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The best way to stay safe on a bike commute, apart from using road sense, is to make yourself as visible as possible at all times.
How do you achieve that?
One way is with high vis or reflective clothing.
You can also use bike lights to get yourself noticed at any time, night or day.
But like most cycling paraphernalia, not all bike lights are equal!
This “illuminating” article points you towards some of the best bike lights for commuting.
Sorry, that was a terrible joke…
It tells you what to look for when choosing from thousands of products.
Top 7 Best Front Bike Lights For Commuting
Unlike rear lights, front lights can help you to see as well as be seen.
Below, you’ll find a selection of seven lights that do one or the other, or both.
1. Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 USB Front Light (best front light overall)
- Max Lumens: 1100
- Runtime (full power): 1 hour
A light that gives you a wide range of useful modes is the Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 USB.
The maximum “Boost” setting at 1100 lumens only gives you an hour of battery life, but this should be plenty on typical bike commutes.
In a city, you can run the Metro Pro at lower settings to preserve battery life without losing visibility.
This light gives you three flashing daytime modes and six night modes.
The low-powered “Walking Mode” gives up to 100 hours of battery life.
This USB-rechargeable light detaches easily from its mount via a quick-release mechanism.
What We Like
- Reputable – well-known brand founded in 1991
- Power – powerful 1100 lumens available when needed
- Robust – the light is dust-tight and resistant to any downpour of rain
What We Don’t Like
- Short max – full lumen output reduces battery life to 1 hour, but the marketing is almost certainly above average in honesty
2. NiteRider Lumina Micro 900 Front Light (runner-up front light)
- Max Lumens: 900
- Runtime (full power): 2 hours
Another light that emits many lumens is the NiteRider Lumina Micro 900 Front Light.
While it has fewer modes than the Cygolite, this NiteRider model delivers a powerful 900 lumens for up to two hours.
You get a choice of four light levels with the Lumina Micro 900.
There’s also a flashing mode that grabs the attention of other road users during daytime.
In that mode, battery life goes up to 11 hours max.
A low 30-lumen walk mode extends the battery life to 60 hours.
What We Like
- Tough – robustly made and weather resistant
- Battery – 900 lumens for two hours probably suffices for most commutes
- Charging – Intellicharge technology reduces recharging time by up to half
What We Don’t Like
- Modes – fewer modes to choose from than some rival products
3. Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL Bicycle Headlight (best daytime front light)
- Max Lumens: 1000
- Runtime (full power): 1.5 hours
For a front light with impressive build quality, consider the Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL Bicycle Headlight.
It’s made with a machined aluminum body complete with cooling fins for LED heat dissipation.
This light has eight settings: five static and three flashing.
“Overdrive’ mode delivers the full 1000 lumens for up to 90 minutes.
There are other modes where brightness is plenty for lit roads (i.e., Blast and Enduro at 500 and 250 lumens).
The three daytime modes in this Lezyne light are Day Flash at the full 1000 lumens, Flash at 150 lumens and Pulse at 150 lumens.
What We Like
- Build – solid construction quality inspires confidence
- Secure – robust rubber strap fixes light onto most handlebars
- Modes – useful mid-range light settings are suitable for average riding
What We Don’t Like
- Modes – be aware that Overdrive “Race Mode” only has two settings (removes flash modes)
4. Topside Bike Helmet Light (best front light for helmets)
- Max Lumens: 50
- Runtime (full power): 5 hours
The Topside Bike Helmet Light combines a front and rear light in one unit.
It offers seven different modes, including a constant front light at 50 lumens.
Included among the seven Topside modes is alternated flashing between front and rear lights at 15 lumens.
This extends the battery life to an impressive max of 43 hours.
You can choose any blend of flashing or static red and white lights with this helmet light.
And while the lumen output is not huge, it’s enough to get you seen.
What We Like
- Modes – plenty of static or flashing front/rear modes to choose from
- LED – high-quality Cree LED technology offers reliability
- Rain – weatherproof sealing
What We Don’t Like
- Mounting – various mounts supplied, but you may need to improvise
Read more: Commuter helmets reviewed
5. Planet Bike Spok 50 USB Front Bike Light (best USB chargeable front light)
- Max Lumens: 50
- Runtime (full power): 2.5 hours
Another neat unit that boosts your visibility is the Planet Bike Spok 50 USB Front Bike Light.
