All-weather bike lights for beginners to seasoned cyclists
Fitting your bike with a light is not only necessary for your safety – but it's a legal requirement in many Australian states. If it's dark, or particularly foggy weather, you need to be equipped with the right gear so you're seen by other people on the road.
And while this is obvious to the more seasoned cyclists, those dipping their toe in the sport may not yet be aware of all the safety considerations.
Thankfully for all kinds of riders, bike light technology has improved dramatically over recent years. Care is now put into the weight, size, functionality and power systems of bike lights, meaning many on the market will tick boxes at every price range.
Our round-up of bike light recommendations is for the beginner biker, the seasoned cyclist, and the casual commuter in between.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Best rear lights
Don Peregrino M2 Compact LED Bike Light
If you're just dabbling in biking and can't yet see the value in buying a full set, it's still worth investing in a rear light. Mostly because the function of a rear light is to show people you're there, day and night – something you don't want to take for granted if you're out on the road.
This compact rear light by Don Peregrino is a best seller and cops a whopping 90-hour battery life. At a reasonable price point and easy to assemble, it's a safe bet for the beginner.
If you're happy to spend more and you do a lot of road riding, the Garmin Varia RTL515 Cycling Rearview Radar with Tail Light has exceptional safety features and is very well-reviewed. It can alert you to approaching cars up to 140 metres away and also pairs with your Garmin. Buy it here:
Garmin Varia RTL515 Cycling Rearview Radar with Tail Light
Best automatically adjustable light
Evolva Future Technology Bike Light
The Evolva Future Technology Bike Light not only works on a rechargeable battery system but is waterproof and anti-glare (so you're less likely to blind any unwitting pedestrians).
The other great feature of the Evolva light is that it offers automatically adjusted lighting according to the environment. It'll brighten through dark tunnels and dim as the sun comes up, meaning you don't have to fiddle with settings as you ride.
For a more premium option, the Garmin Varia UT800 Smart Headlight also has an automatic adjusting feature depending on light and speed. It's also able to be mounted on handlebars or helmets. With 80 per cent five-star reviews from customers, it's a favourite on Amazon.
Garmin Varia UT800 Smart Headlight
Best reviewed set
USB Rechargeable Bike Lights Set
If you're serious about riding and often find yourself on the bike in the dark, consider the DYZI Bike Lights set that comes with front and rear illumination. The front is equipped with a swivel bracket so you can adjust the light placement as needed.
It's rechargeable and easy to mount plus the rear LED is visible throughout the day – so you're always alerting the public of your whereabouts.
Notably, it has a reasonable price point and many happy customers. "Great quality, good price and very bright. Easy to fit," says one of them.
Best compact set
Don Peregrino Rechargeable Bike Lights Front and Back
This pair of lights from Don Peregrino are decidedly more lightweight and compact than others on this list – and they get aesthetic points for their neat design. The LED bulbs on the front of the bike are adjustable through easy-to-reach buttons, though reviewers have commented they don't have the same spotlight accuracy of other models.
In saying that, the battery life on the Don Peregrinos (which is rechargeable) is an impressive 60 hours.
Best helmet light
Oxbow Gear Voyager Bike Helmet Light Kit
If your thing is less roads and more MTB, a helmet light will be better suited. Able to follow your gaze and respond quickly to movements, helmet lights are more agile than the handlebar versions.
The Oxbow Gear Voyager bike helmet light gets our vote because the mount is compatible to GoPro – meaning you can easily swap it over without having to take off the bracket. It's also extremely lightweight, has great quality illumination and decent battery life. Plus, it comes with a neat case.
Of course, if you're looking for less of an investment and more of a functional light, the Davstrom 2 in 1 Front and Back Lights is good value for money, prioritising your vision and your visibility.
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Davstrom 2 in 1 Front and Back Lights
Best for versatility
Knog PWR 700 Lumens Road Bicycle Front Light
The Knog PWR 700L triples as a high-quality bike light, powerbank and torch. Perfect all-rounder tech if you're looking to head out camping or on the trails for a couple of days. While it's battery-powered – not rechargeable – reviewers largely agree the battery lasts a long time.
The other thing to note about the Knog is that for all its multi-functions, it's the only one on this list that's not waterproof. Take that into consideration too.
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