Ensuring your safety during rides, especially in low light conditions, hinges significantly on having a reliable rear bike light. Whether you are navigating city streets or enjoying a countryside trail, a quality rear light is indispensable for being seen by motorists and other cyclists. This guide, drawing upon rigorous testing and reviews conducted by Cycling Weekly, delves into the top-performing rear bike lights available, helping you choose the best option to maximize your visibility and safety on every ride.
Top Picks for Best Rear Bike Lights
To simplify your selection, we’ve curated a list of standout rear bike lights, each excelling in specific areas based on our comprehensive testing.
1. Magicshine SEEMEE300: The Best Rear Light Overall
Side and front view of the Magicshine SEEMEE300 rear bike light on a blue background
The Magicshine SEEMEE300 stands out as the best overall rear bike light due to its impressive combination of features, performance, and value. Packed with technology, this light boasts an incredible battery life and a competitive price point. One of its most notable features is the integrated accelerometer, which brightens the light to its full 300 lumens when braking, enhancing safety during sudden stops. It also projects a beam onto the ground, providing 360-degree visibility, complemented by a design that offers a 260-degree viewing angle from the main body itself. Battery life is exceptional, claimed to reach up to 40 hours when used at 20 lumens. The mounting system is user-friendly, featuring a robust silicone band and a quarter-turn mount for easy removal, even with gloves on. While its ambient light sensor dims the light in daylight, the daytime flash mode effectively utilizes the full 300 lumens for maximum visibility. For cyclists seeking a feature-rich, high-performing rear light without breaking the bank, the Magicshine SEEMEE300 is an exceptional choice.
2. Knog Mid Cobber Rear Bike Light: Best Viewing Angles
Bird
For cyclists prioritizing maximum visibility from all angles, the Knog Mid Cobber Rear Bike Light is an ideal selection. Its unique curved design provides an exceptional 330-degree viewing angle, ensuring you are seen from almost any direction. The light is exceptionally bright, delivering a 170-lumen flash that is hard to miss. It features cable-less charging with an integrated USB, a convenient feature for those who prefer to avoid carrying extra cables. Mounting is simple with a stretchy silicone O-ring that securely fits various seatpost sizes, though it might require removing gloves for adjustment. While it is pricier than some competitors and has a shorter battery life on constant beam modes, the Knog Mid Cobber’s unparalleled viewing angle and convenient USB charging make it a top contender for enhanced visibility and safety.
3. Topeak Taillux 100 USB: Best Value Rear Light
Side and front view of the Topeak Taillux 100 USB rear bike light on a blue background
The Topeak Taillux 100 USB is the best value rear bike light, delivering reliable performance without unnecessary frills, all at an affordable price. While it lacks advanced features like ambient light detection or an accelerometer, it excels in the fundamentals. Offering a maximum brightness of 100 lumens, it provides ample visibility for being seen on the road. It features a useful mode that combines a constant beam with a flashing outer ring, enhancing visibility while maintaining a respectable 10-hour battery life. Mounting is versatile with a silicone band and a clip option for saddlebags. Charging is modern and convenient with USB-C. For cyclists seeking a dependable, bright, and budget-friendly rear light, the Topeak Taillux 100 USB is hard to beat, offering excellent value without compromising on essential safety features.
4. Ravemen TR500: Best Daytime Running Rear Light
Side and front view of the Ravemen TR500 rear bike light on a blue background
For riders who prioritize daytime visibility, the Ravemen TR500 is the best daytime running rear light available. Its ‘warning flash’ setting emits an exceptionally bright 500-lumen flash, designed to grab attention even in broad daylight. Beyond its daytime prowess, it also performs admirably at night, offering a 100-lumen constant beam with a 4.5-hour runtime. It incorporates a brake-sensing accelerometer for enhanced safety. Mounting is straightforward with a silicone strap, and it charges via USB-C. While it may lack some of the advanced features of the Magicshine SEEMEE300, its unparalleled 500-lumen daytime flash makes the Ravemen TR500 the top choice for maximizing visibility during daylight hours, ensuring you are seen in all conditions.
5. Garmin Varia RTL515: Best Rear Radar & Smart Light
GARMIN VARIA RTL515 RADAR REAR LIGHT
The Garmin Varia RTL515 is a pioneering rear radar and smart light, representing the cutting edge in cycling safety technology. Beyond its lighting capabilities, it incorporates radar technology that detects approaching vehicles from up to 140 meters, alerting the rider via a compatible head unit. This radar integration enhances situational awareness, providing an extra layer of safety by warning of approaching traffic. The light itself adjusts its mode based on approaching vehicles, increasing flash intensity for added visibility. While it has a lower lumen output compared to some lights, its smart features and radar integration set it apart, offering a unique safety advantage. For tech-savvy cyclists seeking the most advanced safety features, the Garmin Varia RTL515 is an investment in enhanced awareness and accident prevention, making it the best rear radar and smart light on the market.