This is a USB-rechargeable light you can install on your handlebar, fork or bike helmet.
A feature of this light is its three modes: Steady, Superflash and Courtesy. Superflash mode—ideal for daytime—runs for up to 14 hours per charge.
Courtesy mode emits a pulsing light, which may be less vexing to nearby cyclists than the Superflash setting if you ride a busy route.
What We Like
- Wide – offers broad 270-degree visibility
- Battery – up to 14 hours of flashing light from a 2-hour charge
- Pocketable – fits easily into a pocket when your bike is left alone
What We Don’t Like
- Mounting – mounting straps are short
6. LXL USB Rechargeable Bike Headlight (budget front light)
- Max Lumens: 600
- Runtime (full power): 2 hours
Even ignoring the rear light in this deal, the LXL USB Rechargeable Bike Headlight is a great budget buy.
It gives you two hours of constant light at full 600-lumen power and up to ten hours in flashing “Strobe” mode.
This front light gives you five settings in all, with enough battery power in any of them to cover the average bike commute.
Other features include a rugged aluminum and ABS construction, and one-touch operation through a single button.
What We Like
- Price – amazing value as a front & rear light set
- Lumens – sufficient light for most moderately lit roads
- Battery – reasonable battery life per charge
What We Don’t Like
- Marketing – economy with facts (e.g., included rear light not rechargeable, 10-hour battery life is in flashing mode)
7. Bontrager Ion 200 RT Front Bike Light
- Max Lumens: 200
- Runtime (full power): 1.5 hours
A compact light that gives you great daytime visibility is the Bontrager Ion 200 RT Front Bike Light.
Despite its small size, this unit has plenty going for it.
Not least, it links to Garmin or Bontrager Ant+ devices to give you wireless control and battery status.
The Ion 200 RT includes a built-in light sensor that changes modes according to ambient light levels.
It switches from Day Flash mode to the High setting as light levels drop.
You can manually override the auto setting to choose any of the five modes you want.
The Bontrager Ion 200 RT emits up to 200 lumens through its high-quality Cree LED.
This light is not designed to light up a dark road ahead of you at night, but it’s visible from up to 2 km away in Day Flash mode.
What We Like
- Connectivity – control and battery status on Garmin devices
- Visibility – exceptional long-distance visibility from a small unit
- Sensor – overridable light sensor switches modes when it gets dark
What We Don’t Like
- Exclusive – only connects to Garmin head units via Ant+
Top 7 Best Rear Bike Lights For Commuting
Rear lights have a simple remit: to make you more visible to other road users.
Below, we look at seven of the best.
1. Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Bicycle Taillight (best rear light overall)
- Max Lumens: 300
- Runtime (full power): 5 hours in Day Flash 1 mode
A reasonably priced yet exceptional rear bike light is the Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Bicycle Taillight.
Unlike most bike lights, the highest output (300 lumens) in the Lezyne is only accessible via its top flashing mode.
This light has eleven lighting modes.
That includes eight flashing modes, the brightest two being meant for daytime use.
Maximum battery life comes from Flash 6 mode (5 lumens) at 53 hours.
If you want a constant red light, “Blast” mode gives you 50 lumens for a useful three hours.
You might choose this for darker commutes and keep the 300-lumen flashing for bright days.
What We Like
- Visibility – excellent daylight visibility with bright flashing modes
- Modes – no shortage of modes to choose from
- Construction – reassuring build quality
What We Don’t Like
- Modes – choice of 11 modes may be too nuanced for some tastes
2. Cygolite Hypershot 350 Bike Taillight (runner-up rear light)
- Max Lumens: 350
- Runtime (full power): 2 hours
Another bright rear light is the Cygolite Hypershot 350 Bike Taillight.
This neatly-sized unit offers seven light settings, including static (constant), pulse and flashing modes.
