Best Bike Lights Australia (2023 Buyers Guide)

As you know, there’s something so soothing to the mind about cycling at night. Hidden away on your bike gliding through the dark. But you’re not the only one on the road, plus you still need a light to see what lies ahead.

A reliable bike light is essential to keep you and others safe. But with so many poor-quality bicycle lights on the market, it’s sometimes hard to find the right one. And that’s where this best bike lights Australia buying guide comes in to help.

Below, you’ll find an easy overview of the best bicycle lights available in Australia in 2023. All tested and reviewed, you are in safe hands with any light on this list. At the bottom, you’ll also find some top tips on what to look for when buying a bike light.

How we tested: 

We put them to the test to find the best bike lights in Australia! To help you find the right lights for your bike, we have tested numerous models and decided on our top picks. 

We rode our bikes around in the dark, in the rain, and in the snow to see how well they held up. We also took them off-road and onto dirt trails to see how they performed in different conditions. 

Here are some of the features that should be considered when looking for the best bike lights:

1. Different types of bike lights – There are many different types of bike lights available, such as headlights and taillights. Headlights provide illumination in front of you, while taillights are more focused on providing visibility from behind.

2. Lumens – The higher the lumens rating on a device, the brighter it will be. Some headlights may feature a lower lumens rating but offer more focused light, while others may have a higher rating but spread the light out more.

3. Battery life – The longer a bike light’s battery lasts, the better. Most of them feature replaceable batteries, but some models can be recharged. When choosing a model that needs to be replaced regularly for convenience and cost reasons, look for one with easy-to-replace batteries.

4. Weight – Batteries and electronics weigh down your lights, so the lighter they are, the better it will be for your overall bike performance. Some models come with straps that make installation easier as well.

5. Water resistance – Many lights are waterproof or water-resistant despite being exposed to rain and wind on your bike. This is another important feature to look for when purchasing bike lights, as it will keep them in good working condition longer.

After considering these features, we have come up with our top picks for the best bike lights in Australia. These models offer high lumens ratings, long battery life, and other features that make them some of today’s best.

So whether you’re looking for road bike lights or just the best front bike light on the market. Ready to find your new lights? Then let’s go!

Top 3: Best bike lights in Australia of 2023

There are so many different bicycle light brands and models on the market nowadays. It’s difficult to find the right one. To find one which you know will make you feel safe when driving alone through the dark.

Luckily for you, we’ve gone ahead and researched this list of the best bike light reviews to help you choose which bicycle light is best for you. We’ve also added a few helpful tips and advice for you later on in this article. This way, you know exactly what to look for in a bike light.

So let’s find you your new bike lights! What are the brightest bike lights?

The Cycle Torch Bolt bike lights came out on top as the best bicycle lights of 2023. So let’s find out why.

For starters, these lights get glowing reviews from previous customers, with a near-perfect 4.5-out-of-5 star rating on Amazon based on nearly three (!) thousand reviews! And after reviewing the lights ourselves, we can only agree.

The Cycle Torch Bolt combo includes both the front and backlight. The lights are USB rechargeable, which means you don’t have to spend extra money on buying batteries every month. The bike lights come with an easy-to-use mounting strap, which allows you to mount the lights practically anywhere on your bicycle in mere seconds.

You can further switch between four different day & night modes to adjust your light just how you want it, whether flashing to attract attention or steady for more visibility of the road ahead. The compact design of these lights further makes them easy to carry around with you in your pocket or bag when not used.

Lastly, one of the great things about these lights is the extremely affordable price for what you get. Sturdy, durable bike lights for a cheap price? Yes, please!

Best suited for?

These lights are suitable for anyone, but are best used as road bike lights as these lights are not quite powerful enough for intense nightly mountain biking.

Another great set, and some of the best bike lights available on the Australian market today. You’ll straight away notice the different designs of the front light compared to the Cycle Torchlight. And that’s exactly where the power of this bike lights set lies.