How to Choose the Best Rear Bike Light
Selecting the ideal rear bike light involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and riding conditions.
1. Visibility and Lumens: Lumens measure the brightness of the light. For rear lights, a minimum of 30 lumens is recommended for nighttime visibility. For daytime use, especially in bright conditions, consider lights with 100 lumens or more, particularly those with a potent daytime flash mode.
2. Viewing Angle: A wider viewing angle ensures visibility from multiple directions. Look for lights offering at least 220 degrees, with top performers like the Knog Mid Cobber reaching 330 degrees for near-complete all-around visibility.
3. Battery Life and Charging: Consider the battery life in different modes. For longer rides or commutes, opt for lights with extended battery life, especially in constant beam or frequently used modes. USB-C charging is now standard and offers convenience. Check charge times to ensure it fits your routine.
4. Light Modes: Multiple modes enhance versatility. Flashing modes are excellent for daytime and battery saving. Constant modes are crucial for nighttime legality and steady visibility. Combination modes offering both constant and flashing elements can be ideal.
5. Mounting System: A secure and versatile mounting system is essential. Silicone straps are common and adaptable to various seatpost shapes. Quarter-turn mounts offer easy removal, useful for charging and security. Ensure the mount is robust and easy to adjust, even with gloves.
6. Smart Features: Consider smart features like brake sensing, ambient light sensors, and radar integration. Brake sensing enhances safety by automatically brightening when you decelerate. Ambient light sensors adjust brightness based on surrounding light conditions. Radar lights, like Garmin Varia, offer advanced warning of approaching vehicles.
7. Durability and Waterproofing: Look for lights with a good IPX rating, ideally IPX-5 or IPX-6, to ensure water resistance and durability in various weather conditions. Robust build quality ensures the light can withstand daily use and potential impacts.
8. Size and Weight: For some riders, especially racers or those prioritizing lightweight setups, size and weight are considerations. Compact lights like the Bontrager Flare RT offer good performance in a small package, but may compromise on battery life or brightness compared to larger models.
9. Budget: Rear bike lights range in price from budget-friendly to premium. Determine your budget and balance desired features with cost. Value options like the Topeak Taillux 100 USB offer excellent performance at a lower price point, while premium lights like the Garmin Varia RTL515 offer advanced features at a higher cost.
FAQs About Rear Bike Lights
Q: Are flashing rear bike lights legal?
A: Legality varies by region. In many places, flashing rear lights are legal and often recommended for daytime use to enhance visibility. However, some regions may require a constant beam for nighttime use. Always check local regulations to ensure compliance.
Q: How bright should my rear bike light be?
A: For nighttime use, a minimum of 30 lumens is advisable, but brighter lights, around 50-100 lumens, enhance visibility. For daytime running lights, consider models with 100 lumens or more, with some like the Ravemen TR500 offering a 500-lumen daytime flash for maximum impact.
Q: What is the best mode for a rear bike light?
A: The best mode depends on the conditions. For daytime, a bright, attention-grabbing flash mode is ideal. At night, a constant beam or a combination of constant and flashing modes is often preferred. Combination modes provide steady visibility for tracking movement with added flash to catch attention.
Q: How do I mount a rear bike light?
A: Most rear bike lights mount to the seatpost using silicone straps, clips, or bracket systems. Ensure the mount is secure and the light is positioned centrally and visibly. Some lights offer versatile mounting options for saddlebags or seat stays. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper mounting.
Q: How long should a rear bike light battery last?
A: Battery life varies by light mode and model. Check the claimed runtimes for different modes. For regular commuting, aim for a light that lasts at least for your typical ride duration on a constant or preferred mode. Many quality rear lights offer several hours of runtime on constant modes and significantly longer on flashing modes.
Conclusion
Investing in the Best Rear Bike Light is a crucial step in ensuring your safety and visibility on the road. Whether you prioritize all-around features, viewing angle, value, daytime visibility, or smart technology, there is a rear light designed to meet your needs. By considering factors like lumens, viewing angle, battery life, and smart features, you can select a rear bike light that enhances your safety and provides peace of mind on every ride. Choose the best rear bike light for your riding style and enjoy safer, more confident cycling.
