die on you while you ride. Make sure to charge or replace your batteries when necessary.

Conclusion

Before you can roll out your bicycle down the road, you need to have a good set of bike lights installed to ensure you have a safe and worry-free ride. Besides, it’s illegal to roam around in a pedal cycle without proper lighting attachments! The one thing you need to remember when choosing bike lights is what it’s for: seeing what’s ahead of you and being seen from behind.

Are you looking for the best bicycle lights that money can buy? Cushbike has got the thing for you! We offer a variety of bike accessories that won’t just make your ride safer—it’ll make it more comfortable too! Order now and start taking the safer route in your pedal sessions!