Halogen vs LED Bicycle Lights: Pros and Cons

A good set of bicycle lights is vital for ensuring safety on the road, especially during nighttime or when the weather is poor or foggy. Halogen and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are two of the popular options for bicycle lights. Enlisted below are some of the pros and cons associated with both types of lights.

Advantages of Halogen Lights

Halogen lights offer a good output and are reasonably efficient lighting options. They are quite cheap and affordable, and they offer good quality for the price you pay. They also offer high reliability and are easy to use. On many bikes, you can remove the halogen lights when necessary.

Disadvantages of Halogen Lights

Halogen lights can be dimmed if necessary. However, they do not show much of a positive effect as a result of dimming, in contrast to LED lights that show an increase in efficiency and battery life.

Halogen lights shine a cone or beam of light, which is not ideal for oncoming traffic, as it may temporarily blind oncoming commuters.

If you use halogen lights and you cycle often, you must use a rechargeable system. This is because the batteries will run out often and battery replacement is more expensive over the long run. You must always ensure the batteries are charged when embarking on a trip. The battery charge will not last enough for a long distance trip, and must be recharged as needed. Halogen lights are not as long lasting as the LED versions. Intense cycling and heavy use can also further reduce the life of the bulb.

The yellow light of halogen bulbs is not a preferred option for many riders. It may, however, be easier on the eyes of older commuters and those with sensitive eye-sight.

Advantages of LED Lights

LED lights have a very high efficiency ratio and offer very bright lighting. In fact, they use a fraction of the electricity required by halogen bulbs to provide the same brightness. They are also very long-lasting. You also have the option of reducing brightness if needed. This will result in an increase in efficiency and bulb life.

These lights can be turned on and shut off as needed, and offer an instantaneous response. If the battery begins to run out, LED lights dim out gradually and do not get shut off immediately, unlike other lights that turn off as soon as the power is insufficient. They never flicker.

LED lights continue to evolve and offer increased efficiency and brightness, with lower costs and greater affordability.

Disadvantages of LED Lights

Some LED lights may be susceptible to burning out or reduced efficiency if they are overused or subjected to excessive heat. Typically, this problem does not occur if the electronics for the bike are of a superior quality. In case of a problem, LED lights must be replaced at a high cost.

The brightness of LED lights may be a problem for oncoming commuters and to some riders who find it too overwhelming.