A bike light is an essential safety feature. It enables you to see and be seen in low visibility conditions, such as in fog and during nighttime. Bike lights are also becoming increasingly common during the daytime, even when the sun is bright.
These days, there are a wide variety of bike lights to choose from, and they each come in different designs, lumens, and viewing angles. Choosing the right bike light will ensure that you not only get the best value for money, but also the necessary lighting to stay safe in any situation.
In this article, you will learn about bicycle light lumens and the types of lumens that you need for different cycling scenarios.
Understanding Lumens: Illuminating Your Ride
A lumen is a unit of measurement that determines the light output of a light source. In a light source, the number of lumens correlates directly with the brightness of that light source. Therefore, the higher the lumens count, the brighter the light source.
Before the advent of LED technology, the brightness of a light bulb was measured in wattages (watts). However, since LED lights are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, the number of watts is no longer an accurate indication of how bright a light source is. Hence why lumens have become the standard for measuring the light output of a light source.
These days, bike light manufacturers offer products in different designs and lumens outputs. Typically, the maximum lumens output of a bike light ranges from 600 to 1,600 or more. Rear lights tend to have a much lower lumens output, as they are designed to help the rider be seen by others and not to illuminate the path ahead.
Rechargeable bike lights have an adjustable lumens output and a micro-USB port for recharging.
Ideal Lumens Brightness for Different Riding Conditions
The ideal lumens output for your bike light will depend on your riding conditions. Below is a table to help you differentiate between the different lumens outputs and the riding conditions that they are most suitable for. Use this table to help you choose the best bicycle light for your e-bike.
|
Lumens output |
Description |
|
Zero to 100 lumens |
The lowest possible lumens output for a bicycle light. Typically used for rear bike lights, as it enables the rider to be seen but not to illuminate the path ahead. |
|
100 to 200 lumens |
The lowest possible lumens output for a front bike light. Typically used for daytime riding, so that the rider is more visible to motorists, pedestrians, and other riders. |
|
200 to 300 lumens |
A slightly higher lumens output for a front bike light. Best suited for riding during the daytime and in well-lit areas. |
|
300 to 500 lumens |
Provides a decent amount of lighting on a front bicycle light. Typically used in urban areas and well-lit pathways. |
|
500 to 800 lumens |
A bright lumens output that is best suited for off-road cycling, such as mountain biking. |
|
800 to 1,200 lumens |
A very bright lumens output that is best suited for off-road cycling and riding at night in dark conditions. |
|
1,200+ lumens |
An extremely bright lumens output that is ideal for riding in the dark – especially at high speeds. |
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the ideal lumens outputs for different riding conditions.
Daytime Cycling
Daytime cycling can occur in a wide variety of weather conditions. You may be riding when the weather is sunny, cloudy, raining, stormy, foggy, or windy. Regardless of the weather conditions, having a light source – even a small light source – will make it easier for you to be seen while riding during the daytime.
Recommended lumens output: 100 to 500 lumens
Night Cycling
Night cycling is one of the most dangerous conditions to ride in. The lack of natural lighting makes it harder for you to see and be seen by other riders, motorists, and pedestrians. Even in urban environments, where most streets and pathways have artificial lighting, a bike light is essential to riding safely at night.
Recommended lumens output: 800 to 1,200+ lumens
Urban Commuting
Most urban environments have artificial lighting to help increase visibility. However, these light sources are not a replacement for a reliable bike light. Furthermore, not every urban environment offers the same level of artificial lighting, so it’s always best to have your own light source while riding.
Recommended lumens output: 100 to 500 lumens (daytime) and 800 to 1,200+ lumens (nighttime)
Rural Riding
Rural environments are notable for having very little, if any, artificial lighting. The most common source of light is streetlights on main roads. However, when you are off the beaten path, you are often left to your own devices. Having a bright bicycle light will enable you to safely navigate difficult terrain, especially at nighttime.
Recommended lumens output: 800 to 1,200+ lumens
Trail Riding or Mountain Biking
Mountain biking without a front light for a cycle is extremely dangerous. Mountain trails often present unforgiving obstacles, such as bumpy terrain, tight corners, debris, and sudden drop off points. Regardless of the time of day, a bike light – combined with a rear tail light – is the safest way to navigate a mountain trail.
Recommended lumens output: 800 to 1,200+ lumens
High-speed Cycling
When cycling at high speeds, you have less time to make sense of your surroundings. You also have less time to respond to a sudden change in the conditions ahead. For example, a vehicle running a red light. Equipping a bicycle light to your electric bike will make you more visible at high speeds.
Recommended lumens output: 500 to 1,200+ lumens
How Many Lumens Do You Need for Front and Rear Bike Lights?
The recommended number of lumens differs for front and rear bike lights. Typically, rear bike lights do not need as many lumens as front bike lights, as they only need to illuminate the rider and not the path ahead.
For reference, the typical lumens range for a rear bike light is between zero to 200 lumens, while the typical lumens range for a front bike light is between 200 to 1,200+ lumens.
Modern front bike lights often have an adjustable lumens range. A good example of this is the upcoming HERO all-terrain ebike. It has an adjustable high and low beam and an output of 1,000 lumens.
How to Choose the Best Bike Lights?
To choose the right bike light for you, consider your riding style and riding conditions.
Do you plan to ride on mountain trails or at high speeds in urban environments during the nighttime? If so, then opt for a bicycle headlight with a high lumens output. This amount of light will help keep you safe under these conditions.
Do you plan to ride mostly during the daytime and at slower speeds? Then you may only need a low-level bike light to suit your needs. And don’t forget to increase your visibility with a rear bike light, too.
Stay Light, Stay Safe
Bike lights are one of the most effective ways to stay safe while cycling. But choosing the right one can be tricky. By understanding the recommended lumens outputs for different riding conditions, you can more easily choose the right bike light for you. Use your newfound knowledge to brighten up your cycling journey!
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