An excellent set of lights is key to the confidence you need while on the road. While most modern e-bikes, scooters, and pedal bikes ship with at least a set of headlights and rear reflectors, that wasn't the case even a few years ago.
We’ve compiled the brightest headlights, taillights & combos to keep you and your path as visible as possible, regardless of the lighting conditions.
Option 1 -
The priciest available combination for your bike’s lighting system is the $452 Exposure Strada Mk12 Aktiv headlight and the $178 Exposure Lights Blaze Mk3 taillight.
The Mk 12 is also one of the brightest rechargeable headlights on the market, producing 1700 lumens. It also features 6 lighting modes, and its Aktiv mode automatically dims the lights when it senses oncoming traffic.
Similarly, the Mk 3 is our flagship rear light pick and features automatic brake light technology, illuminating to 150 lumens automatically under braking. In its regular mode, the rear light can reach up to 80 lumens and run for 6 to 48 hours, depending on usage mode.
Option 2 -
The $279 Lezyne radar system is a front-and-rear light combo. This combination features the React Drive Front light, which delivers up to 1200 Lumens and can run for up to 70 hours. It is made of machined aluminum and is IPX7 waterproof. You can also recharge this light with a standard USB-C cable.
The rear light in this combo is the radar-enabled Lezyne Radar Drive that can detect rear-approaching vehicles from up to 150 meters away. This light is also waterproof to IPX7 standards. The 300-Lumen light can run for at least 20 hours, and you can recharge it with a USB-C cable when it dies.
Option 3 -
Our next choice for your bike’s lighting system is the $64.95 Magicshine EVO 1100 and the $54.95 Magicshine Seemee 300 Taillight.
The 1100-Lumen EVO features a front mount that lets you place the light under the handlebar for a more natural lighting system. It features a wireless remote that lets you control the lights and configure them to one of 5 adaptive lighting modes. Alternatively, you can check the lights' telemetry in the Magicshine app.
The 300-Lumen smart taillight emits a 360-degree red light for visibility from all angles. The rear lights also feature a smart motion sensor that increases their brightness under braking. The lights are also IPX6 waterproof-rated and USB-C rechargeable.
Option 4 -
The $115 NiteRider Lumina Micro 1150 and VMax+ 180 combination is the ultimate compromise between quality and price. The Lumina headlight can run for 2 to 60 hours, with brightness ranging from 20 to 1150 Lumens. The VMax+ 180 can run for 4.5 to 20 hours across 7 lighting modes. The headlight fits most handlebars with a radius up to 35mm. The lights are USB-C rechargeable and are entirely waterproof.
Option 5 -
The $84.99 Knog Blinder 600 and Plus 20 Rear Light is the most affordable combination. The headlight in this offering offers a range of brightness from 90 to 600 Lumens and a runtime of 2 to 120 hours on a full charge.
The rear light, on the other hand, lasts 2 to 40 hours, depending on lighting mode. Both lights are 100% waterproof and IP67-rated. The lights also feature an LED screen to indicate battery level and charge status, keeping you informed throughout your ride so you can adjust modes to either use or conserve the battery.
