Good bike lights are essential for safety, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider. It increases your visibility on the road. Not only does it help you see the path ahead, but it also makes you more visible to other motorists and pedestrians.
In fact, in many countries, it is a legal requirement to have working lights on your bike. Especially if you mostly ride at night or in low-light conditions, you must add bike lights.
But with so many available options, choosing the right bike light can be overwhelming. And if you’re on a tight budget, finding a quality light that won’t break the bank can be even more challenging.
In this post, we’ll explore some factors to consider when choosing budget bike lights. We will also share our top picks for the best budget bike lights for under $50.
Why You Need Bike Lights
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right bike lights, let’s first discuss why having them is so important. Here are some reasons you need bike lights:
- Safety: Bike lights help you see the road ahead and avoid obstacles. Also, they make you more visible to others on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Legal requirements: In many countries, it is mandatory to have working lights on your bike when riding in low-light conditions.
- Visibility: If you ride during the day, having bike lights can make you more visible to other motorists and pedestrians. Bike lights are necessary for riding in areas with heavy traffic or poor visibility.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Budget Bike Lights
When shopping for budget bike lights, there are several factors to remember. Here are some of the most important ones:
Brightness and beam pattern: A bike light’s brightness and beam pattern determine how well you can see the road ahead. Look for lights with high lumen output and a wide, even beam pattern.
Battery life and charging options: The battery life of a bike light will determine how often you need to recharge it. Look for lights with long battery life and convenient charging options, such as USB charging.
Mounting options and ease of use: Make sure the bike light is easy to mount and dismount from your bike. The bike lights should fit your bike securely. Look for lights with flexible mounting options to ensure they can be mounted on different parts of your bike.
Durability and water resistance: Bike lights need to be able to withstand the elements, including rain, dust, and rough terrain. Look for lights that are durable and water-resistant.
Additional features and accessories: Some bike lights have extra features such as different modes (e.g., flashing, strobe), automatic brightness adjustment, or a built-in camera. Consider what features are important to you and whether they justify the extra cost.
Top 5 Budget Bike Lights Under $50
Now that you know what to look for when choosing bike lights, let’s look at our top picks for the best budget bike lights under $50.
1. Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
The Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set is a great option for those looking for a complete set of lights. The set is for both the front and back of their bike. It has a front light with a maximum output of 200 lumens. Additionally, it consists of a rear light with a maximum output of 40 lumens.
Both lights are rechargeable via USB and have multiple modes. These modes include high, medium, low, and flashing. The lights are easy to mount and are compatible with most handlebars and seat posts.
Price: $17.99
Value for money: Excellent
Pros: Complete set, bright, multiple modes, rechargeable, easy to mount Cons: Battery life could be longer
2. BV Bicycle Light Set
The BV Bicycle Light Set is another great option for those looking for a complete set of lights for their bike. The set includes a front light with a maximum output of 150 lumens. Also, it has a backlight with a maximum output of 50 lumens.
Both lights have multiple modes, including high, medium, low, and flashing. The lights are easy to mount and are compatible with most handlebars and seat posts. They are also water-resistant and durable.
Price: $14.99
Value for money: Excellent
Pros: Complete set, bright, multiple modes, water-resistant, durable
Cons: Battery life could be longer
3. BLITZU Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
The BLITZU Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set is a high-performance set of lights that offers excellent value for money.
The set includes a front light with a maximum output of 320 lumens. It also has a backlight with a maximum output of 80 lumens. Both lights are rechargeable via USB and have multiple modes. These nodes include high, medium, low, and flashing. The lights are easy to mount and are compatible with most handlebars and seat posts.
Price: $19.99
Value for money: Excellent
Pros: Bright, multiple modes, rechargeable, easy to mount
Cons: Battery life could be longer
4. Cycle Torch Shark 500 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
The Cycle Torch Shark 500 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set is a high-quality set of lights that offers exceptional value for money. The set includes a front light with a maximum output of 500 lumens and a backlight with a maximum output of 50 lumens.
The lights of this set are rechargeable via USB and have multiple modes. The nodes are high, medium, low, and flashing. The lights are easy to mount and are compatible with most handlebars and seat posts.
Price: $29.95
Value for money: Excellent
Pros: Bright, multiple modes, rechargeable, easy to mount
Cons: None
5. TeamObsidian Bike Light Set
The TeamObsidian Bike Light Set is a reliable set of lights that offers good value for money. The set includes a front light with a maximum output of 200 lumens and a backlight with a maximum output of 35.
The set’s lights have multiple modes, such as high, medium, low, and flashing. The lights are easy to mount and are compatible with most handlebars and seat posts. They are water-resistant and durable.
Price: $15.97
Value for money: Good
Pros: Complete set, bright, multiple modes, water-resistant, durable
Cons: Battery life could be longer
In conclusion, many great budget bike lights on the market offer excellent value for money. When choosing a set of bike lights, it’s essential to consider factors such as brightness, battery life, mounting options, and weather resistance. Doing so lets you find a set of lights that meets your needs and keeps you safe while cycling.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about budget bike lights:
- Is a budget bike light bright enough to be seen at night?
Many budget bike lights are bright enough to be seen at night. Look for lights with a minimum output of 100 lumens for the front light and 20 lumens for the backlight.
- Can I recharge budget bike lights with a USB cable?
Yes, many budget bike lights are rechargeable via USB cable, making them convenient to use and eco-friendly.
- What is the battery life of budget bike lights?
The battery life of budget bike lights varies depending on the brand and model. Look for lights with a battery life of at least 2-3 hours on the highest setting.
- Is a budget bike light durable?
Many budget bike lights are durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Look for lights that are made with quality materials and are water-resistant.
- Can I use budget bike lights in rainy weather?
Many budget bike lights are water-resistant and can be used in rainy weather. However, checking the manufacturer’s specifications is important to ensure the lights are suitable for wet conditions.
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