The SteadyPulse mode in the Hypershot 350 attracts attention with pulsing while still emitting a constant beam.
This addresses the issue of drivers being unable to gauge distance with flashing lights.
DayLightning mode gives you maximum visibility in bright daylight.
Note that all modes are adjustable, which also affects rechargeable battery life.
You can adjust flash durations in flash modes and lumen output in “Steady” mode.
What We Like
- Power – exceptional 350-lumen output at full power
- Modes – distinct set of useful modes to suit any riding environment
- Adjustability – user can adjust flash durations or light strength
What We Don’t Like
- Complex – probably not simple enough for everyone’s tastes
3. Apace Vision Guard G3X Pro 100 Tail Light (best daytime rear light)
- Max Lumens: 100
- Runtime (full power): 4 hours
Emitting up to 100 lumens of light, the Apace Vision Guard G3X Pro 100 Tail Light is plenty bright enough under any riding conditions.
It offers six different modes, which you can quickly access at the push of a button.
This light gives you an impressive 4-hour runtime in Steady High mode.
It has three of these static modes and three flashing modes.
An underplayed feature of this light is its use of COB LEDs.
These are densely packed, small LEDs that enable an intense, smooth light.
What We Like
- Modes – useful set of modes to make you stand out day or night
- COB – intense light from COB LED noticeable from 100s of feet away
- Value – exceptional value for money
What We Don’t Like
- Support – somewhat careless Amazon marketing and dead-end manufacturer support pages
4. OLIGHT RN 120 Bicycle Rear Light (best USB rear light)
- Max Lumens: 80 (120 Interactive mode or brake light)
- Runtime (full power): 1.5 hours @ 80 lumens constant
A rear “smart light” with multiple features is the OLIGHT RN 120 Bicycle Rear Light.
It offers ten different modes, including flashing modes, constant modes, and smart modes that adjust according to ambient light levels.
There are two sensors in this neatly proportioned light: a light sensor and a motion sensor.
The latter triggers a 120-lumen brake light for three seconds as you stop.
The Interactive mode in this light alternates between flashing center and outer LEDs.
Additional features include robust IPX6 waterproofing, impact resistance at a distance of 1m, and 260 degrees of visibility.
What We Like
- Smart – detects light levels and braking/motion with two sensors
- Visibility – light can be seen from up to 1500 meters away (almost a mile)
- Battery – color-coded battery status at the click of a button
What We Don’t Like
- Drainage – motion sensor adversely affects battery runtime
5. Cycle Torch Bolt Rear Bicycle Light (budget rear light)
- Max Lumens: 10
- Runtime (full power): 5 hours
A small tail light with lots of functionality is the Cycle Torch Bolt Rear Bicycle Light.
This neatly designed unit offers four light modes, 180-degree visibility and long runtimes between charges.
Though it only emits 10 lumens, this is enough to boost visibility day or night.
In Slow Flashing mode, this light can stretch out its battery power for up to 15-20 hours.
What We Like
- Runtime – at least several hours of light in any mode
- Visibility – 10 lumens is enough to get you seen
- Modes – useful selection of modes
What We Don’t Like
- Daylight – stronger lights are generally better in bright daylight
6. Knog Blinder Mini Chippy Rear Light
- Max Lumens: 11
- Runtime (full power): 2 hours
About as lightweight as rear lights come, the Knog Blinder Mini Chippy Rear Light weighs a mere 17g.
It clips easily to the bike using a strong silicone strap.
A choice of five modes helps you to stay visible from up to 800 meters away.
In Eco Flash mode, you’ll squeeze up to 11 hours of runtime per USB recharge.
All modes will give you sufficient runtime for the average return journey to work.
The 120-degree beam is narrower than many rival products, but that theoretically increases the luminous intensity of the light.
What We Like
- Visibility – visible from up to 800 meters away
- Lightweight – unusually lightweight, even for a small light
- Mount – strong silicone mount, easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Price – on the expensive side for a small light
7. Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar Taillight
- Max Lumens: 65
- Runtime (full power): 6 hours
Not many rear lights help you to “see” traffic approaching from behind.
The Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar Taillight is one of the few exceptions.
