A battery-powered bike light is not necessarily good just because it is bright. It must not dazzle oncoming traffic, must illuminate the path properly and should also be visible from the side. This is where many of the models tested by "Kassensturz" fall short.
The best sets tested by "Kassensturz":
Some manufacturers have recognised the problem
What you can do wrong from the testers' point of view
Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
Background information
Interesting facts about products, behind-the-scenes looks at manufacturers and deep-dives on interesting people.
As soon as it gets dark, you need a bike light. White at the front, red at the rear and visible for at least 100 metres. Flashing lights are only permitted as additional lighting. The regulations are clear. And, as far as luminosity is concerned, in the LED age they are easy to fulfil even with battery-powered lights. Nevertheless, there are significant differences between the models. Kassensturz" subjected ten popular sets of front and rear lights to a practical and laboratory test. One of the main criticisms that surprised the testers was that many lights are barely visible, especially from the side. This was one of the reasons why only the two sets linked below were rated "good" in the final score. The pair of lights from Lezyne fell slightly behind in the assessment, especially in terms of power consumption/life per battery charge. Both offer good visibility and a light cone that illuminates your route well.
The winner in terms of visibility for third parties was the Cobber Lil set from knog. However, its battery performance was rated poorly. In addition to knog, the manufacturer Blackburn also focussed on the topic of side visibility with additional lights. My colleague Daniel Feucht introduces you to the relevant products here.
All tested light sets are rechargeable via USB connection and are not intended for dark trails, but for environments with residual light. On roads in the city or in the countryside, where you are certainly not the only road user. Conversely, this means that you need to be considerate. If your light is mounted incorrectly and set too high, it can dazzle oncoming traffic and become a danger to others. It is then as if you had permanently switched on the high beam in your car. The light intensity can also often be selected in different levels and should be adapted to the surroundings. Many testers also found the flashing modes irritating.
I agree with the criticism of the flashing modes. In the dark, I find constant flashes of light annoying. A sufficiently bright steady light is completely sufficient. To ensure that you always select the appropriate lighting and don't miss switching on, the trend for bike lights is also moving towards automation. The Vya Pro (not tested by "Kassensturz"), for example, lights up automatically when you move your bike. It pulses during the day and switches to continuous light at dusk. If the battery is running low, it dims down and at least gets you home with residual light in reserve mode.
When it comes to battery life, the light must first and foremost meet your needs. Some models run continuously for just under 90 minutes. If you only travel short distances and recharge the lights regularly, this may be sufficient. As a 10-minute office commuter, the small battery of the knog. Plus, for example, didn't bother me. This means that the entire light remains extremely small and can be clipped to clothing as an additional light. Plugged into your PC while you work, you won't be left in the dark in the evening.
Product test
knog. Plus: light at the click of a button
by Michael Restin
The lights on the bike itself are standard and mandatory. The freestyle begins at the head. Ever since I tested a model from Lumos, it has been clear to me that my next city helmet will be illuminated. Large LEDs that can still be seen above the window edge of an average SUV increase visibility enormously. Here you can find all models with integrated light. Get through the night safely.
