Investing in the best bike wheel lights can help guarantee your safety when you’re out on the road.
Something like the Brightz WheelBrightz LED Bicycle Wheel Accessory Light can help make you stand out in the dark. At the same time, bike lighting wheels lets you accessorize your bike the way you want to.
With that said, we’ve put together a list of some of the best bike wheel lights on the market.
This way, it’ll be easier for you to make an educated purchasing decision.
1.Brightz WheelBrightz LED Bicycle Wheel Accessory Light (for 1 Wheel)
Best Overall
The Brightz WheelBrightz LED Bicycle Wheel Accessory Light (for 1 Wheel) is our pick as the best bike rim lights. It features 20 micro-LED bulbs stretching up to 7 feet long with up to 13 different lighting options to choose from. It’s also compatible with both adult and children’s bikes, with wheel sizes no smaller than 20 inches.
These light up bike wheels are powered by three (3) AA batteries. They can run for as long as 48 hours continuously. You may also turn the lights off via the on/off switch if your bikes are not in use.
Another selling point of these bike wheel lights is the protective tubing. They protect the LED bulbs from premature breaking. In addition to this, the tubing helps create a snug and tight fit for the lights as they’re installed on your bike’s rims. You can also add in the included zip-ties for better security.
Pros:
- Protective tubing
- Affordable
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Fits wheel sizes 20” and above
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Flimsy switch
2. Activ Life Bike Wheel Lights (2 Tires)
Most Popular
If you’ve seen bicycle tire lights before, there’s a good reason it’s the Activ Life Bike Wheel Lights (2 Tires).
These bike lights have been featured on live TV all over the United States. We’re talking about ABC, NBS, CBS, and FOX news.
Naturally, it didn’t take long for these US patented and designed bike lights to start a trend. But, unlike other products that have since become popular, these bike lights have retained its attractive price point.
These bike wheel lights are sold as a pair for 2 wheels. The batteries are already included in the package. The lights are waterproof and are designed to last.
These lights are the only brand using durable silicone bands for a secure hold. Also, for added functionality, you can switch the lights from “constant on” to “flashing”.
The latter feature will come in especially handy when you’re riding at night.
Easy to install, affordable, and durable, it’s no wonder that these bike wheel lights have become so popular.
Pros:
- Patented design
- Secure hold
- Batteries included
- Multiple lighting modes
Cons:
- Multiple complaints of faulty wiring
3. Bright Spokes Premium LED Bike Wheel Lights
Best for Brightness
When it comes to brightness, it’s hard to beat the Bright Spokes Premium LED Bike Wheel Lights.
These bike wheel lights aren’t just equipped with bright LEDs though. They’re also quite functional and customizable. You get to choose from 7 different colors and 3 lighting modes, all at the touch of a button.
Protecting the expansive and convenient lighting option is a strong silicone tube cover. It’s waterproof and can be used in all weather.
At the same time, the silicone tube helps make these wheel lights safer. It’s designed to make sure that you and the lights can be seen from all angles.
Lastly, these bike wheel lights do away with batteries. Instead, it uses fast-charging and rechargeable Li-ion batteries. All you need to do is to plug the lights in via USB cord and that’s it.
The product itself is backed by a 1-year warranty, with the batteries backed by a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- Extensive warranty coverage
- Multiple colors and lighting modes
- All-weather performance
- Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
Cons:
- Installation is time-consuming
4. Evaduol Bike Wheel Lights
Best for Warmth
Safety when riding your bicycle at night means being seen and being able to see. Most bike wheel lights are enough to do the former. Unfortunately, most don’t do enough of the latter, which is where the Evaduol Bike Wheel Lights shine.
These bike wheel lights are equipped with 20 LED bulbs that stretch up to 7 feet long. It comes with anti-slip stickers and zip ties for easy installation. It’s also powered by a USB rechargeable battery. This means that you won’t have to worry about plugging in a new set of batteries. You’ll just need to recharge the lights when you’re not using it.
