Eleven bicycle lights put to the test

Before getting to the heart of the matter, it is important to discuss the methodology used. The tests were carried out in accordance with the criteria of DIN 33958, with enhanced procedures to reflect modern requirements. Each light was tested on a standard trekking bike, in the laboratory and on a test bench. The evaluation criteria included:

• Handling and installation: ease of mounting, stability of the mount, ergonomics of the buttons.
• Lighting characteristics: light intensity measured in lux, beam uniformity, side visibility.
• Operating time: in maximum and economy mode, with measurement of time until shutdown.
• Recharging: port type (USB-C or micro-USB), charging time.
• Water and shock resistance: simulated rain and drop tests from 1.1 metres.

How far should a bicycle light shine?

According to ISO and DIN standards, lighting is evaluated at a distance of 10 metres. At this range, a 100-lux light must provide an even beam distribution, with no dark areas or excessive concentration of light. The ACL recommends that the brightest area should be aligned just below the height of the headlight mount to avoid glare. In the city, an intensity of 30 to 40 lux is generally sufficient to be seen. However, for journeys outside built-up areas on unlit roads, a 100 lux lamp with good distribution is preferable to ensure the safety of the cyclist and other road users.

Eleven models tested

The test reveals significant differences between the models. Some shine in terms of their uniformity and ergonomics, while others disappoint with design flaws or performance that falls short of their promises.

For example, the Trelock LS 760 I-Go Vision, although measured at only 76 lux instead of the advertised 100, stands out for its even light distribution, stable mount and digital display allowing precise anti-glare adjustment. It offers five intensity levels, a battery life of 12 hours and 15 minutes in economy mode, and can even be used as a power bank thanks to its USB-C/A port. It achieved the best score in the test: 2.2 (good).

In contrast, the Lupine SL Grano, despite being the most expensive in the panel (€196), was penalised for its automatic brightness reduction in the event of overheating (drop to 66 lux), its complex mounting without an included bracket, and its unintuitive interface. It finished with a score of 4.3 (adequate).

Price vs. performance: surprises

The test shows that price is not always synonymous with quality. The Fischer LED-Akku Frontlicht 110 Lux lamp, sold for £29.99, ranked second with a score of 2.3 (good). It offers over 21 hours of battery life in economy mode, a motion sensor, a five-level battery display, and an anti-glare adjustment function via a level bar. It measured 96 lux, compared to the advertised 110 lux. On the other hand, models such as the Busch & Müller IXON Rock (£99.90) were downgraded due to failures in the rain test, with water ingress and breakdown after a few days. However, it offers good short and long-range illumination, a powerbank function and a battery life of 24 hours 45 minutes in economy mode.

The three best lights in the test

Trelock LS 760 I-Go Vision

• Price: £147.99
• Measured lux: 76
• Battery life: 12 hours 15 minutes (eco), 4 hours 40 minutes (max)
• Recharging: USB-C/A, 5 hours 15 minutes
• Weight: 174 g
• Strengths: digital display, anti-glare adjustment, good light distribution, stable mount.

Fischer LED-Akku Frontlicht 110 lux

• Price: £32.99
• Measured lux: 96
• Battery life: 21 hours 40 minutes (eco), 3 hours 45 minutes (max)
• Recharging: USB-C, 4 hours 45 minutes
• Weight: 122 g
• Strengths: motion sensor, clear display, good value for money.

Sigma Aura 100 USB Blaze Link

• Price: £129.95
• Measured lux: 95
• Battery life: 13 hours 50 minutes (eco), 5 hours 10 minutes (max)
• Charging: micro-USB, 5 hours 20 minutes
• Weight: 112 g
• Strengths: wide beam, lightweight, image of the light distribution on the packaging.

The three red lanterns

Lupine SL Grano

• Price: £175
• Measured lux: 66
• Battery life: 13 hours 10 minutes (eco), 2 hours 5 minutes (max)
• Recharging: USB-C, 4 hours 20 minutes
• Weight: 170 g
• Weak points: unstable brightness, no mount included, confusing interface.

Busch & Müller IXON Rock

• Price: £99.90
• Measured lux: 102
• Battery life: 24 hours 45 minutes (eco), 5 hours 30 minutes (max)
• Charging: 230 V, 2 hours 20 minutes
• Weight: 154 g
• Weak points: failed rain test, incomplete manual.

Lunivo POLAR F100 Alu

• Price: £54.95
• Lux measured: 109
• Battery life: 4 hours 45 minutes (eco), 1 hour 10 minutes (max)
• Recharging: USB-C, 2 hours 30 minutes
• Weight: 129 g
• Weak points: insufficient battery life, uneven beam, impractical mounting.

Conclusion: choose according to your route

This test highlights the importance of choosing a light that is suited to its use. In the city, a power of 30 to 60 lux is generally sufficient. For journeys outside built-up areas, even light distribution, good battery life and a stable mount are essential. Consumers are advised to test lights in-store, check their settings to avoid glare, and choose models with clear battery indicators. Finally, correct installation and regular maintenance remain the keys to effective and safe lighting.

Our recommendations

• The report emphasises several key points:
• Lamps must not cause glare: they must be designed for correct light distribution and accompanied by adjustment instructions.
• The minimum lighting duration must be five hours in economy mode, in accordance with DIN EN 33958.
• The battery indicator must be clear and precise: a simple red LED is not sufficient.
• The advertised power (lux) must be maintained over time, without automatic reduction due to temperature.
• Light distribution must be wide, uniform and stable to ensure good visibility without disturbing others.

What about those on a tight budget?

For those on a tighter budget, we conducted the same comparative test on ten LED bike light kits with approximately 30 lux, sold for between £30 and £50.

These models, often chosen for their affordable price, are intended for everyday use, particularly by children or occasional cyclists. But are they really effective for seeing and being seen?

For 30 lux models, the lighting must also be effective at 10 metres, with an even distribution of the beam. The ADAC recommends that the brightest point should be centred at mid-height on a wall five metres away from the bicycle, in order to avoid glare and ensure good visibility on the ground. In the city, 30 lux is generally sufficient to be seen. However, for journeys outside built-up areas, a more powerful or better distributed light is preferable.

Of the ten kits tested, two were rated ‘good’, seven were rated “satisfactory” and one was rated ‘adequate’. In detail, the Fischer kit stands out as the test winner, thanks to its rear light with brake light function, ten-hour battery life, good side visibility and low risk of glare. It has a measured brightness of 30 lux, a battery life of 4.5 to 9 hours 20 minutes for the front light, and a clear battery level display via five LEDs.

Our recommendations

• The report highlights several key points:
• Lamps must not cause glare: good design and precise adjustment are essential.
• The minimum battery life must be five hours in economy mode.
• The battery indicator must be clear, ideally in the form of an LED bar.
• The light distribution must be wide, even and stable.
• Coordination between the battery life of the headlight and rear light is crucial.