Best rear bike lights for increased visibility
Bike lights should be an important part of your cycling essentials all year round, but especially during the winter months when you’re more likely to be cycling in bad weather or poor light conditions. There are a wide range of rear bike lights out there to choose from, so we’ve put together a list of the best rear bike lights to help you choose.
The 10 best rear bike lights
We’ve compiled a list of the ten best rear bike lights based on their brightness (measured in lumens), visibility range, battery life, and any additional features they may offer.
Disclaimer: The prices in this list may vary depending on individual retailers and offers.
1. Lezyne Strip Drive Pro 400+
Max output: 400 lumens
Max runtime: 80 hours
Visibility: 270°
With a max output of 400 lumens and a max runtime of 80 hours, the Lezyne Strip Drive Pro ticks a lot of the essential boxes when it comes to choosing the best rear bike light. On top of that, the light comes with seven different output modes and a visibility range of 270 degrees to ensure you’re seen even in the roughest weather conditions.
Price: £49
2. Cateye Viz450
Max output: 450 lumens
Max runtime: 65 hours
Visibility: 300°
The Viz450 from Cateye boasts a max output of 450 lumens and 300-degree visibility range with a Daytime Hyperflash mode to make sure that you’ll be seen at all times of the day. This rear bike light also has a max runtime of 65 hours depending on the mode you use, with four different modes available.
Price: £39
3. Exposure Blaze Mk3 with ReAKT + Peloton
Max output: 150 lumens
Max runtime: 48 hours
Visibility: 180°
Additional features: Light and motion detectors
What sets the Exposure Blaze Mk3 apart from the rest is its ability to automatically adapt to light conditions with ReAKT. This also makes the lights shine brighter whenever you apply your brakes.
Another added feature is the Peloton mode: which makes your light automatically dim when light from a behind is detected, but not enough to compromise on your visibility. The light comes with a max output of 150 lumens, a max runtime of 48 hours, and 180-degree visibility.
Price: £115
4. Magicshine SEEMEE 300
Max output: 300 lumens
Max runtime: 200 hours
Visibility: 260° (360° with OptiTracing light)
Additional features: battery saving mode, light and motion detectors
A handy feature of the Magicshine SEEMEE 300 is its ECO mode, which conserves its battery life whilst keeping the light on once the battery runs lower than 10%. This rear bike light can also adjust to external light conditions and becomes brighter when you brake.
In addition to its 260-degree visibility, it comes with a 360-degree OptiTracing light which projects onto the floor at the rear of your bike. With a max runtime of 200 hours depending on the mode you use and a max output of 300 lumens, there’s a lot to be impressed by with Magicshine.
Price: £59.99
5. Knog Mid Cobber
Max output: 170 lumens
Max runtime: 100 hours
Visibility: 330°
Additional features: Knog Modemaker app
The Knog Mid Cobber comes with an impressive 330 degrees of visibility, up to 100 hours of runtime, and 8 light modes. You’re even able to customise the light modes available to you through the Knog Modemaker app.
Price: £66.99
6. Garmin Varia RTL515
Max output: 65 lumens
Max runtime: 16 hours
Visibility: 220°
Additional features: Rearview radar and optional camera add-on
The Garmin Varia RTL515 might be at the pricier end of our list of the best rear bike lights, but if you’re looking for a light with some really useful features, this is it. In addition to its functionality as a light, the RTL515 also acts as a radar which can alert you to approaching cars through either a compatible Garmin device or the Varia app on your phone.
Depending on the device you pair with the radar, you’ll receive an alert via a sound, vibration, or graphic when a car is approaching behind you at speed. There’s even the option to buy the Radar Tail Light with a built in camera to record your rides for your safety and peace of mind.
Price: £169.99
7. Knog Plus Rear Light
Max output: 20 lumens
Max runtime: 40 hours
Visibility: 180°
If you’re looking for a rear bike light that’s simple yet effective, the Knog Plus Rear Light may be just right for you. With a max runtime of 40 hours and 180-degree visibility at a competitive price, this rear bike light is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a cost-effective option. The light also comes with an additional clip at the back which gives you more versatility when it comes to positioning the light—whether it be on your bike or on yourself.
Price: £18.99
8. Giant Recon TL 200 rear light
Max output: 200 lumens
Max runtime: 25 hours
Visibility: 270°
Additional features: smart light sensor, light memory mode, and power status indicator
The additional features that come with the Giant Recon TL 200 rear light are what make this light stand out from the crowd. The smart light sensor can adjust to light conditions to help conserve the battery and ensure you’re seen during both day and night.
The light memory mode means that once you’ve found your preferred setting and turn off the light, it’ll still be set to the mode you last used when you turn it back on. You’ll also find the power status indicator helpful, as this can alert you when the battery is low.
Price: £34.99
9. Cateye Wearable Mini
Max output: 50 lumens
Max runtime: 550 hours
Visibility: 180°
Additional features: smart light sensor, light memory mode, and power status indicator
If you’re looking for the best rear bike light with a powerful battery, the Cateye Wearable Mini should be at the top of your list. With a max runtime of 550 hours, its compact size may surprise you, but it’s perfect for clipping onto your bike, helmet, or your rucksack—whatever works best for you.
Price: £8.99
10. Techalogic CR-1 Rear Light with HD Wide Angle Camera
Max output: 60 lumens
Max runtime: 7 hours
Visibility: 120°
Additional features: integrated camera, microphone, and G sensor
The Techalogic CR-1 gives you the best of both worlds thanks to its built-in1080p HD wide angle camera. The camera can capture both photos and videos whilst you’re out on the road, with date and time stamping to create the ideal dash cam function.
The Techalogic even comes with a G-sensor which detects impact when an accident occurs and autosaves the video footage. Video settings are easily adjusted through the RICAM app.
Price: £99.95
Whichever bike light you choose to use whilst you’re out and about on your bike, having insurance can help provide financial protection and peace of mind should you experience damage, theft, and loss of your bike.
You can also get Public Liability cover through Cycleplan, which can help cover the costs involved should you be deemed liable for injury to another person or damage to third-party property while using your bike.
Find out more about how Cycleplan can help, or get a quick online quote today.
Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.