It ingeniously combines a rear light with a radar.
The radar in the Varia communicates with your head unit (e.g., Garmin, Wahoo) or a phone app and warns you about vehicles approaching from behind.
When vehicles approach, the Varia changes its light pattern to either flashing or more frenzied “disco” flashing.
The Varia’s 65 lumen-light is visible up to a mile away.
There are four modes to choose from: high and low constant modes, a pulsing mode and a flashing mode.
What We Like
- Awareness – increases your awareness and drivers’ awareness
- Brightness – bright LED light is visible from a mile away
- Runtime – unusually high runtimes per USB recharge
What We Don’t Like
- Cost – not cheap, but still a unique product
Top 7 Best Bike Light Sets For Commuting
If you’re buying lights for the first time, it might make sense to buy front and rear lights in one hit.
Below, you’ll find seven light sets suitable for commuting.
1. Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT Light Set (best light set overall)
- Max Lumens: 1300 (front), 90 (rear, flashing)
- Runtime (full power): 1.5 hours (front), 6 hours (rear, flashing)
A pair of highly visible lights that moves with the times is the Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT Light Set.
These lights connect with Garmin or Bontrager Ant+ devices for wireless control and easy-to-see battery status.
The front light in this set is powerful with a max output of 1300 lumens, though lower settings are best when you’re amongst traffic.
At the rear, the excellent Bontrager Flare RT is visible from up to 2 km away during the daytime.
It has an integrated light sensor that automatically optimizes brightness according to conditions.
What We Like
- Modernity – Ant+ connectivity and sensors harness technology
- Brightness – big lumen output at the front if you need it, great rear visibility
- Versatility – “see and be seen” lights suitable for any commuting route
What We Don’t Like
- Exclusive – connection to Garmin head units only (or Bontrager remotes)
2. Cygolite Dash Pro 600 / Hotrod 50 Bike Light Set (runner-up light set)
- Max Lumens: 600 (front), 50 (rear)
- Runtime (full power): 1 hour (front), 1.5 hours (rear)
Another top pick for bike commutes is the Cygolite Dash Pro 600 / Hotrod 50 Bike Light Set.
Though the lights are less powerful than the Bontrager set, they’re more than strong enough for a typical commute.
The front light offers a top output of 600 lumens, which will light the way ahead on dark roads.
This light features an upper array of “Daytime Running Lights” (DRL) for extra frontal visibility.
Equally useful is the Hotrod 50 rear light, which aligns neatly with a seatpost.
It has six modes in all, including two constant modes and four flashing, pulsing and zoom modes.
Maximum runtimes on the lowest, most efficient settings are up to 70 hours for the front light and 100 hours for the rear.
What We Like
- Balance – front light offers a nice balance of power and visibility
- Versatile – enough lumens to see and be seen
- Modes – a choice of modes to suit all conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Side – side ports in front light are not hugely effective
3. Lumina 900 Boost / Sabre 80 Light Combo Pack (best daytime light set)
- Max Lumens: 900 (front), 80 (rear)
- Runtime (full power): 2 hours (front), 1.5 hours (rear)
With powerful front and rear lights and multiple modes to choose from, the Lumina 900 Boost / Sabre 80 Light Combo Pack is good for any type of bike commute.
Front-light runtime at 900 lumens is an impressive two hours, though a lower setting will usually be safer in towns and cities.
The Lumina’s medium setting of 350 lumens is a good choice for lit areas.
At the rear, the Sabre 80 can last for up to 10.5 hours on its Fast Flash setting.
There are six modes to choose from here and seven upfront.
Both lights have handy low-battery indicators.
What We Like
- Power – both lights emit enough lumens for any type of commute
- Modes – decent selection of modes on both lights
- Trustworthy – FL1 Standards tested for accurate specifications
What We Don’t Like
- Mounting – supplied mounting strap can be hard to sufficiently tighten
4. Knog Plug Front and Rear Bike Light Twin Pack (best USB light set)
- Max Lumens: 250 (front), 10 (rear)
- Runtime (full power): 1.5 hours (front), 3 hours (rear)
If you’re looking for well-made and stylish lights, consider the Knog Plug Front and Rear Bike Light Twin Pack.
