5 Tips for Choosing the Best LED Bike Light

An LED bike light is one that uses a light-emitting diode (LED) as opposed to a halogen light or HID (high intensity discharge) light. LED bike lights come in both low power and high power varieties. While the low power models are typically only useful at night on streets with lighting, the high power version is suitable for illuminating darker areas. If you plan on riding your bike at night, it is required by law almost everywhere that you use bike lights. If you decide to go with an LED light, it makes sense to choose the one best suited for your needs. Consider the following 5 tips for picking out the best LED bike light. 

Frequency of Use

If you do not ride your bike at night very often and when you do it is only along well-lit streets, you do not need the most expensive LED light available. The main purpose of a low power LED bike light is to be seen by approaching drivers. A relatively inexpensive LED bike light will serve that purpose well. 

Where You Ride

If you need a bike light to provide full illumination of a dark path or anywhere else that streetlights are not available, you might go with a high power LED bike light. Likewise, if you ride frequently at night and want the extra safety that high powered illumination offers, it is also advisable to choose a high power LED light. Keep in mind, though, that high powered LED lights go through batteries a lot faster than their low power counterparts. Because of this, you might choose to go with a halogen light instead. 

Mounting Brackets

All bike lights meant to attach to the handlebars of your bike come with some kind of mounting bracket, but not every set of handlebars is the same. Measure the diameter of the handlebars on your bike. This may very well determine what type of LED light is suitable. LED lights can also be installed on bike helmets or clip onto bags. If no brackets work for your bike, you can always rig up a way to attach it. 

Price 

Some models of HID bike lights cost as much as $350. LED lights, even the high power ones, are cheaper. Low power LED bike lights are less expensive than high power LED lights, but they do not provide the same amount of illumination. Evaluate your bike light needs first. Look into the different models of LED bike lights available and choose one that is within your budget. 

Durability and Functionality 

Choose an LED bike light that does not look or feel cheap. The light casing should be able to withstand water and the light should be simple to use. Well-built LED bike lights will last for 50,000 hours if maintained properly. LED bike lights should be able to switch between blinking and solid illumination, and some have a dimming feature built into them. 

Determine how much you need an LED bike light and in what types of environment you will use it. Other factors to consider when purchasing one include its ability to be mounted to your handlebars, the price, and the durability and functionality of the particular bike light model.