Speaking of the lights, these bike wheel lights let you choose from a total of 9 different light modes. In addition to this, you can change the lights to stay constantly on or to flash, all at the push of one button.
These bike lights are designed to be waterproof. They can be immersed in water for up to 5 minutes. The lights can fit on any bike from 12-inch children’s bikes to 29-inch mountain bikes used by the average adult.
For peace of mind, these lights are backed by a 12-month warranty.
Pros:
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Weather-proof lights
- Very bright and warm
- Versatile fit
Cons:
- Poorly written instruction manual
5. Nite Ize Spokelit LED Bicycle Spoke Light
Best for Sturdiness
Most bike wheel lights are weather resistant to some degree. However, the Nite Ize Spokelit LED Bicycle Spoke Light is the only light that’s resistant to both the weather and shock. This is because of its tough plastic casing. This allows it to withstand all sorts of weather and road conditions.
In addition to its sturdiness, there are a couple of things that set these bike wheel lights apart.
First, it’s affordable. Second, it’s easy to install; you’ll just have to press and slide it into place on your wheels and that’s it. Third, the “Disc-O LED” automatically cycles through multiple colors once turned on. You can also set it from a constant on to a flashing mode for better visibility at night. Lastly, these bike wheel lights come equipped with lithium batteries.
The said batteries are said to be able to power the bike wheel lights for more than 25 hours straight on flash mode.
Pros:
- Shock-resistant plastic housing
- Tool-less installation
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Non-rechargeable 2016 3V lithium batteries
6. MAGINOVO 2 Pack LED Bike Wheel Light
Best for Budget
“Cheap” and “effective”.
These two words are the perfect fit to describe the MAGINOVO 2 Pack LED Bike Wheel Lights.
Costing less as a pair than one set of other bike wheel lights usually do, these bike wheel lights don’t have a lot of bells and whistles. You can’t exactly change the colors of the 20 bright LEDs. Instead, you’ll have to choose from one of the three colors available. But, what it lacks in customization, it makes up for in value.
In addition to lits low price, the bright LED lights of these wheel lights are wrapped with waterproof tubing. Also included in the water protection is the battery pack. This houses 3 pieces of AA batteries good for around 50 hours of light. The battery life is mostly dependent on the quality of the batteries used.
Pros:
- Low price
- Tight and secure fit
- Power-efficient
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Quality control issues
7. Lightweights for Wheels Power Reflectors
Best for Reflectors
The Lightweights for Wheels Power Reflectors separate itself from other bike wheel lights. How? Because they’re not lights.
Instead of using LED bulbs, these are mere reflectors. Each package comes with 75 precut and pre-measure rectangles, 5 circles, and 2 ovals, as well as 4 additional circles. Each package comes with enough stickers for the spokes, hub ends, teaser, as well as your helmet, and even your clothes.
Because of the wide reflective area coverage, you can rest easy knowing that other cars on the road will see you clearly at night. These reflectors will reflect any powerful light shined on you and your bike. Also, because these are reflective stickers, they don’t add much weight to your bike.
Pros:
- Simple and effective
- Lightweight
- Resistant to weather
- Takes up minimal space
Cons:
- Pricey
8. WAYNEWON Rechargeable Bike Wheel Hub Lights
Best for Waterproofing
Make your bike stand out at night with the WAYNEWON Rechargeable Bike Wheel Hub Lights.
These bike wheel lights let you express your creativity during night rides. Instead of buying 7 different bike wheel lights, you can just buy this one and switch colors at the press of a button.
There are also multiple colors and modes to choose from. This includes an automatic color changing mode.
This bike wheel light will also save you from the hassle of having to buy batteries. It’s powered by USB rechargeable batteries that can last for 5 hours straight if fully charged.
These bike wheel lights are also IP65 waterproof. This kind of rating guarantees that it can withstand all sorts of weather conditions. Also, it’s quite easy to install.
It comes with an appropriate-sized hub pad where you stick the bike wheel lights. This makes for a more convenient installation process.