They come from a small, innovative Australian design company.
The front light kicks out enough lumens for urban commutes, though you’d probably want something stronger for unlit routes.
Despite its modest 10 lumens, the rear light boosts your visibility considerably with its domed optics.
What We Like
- Style – good-looking lights without forfeiting substance
- Build – pleasing construction quality and design touches
- Modes – five useful light modes apiece
What We Don’t Like
- Urban only – the front light is not bright enough for pitch-black roads or trails
5. BV Super Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set (budget light set)
- Max Lumens: 300 (front), 35 (rear)
- Runtime (full power): 1.6 hours (front), 1.5 hours (rear)
If you need a pair of bike lights on a low budget, the BV Super Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set offers amazing value for money.
The only thing it’s not good for, in reality, is riding pitch-black routes where you need to light up a large area ahead.
The 300 lumens emitted by the front light is enough to get you seen and is ideal for after-dark commutes on well-lit roads.
The rear light is also highly visible, so you’re not compromising on safety.
With these lights, you only get three modes apiece: Steady, 1/2 Steady (dimmer) and Flash.
What We Like
- Value – you get a lot of light for your money
- Weatherproof – won’t be penetrated by rain
- Modes – not a vast choice at this price point, but useful nonetheless
What We Don’t Like
- Low on lumens – stick to routes with street lighting
6. Planet Bike Spok 50 USB Front and Rear Bike Light Set
- Max Lumens: 50 (front), 5 (rear)
- Runtime (full power): 2.5 hours (front), 4.5 hours (rear)
A neat pair of lights with long run times and fast recharging is the Planet Bike Spok 50 USB Front and Rear Bike Light Set.
These lights increase visibility during night or day.
Each of these lights has three modes: Steady, Courtesy and Superflash.
Superflash mode prolongs runtime significantly in both (up to 14 hours front, 22 hours rear).
The lights mount easily to various locations on a commuter bike.
With their side cutouts, these lights offer 270 degrees of visibility.
What We Like
- Compact – small size makes them unobtrusive on the bike
- Runtimes – modest lumen output enables long runtimes
- Mounting – flexible mounting for various bike locations
What We Don’t Like
- Front lumens – don’t buy if part of your commute is in complete darkness
7. Lezyne Zecto Drive Bicycle Light Combo
- Max Lumens: 250 (front), 80 (rear)
- Runtime (full power): 3.5 hours (front), 3 (rear)
If you want well-made lights from a top brand, consider the Lezyne Zecto Drive Bicycle Light Combo.
These are urban commuting lights, but the lumens emitted at the front will light up useful portions of a road in the dark.
Lighting modes are plentiful in this light set.
You get seven with the front light and eight at the rear.
“Blast” mode yields the strongest light.
These Lezyne lights are appealingly compact and deliver a good-all-round performance during day or night.
What We Like
- Runtimes – useful runtimes even at full power
- Construction – manufacturing quality inspires confidence
- Modes – multiple modes at front and rear
What We Don’t Like
- USB – concerns about the penetrability of the USB cover by rain
Features To Look Out For When Choosing Commuter Bike Lights
When choosing bike lights for a commute, there are several factors to consider.
We’ll dive into some of those now.
How many lumens do you need for commuter bike lights?
Technically, lumens measure the total amount of light rather than being a direct metric for brightness (or luminous intensity), so they’re not the whole story in that sense.
Still, there are rough guidelines you can go by.
Rear Light Lumens
Rear lights can emit anything from 5 to 300 lumens.
The lower the figure is, the less useful it is in bright daylight, but a 5-lumen light may still appear bright at nighttime.
The same light in flashing mode will also get you seen at close quarters during the day.
Bear in mind that optics and the product design affect how visible a bike light is.
And the actual lumen output of many lights on the market is less than claimed.
For a high level of night and daytime versatility, anything between 50 to 100 lumens is a good target to aim for.
In flashing modes, rear lights are more noticeable than they are in static/steady modes.