The front light is made of an extremely durable, CNC anodized aluminium casing, which ensures you won’t scratch or break it. It is 95% shock resistant as well, which means you can easily take this bike light offroad with you.

It comes on a sturdy mount with a built-in anti-slip pad to ensure it doesn’t move when mounted. You simply slide the bike light on the top of the mount to fasten it, and you can even rotate the top at a 360-degree angle!

The light is USB rechargeable so you don’t have to mess around with batteries, and with an impressive 800 Lumen, it’s an extremely bright light for even the darkest of days.

The tail light is a bit more simple and much like the Cycle Torch lights with a strap to mount it. But for a rear light, it’s definitely more than good enough to keep you safe on the road.

Best suited for?

Anyone. You can use it both on and offroad due to the strong aluminium casing and sturdy design of the light.

Do note that although these might be some of the best bike lights, they do come at a higher price and are therefore might not be suitable/within budget for everyone.

If you’re on a budget, only need it for reasonably lid roads in the city, or you’re just not that fussed then the Strontex Bike Lights are your best option.

Simple yet sturdy, incredibly compact, and easy to mount and dismount. These no-fuss bike lights are the cheapest lights on this list, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad quality.

They are water-resistant up to IPX4 grade, they have four light modes between which you can alternate, and they are easily recharged via USB so you don’t need batteries. They are, however, definitely not as bright as other lights, like the powerful BrightRoad lights we’ve seen before this.

These surely won’t win the prize for the best front or best rear bike light, but all in all, decent bike lights for a very reasonable price.

Best suited for?

People on a budget or for those who are just not that fussed. Ideally used within cities and on roads that aren’t too dark and dangerous.

How to Choose the Best Bicycle Lights?

Choosing the best bike lights for you isn’t always that easy. Bicycle lights come in a lot of shapes, sizes, and strengths. Below, we’ll share a few tips on what to look for when choosing your new lights.

There are two main types of bicycle lights – front and rear. Front bike lights are designed to increase visibility in low-light conditions by lighting up the road ahead, while rear bike lights help make cyclists more visible from behind.

When choosing front and rear bike lights, it’s important to consider the following:

Brightness: The brightness of a bike light is measured in lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light. However, it’s important to note that more lumens don’t necessarily mean that light is better – other factors such as beam pattern and burn time also need to be considered.

Beam pattern: The beam pattern refers to how wide or narrow the light beam is. Narrow beams are great for seeing long distances in front of you, while wider beams provide more peripheral vision and can help spot potential hazards on the side of the road.

Burn time: The burn time is how long the light will stay on before needing to be recharged or replaced. This is an important consideration if you plan to use your bike light for extended periods during a long night ride.USB rechargeability: Many modern bike lights are USB rechargeable, which means you can easily charge them up via a laptop or power bank. This can be a convenient feature if you regularly plan to use your light.

Water resistance: If you’re planning on riding in wet conditions, it’s important to choose a water-resistant bike light. Look for lights rated IPX4 or higher – this means they will be protected against splashing water from all directions.

Weight: If you’re looking for a lightweight option, there are plenty of bike lights on the market that weighs less than 100g. These can be a good choice if you want to minimise the weight of your bike setup.

Remote control: Some bike lights come with a remote control that can adjust brightness and other settings without stopping and taking your hands off the handlebars. This can be convenient if you’re riding in dark conditions where stopping frequently isn’t an option.

Automatic turn-off: Many bike lights will automatically turn off after a certain period, which is a safety feature to ensure they don’t drain the batteries while not in use. Some bikes also have sensor beams that detect when you stop moving and automatically turn off when you stop riding.

Variable brightness settings: Many bike lights will have different brightness settings that you can choose from, depending on how much light you need. For example, some lights may have a high-beam option for riding on well-lit roads and a low-beam option for riding in dim or dark conditions.

