How to Buy a Bike Light

Most bike lights will help you be seen. However, the best lights will also allow you to see well in dark conditions. Many states require bike lights for riding at night.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike Lights

1. Determine your needs. For the occasional short errand, a small, simple light may be sufficient. For off-road riding at night or night commuting in heavy traffic, you should purchase a high-quality light.

2. Determine your price range. Lights can range in price from $10 to $300. You should be able to find a decent light with a rechargeable battery for about $50.

3. Consider bulbs. The best lights have halogen bulbs that will illuminate the roadway. Some even come with dual beams (high and low beams.)

4. Consider batteries. Many lights take AA or AAA batteries. Others have large, rechargeable batteries with long runtimes.

5. Consider a helmet-mounted light for off-road riding. These lights are great when used in addition to a handlebar-mounted light, as they allow you to see around turns.

6. Purchase a rear-mounted red flasher, in addition to your front-mounted light. These are quite inexpensive and very effective - they let cars approaching from the rear see you.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear reflective clothing when riding at night. Consider reflectors or reflective tape for your bicycle.
• Never assume a car sees you. Always ride with extreme caution at night.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

on 6/30/2006 I recommend any lights that have LED bulbs in them. Bell has a good set that has both Halogen and LED bulbs in the headlight and has three settings; Halogen high and low, LED normal and LED flashing, the taillight has three LED bulbs in it, has six different settings and is very bright. The headlight runs off 4 AA's and the taillight runs off 2 AAA's.

on 1/19/2006 Red flashing tail lights come in three levels - the $10 range, the $20-35 range with fancier electronics and brilliant LEDs, and then the highest-price range (often with battery packs, etc.) The electronic/LED lights are now several times more intense than the simple $10 versions, but use the same two or three AA or AAA batteries. The electronic/LED lights provide visibility even on cloudy days or in daylight.

on 11/22/2005 A highway safety vest (available through your local W. W. Graingers or local tool/equipment dealer)worn at night will make you visible at over 100 yds.

on 11/22/2005 If you ride regularly in the dark, use rechargeable batteries in your light. This will save money and time.