Video: Daytime Blinking Lights for Cycling Safety
Front Light Lumens
With a front light, you don’t want a light so powerful that it dazzles and temporarily blinds drivers.
A high-beam car headlamp may only be 1200 lumens, and that’s incapacitating when shone directly into the face.
Some bike lights emit more lumens than this.
The number of lumens you need on the front of your bike largely depends on where your bike commute takes place:
- 50 to 250 lumens – sufficient to “be seen” in urban environments
- 250 to 400 lumens – good for your visibility and enough to light a portion of dark road ahead of you
- 400 to 700 – balanced choice for riding in a city or on dark rural roads
- 700 to 1000 plus – in the high 100s and over 1000 lumens, you can see far and wide and tackle off-road terrain
Video: Cygolite 1100-Lumen Light Demonstrated
Rechargeable Bike Lights vs. Battery Powered vs Dynamo: Which Is Better For Commuting?
Dynamo lights come in two forms: hub dynamo and bottle dynamo.
The former is superior, but it’s complicated to install (you have to build a wheel around it).
Bottle dynamos tend to generate a weaker light, but they’re quicker to fit.
With the advent of LED technology, dynamos are arguably outmoded.
LEDs last for many thousands of hours and the rechargeable batteries often powering them last for several hundred charge cycles.
Dynamos made more sense when bike lights used inefficient halogen bulbs.
They still have their appeal for fans of self-sufficiency.
Some like the “fit and forget” aspect of them.
They remain popular in certain parts of the world, like The Netherlands.
The biggest problem with non-rechargeable lights powered by regular AA or AAA batteries is quite likely to be their quality.
Most bike lights made by reputable brands are USB rechargeable.
On the plus side, standard alkaline batteries last much longer with energy-efficient LEDs than they did years ago with filament bulbs.
USB rechargeable lights are still the way to go for the best economy.
They’re also more eco-friendly if recharged often enough.
How do I mount a light to my bike?
Normally, you’d fix the front light to your commuter handlebars and the rear light to your seatpost.
But, lights can be fixed to various other locations on a bike (e.g., forks, saddle, seat stays, racks).
Mounting methods vary significantly between products.
Sometimes, a silicone O-ring will loop around the bike and secure the light to it.
Other times, more elaborate clamps and quick-release mechanisms are used, perhaps using shims for a snug fit.
Bike Commuter Lights FAQs
Below are a few questions that often arise regarding bike lights.
Are Leds Good For Bike Lights?
LEDs are ideal for bike lights for multiple reasons.
They’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, impervious to low temperatures, compact, unharmed by shock or vibration, and unaffected by frequent switching.
Can Bike Lights Be Too Bright?
Front bike lights can certainly be too bright when you’re in dense traffic, especially at night.
That’s when you ideally need a moderate output of around 300 to 600 lumens.
How Long Should My Bike Light Battery Last?
That’s a hard one to answer, but rechargeable batteries usually have useful lifespans of between 300 and 500 complete charge cycles.
That means recharging from depleted to full, so the number of partial recharges will be greater.
Do I Need Just A Rear Light Or A Full Bike Light Set?
When riding in darkness, front and rear lights are often a legal requirement, but they’re an invaluable addition to a bike regardless of the law.
If your commutes are in daylight only, a flashing rear light would be a useful safety measure even without a front light.
Can You Use A Headlamp As A Bike Light?
You can use a headlamp as a bike light, but only as a secondary light.
You need one fixed to the front of the bike so it’s always visible, rather than vanishing when you turn your head.
Finishing Up
It’s time to recap on our best bike lights for commuting.
For a front light, the Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 USB comes from a long-established brand.
Its wide range of modes lets you ride any type of commute with confidence.
For a rear light that will make you ultra-visible in any conditions, the Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Bicycle Taillight is hard to beat.
A mighty 300-lumen flash makes you stand out on the brightest of days.
If you’re looking to buy a strong pair of lights in one hit, the Bontrager Ion Pro RT/Flare RT Light Set is a great choice.
Both units dish out a lot of lumens, and they offer connectivity with Garmin head units.
Whatever lights you choose, ride safely!
Read more: Our guide to bike commuting
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