What Are Some Tips For Using Bike Lights?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using bike lights:

Be visible: The whole point of having bike lights is to make yourself more visible to other road users. To do this, it’s important to make sure your lights are always clean and free of dirt or debris. Additionally, you may want to periodically reposition your lights or change their angle, as this can affect how well they project light onto the road.

Recharge regularly: As with any electronic device, it’s important to make sure your bike light is properly recharged each time you use it. If possible, plug it into a power source before each ride so that you don’t run out of juice halfway through.

Safety first: The most important thing about bike lights is that they provide safety. Cyclist deaths are on the rise in Australia, with statistics showing almost 50 cyclists dying on Australian roads every year.

With that in mind, it’s essential to ensure your lights are always working properly. That’s why our first bit of advice is to not just go for the very cheapest product you can find. Better to spend a little more, than to endanger your life. Right?

If you’re into cycling only a little you probably heard of this phrase before. Do you want to see or be seen?

Say if you are just commuting from one reasonably well-lid area of a city to another, then you don’t actually need an extremely powerful front light that lights the way for you. After all, the streetlights and cars do that for you.

Instead, you just need lights to be seen by others, more than to see yourself. If that’s the case, you can go with cheaper, less-powerful bike lights as that will suffice. But if you’re planning to go offroad in the dark, you need a strong light to show you where you’re cycling. You need a light to see. So go for a more powerful one.

What Factors Affect the Price of Bike Lights?

There are a lot of different factors to consider when buying bike lights. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

1. Brightness

The brightness of a bike light is measured in lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light. When choosing a bike light, make sure to pick one that is bright enough for your needs.

2. Battery life

Another important factor to consider is battery life. Most bike lights will run for several hours on a single charge. However, some lights may have shorter battery life than others. Be sure to check the battery life before purchasing.

3. Mounting options

Many bike lights come with different mounting options. For example, some lights can be mounted on the handlebars, while others can be attached to the helmet. Be sure to choose a light that can be properly mounted on your bike.

4. Price

Of course, price is always a factor to consider when making any purchase. However, it is important to remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to bike lights. The more expensive lights will usually offer better performance and features.

5. Warranty

Finally, be sure to check the warranty before making your purchase. This will ensure that you are covered in case of any defects with the product.

By considering these factors, you should be able to find the best bike light for your needs. Be sure to do your research before making your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bike light if I’m only riding during the day?

It’s unnecessary to have a bike light if you’re only riding during the day, but it can still be a good idea. For example, many bike lights have daytime-specific features, such as flashing modes or reflective materials, that can help make you more visible to other road users. Additionally, some lights have sensors that automatically adjust the brightness based on the amount of light available, which can be helpful in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to use a bike light during the daytime – if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and use one anyways.

How many lumens do you need for bike lights?

The number of lumens you need for your bike lights will depend on several factors, including the type of riding you do, the weather conditions, and the time of day. However, choosing bike lights with at least 500-1000 lumens is generally recommended if you’re looking for high-performance options. 

What about dynamo-powered lights?

Dynamo-powered lights are another option, especially if you’re looking for a permanent solution. They are powered by a small generator attached to your bike and typically provide a bright and reliable light source. They can be more expensive than battery-powered lights and require some extra installation. If you’re interested in dynamo lights, it’s best to speak to a professional about your needs and requirements.

What about StVZO lights?

StVZO lights are a type of bike light that is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the German road traffic regulations (StVZO). These lights are required by law in Germany, and they may also be required in other countries with similar laws. For example, stVZO lights typically have specific specifications, such as a minimum brightness level and beam pattern. If you’re unsure whether or not you need StVZO-compliant lights, it’s best to check with your local authorities.

Do I need a light to ride my bike at night?

The amount of light you need for your bike lights will depend on many factors, including the type of riding you do, the weather conditions, and the time of day. However, most experts generally recommend using bike lights if you plan on riding at night or in low-light conditions. This can help ensure that other road users can see you clearly and stay safe on the roads. If possible, it’s also a good idea to use reflective clothing and rear-view mirrors alongside your bike lights to improve your road visibility.