Pros:
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Unique color combination
- Easy installation
Cons:
- High asking price
9. QANGEL Bicycle Spoke Light
Best for Unique Color Patterns
The QANGEL Bicycle Spoke Light might just be the best bike wheel lights on the market. At least, if color patterns are the main criteria.
These bike wheel lights are unlike any other out there. Instead of letting you choose between colors, it lets you choose between designs. It’s equipped with 36 double-sided LED lights capable of showing as many as 32 ultra-bright patterns that are sure to make your bike stand out in the dark.
It doesn’t matter how fast or how slow you are going. The image display will be clear thanks to the stabilizing sensors.
The lights are powered by three AAA batteries. They can work for up to 25 hours straight. Although, if you use better-quality batteries, you can expect the battery life to be longer.
However, as unique as the patterns are, there are two things to keep in mind with these lights.
First, the lights are not exactly as waterproof as others. They can withstand the occasional splashing, but the manufacturers don’t recommend getting the lights soaked in water. This also means that you should avoid cycling in heavy rain if possible. Otherwise, the lights might get damaged.
Second is that, although easy to install, the lights are best for bike wheels that are at least 24 inches in size. Any smaller and the lights won’t fit quite right anymore if at all.
Pros:
- Ultra-bright double-sided LED lights
- 32 light patterns available
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Relatively short battery life
- Expensive
Bike Wheel Lights Buying Guide
Below, we will highlight the different factors to consider to find the best bike wheel lights:
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Wheel Size
Most bike wheel lights should fit most bike tires. However, it’s still best to double-check and make sure that the wheel lights are compatible with your bike tire size.
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Battery Length & Durability
Just how long the bike wheel light lasts is also an important factor.
Bike wheel lights with USB rechargeable batteries are an optimal choice if battery length is the concern. This is because you don’t have to keep on buying batteries anymore. But, the problem is that, once the battery starts to deteriorate, looking for a replacement is not easy. On the other hand, AA and AAA batteries are easy to find and they are available in rechargeable variants.
Regardless of which battery type you choose, make sure that the battery housing is properly enclosed.
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Water Resistance
Most if not all bike wheel lights offer some degree of water resistance or protection. The main here is that only the best bike wheel lights can withstand all sorts of weather conditions.
Ideally, a bike wheel light should have anIP65 waterproofing rating. This signifies that it is well protected from the elements and is suitable for outdoor use.
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Ease of Installation
The ease of installation usually has something to do with how you clamp the lights to the wheels.
Some have actual clamps that you stick to the wheel spokes. Others use zip ties. There are also wheel lights that use a combination of zip ties and stickers.
Check out the mechanism used by a bike wheel light to see if it’ll be easy to install or not.
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Warmth
The warmer and brighter the color, the more that your bike stands out in the dark. This is why the warmth and brightness of the color output are important too. But, it is perhaps more important to be able to choose multiple colors. This is because some colors are just more illumination compared to other colors.
If a bike wheel light is durable, waterproof, and offers multiple color inputs, then they are a good choice.
If you can only choose one color, go for red. It’s the color that stands out the most in the dark.
Conclusion
The best bike wheel light will help keep you and your bike safe while adding some style points.
The market is full of bike wheel lights that cater to multiple needs and preferences. However, if you ask us what we think is the best, we’d have to go with the Brightz WheelBrightz LED Bicycle Wheel Accessory Light (for 1 Wheel).
The said bike wheel lights are affordable, well-protected from the elements, and available in multiple colors.
The Bright Spokes Premium LED Bike Wheel Lights are also an excellent alternative. The thing that makes these lights stand out the most is that you can choose from multiple color options and modes. This allows you to customize the light color output depending on your preference on a particular day.
Ultimately, before you make a choice, we recommend that you take a look at our complete list first. You also will want to do your research. You might also want to check out other bike wheel lights outside of our recommendations.
This way, you’ll make an informed purchasing decision that you won’t regret.