How can I make my bike lights more visible?

There are a few different ways to make your bike lights more visible, such as choosing brighter lights, using reflective materials, and ensuring that your lights are properly positioned. In general, it’s best to use these methods to maximise your visibility on the road.

What battery type is best for a bike light?

Some of the most common battery types for bike lights include rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and alkaline batteries. When choosing a battery type for your bike light, it’s important to consider cost, convenience, safety, and performance factors. Ultimately, the best battery type will depend on your situation and requirements. 

How long should my bike light battery last?

This will depend on several factors, including the type of battery you’re using, the size of the battery, the brightness of the light, and how often you use the light. In general, most bike lights will last for several hours before needing to be recharged or replaced. If you’re planning on using your bike light for extended periods, it’s good to choose a model with a long-lasting battery. Alternatively, you may consider investing in a backup light or carrying spare batteries with you just in case.

How do I mount a light to my bike?

There are a few different ways to mount your bike light to your bike, including using a handlebar mount, a saddle rail mount, or a clip-on mount. The specific method you use will depend on your bike and the type of light you have. However, it’s usually best to consult with a professional or read the instructions included with your light to determine the most appropriate mounting method for your needs. Additionally, it’s important to regularly check the tightness of any amount on your bicycle to prevent accidents and ensure optimal performance. 

Why are bike lights so expensive?

Some factors can contribute to the cost of bike lights, including the quality and performance of the lights and their durability and convenience. Additionally, many high-end bike lights will include advanced features and technologies that can add to their overall cost. However, choosing high-quality lights is important to ensure your safety while riding – especially in low-light or hazardous conditions. In addition, it may be worth investing in premium bike lights even if they are more expensive than other options on the market.

Should my bike light be still or flashing?

Some cyclists might prefer a flashing light to make themselves more visible, while others may find that steady lights are better for providing consistent illumination. Ultimately, you should experiment with different lights to determine which option works best for you – considering factors such as visibility, brightness, battery life, and convenience. 

What does the lumens number tell me about the power of my bike light?

The lumens number indicates the brightness of a bike light, with a higher lumens number corresponding to brighter light. However, it’s important to note that the lumens number doesn’t tell you everything about a light – other factors such as beam pattern, beam angle, and run-time can also affect the overall performance of the light. Therefore, when choosing a bike light, it’s best to consider these factors to make an informed decision. 

 How can I extend the battery life of my bike light?

There are a few different things that you can do to extend the battery life of your bike light, including reducing the brightness of the light, using a lower mode setting, and avoiding extended periods of use. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your light is properly mounted and secured, as loose connections can cause the light to drain battery power more quickly. Finally, you may also want to consider investing in a high-quality battery or charger to maximise the lifespan of your bike light. 

Do I need a rear light as well as a front light?

Ideally, you should have both a front and rear light on your bike to increase your visibility from all angles. However, you may not always need both lights – for example, if you’re only riding during the daytime or in well-lit areas. Ultimately, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the conditions you will be riding in when choosing light and the budget and preferences for your bike lighting setup. 

What should I consider when choosing a rear light?

When choosing a rear light for your bike, it’s important to consider brightness, battery life, visibility and convenience. Other considerations may include the size of the light, whether it includes additional features such as reflectors or turn signals and its mounting options. Additionally, you may also want to consider any specific requirements for your rear bike light – for example, if you will be using the light during night-time riding in low-visibility conditions. Ultimately, there is no single “best” rear light on the market – rather, different lights will have distinct advantages depending on your needs and preferences. 

Do I need backup bike lights or helmet-mounted bike lights for extra brightness?

Some cyclists may benefit from having additional bike lights for extra brightness, while others may find a single light sufficient. Additionally, you may want to consider helmet-mounted lights if you need more visibility from different angles, such as riding in low-light conditions or on roads with poor visibility.