Updated October 26, 2022
Being able to see where you are going out on a trail ride is foremost a matter of safety. If you are caught out in low light conditions or have planned it just for pure enjoyment, a good lighting system makes all the difference.
In recent years the technology has developed significantly, creating bright, lightweight, durable, and efficient LED lamps with substantial run times.
The best MTB lights come with a variety of features in a broad price range. To help you sort through the thousands on the market, some top models have been selected as an introduction. There is a comparison table to start, followed by key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Hardtail Mountain Bikes Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best MTB Lights
- Bright Eyes Helios 1600 MTB Light
- Cycle Torch Shark 500 MTB Light
- NightRider Pro Enduro 3600 MTB Light
- Light and Motion Seca Race MTB Light
- NightRider Lumina 1200 Boost MTB Light
- Te-Rich 1200 MTB Light
- TeamObsidian LED Bike Light Set
- Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 MTB Light
Best MTB Lights Comparison Table
| Picture | Light | Brightness | Mount | Battery | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Bright Eyes Helios 1600 MTB Light | 1,600 Lumens | Handlebars Helmet | 6400 mAh Lithium-Ion | $$ | 4.3 |
  | Cycle Torch Shark 500 MTB Light | 500 Lumens | Handlebars | 2200 mAh Lithium-Ion | $ | 4.6 |
  | NightRider Pro Enduro 3600 MTB Light | 3,600 Lumens | Handlebars | Lithium-Ion | $$$$$ | 4.4 |
  | Light and Motion Seca Race MTB Light | 2,000 Lumens | Handlebars Helmet | Lithium-Ion | $$$$ | 4.6 |
  | NightRider Lumina 1200 Boost MTB Light | 1,200 Lumens | Handlebars | Lithium-Ion | $$$ | 4.5 |
  | Te-Rich 1200 MTB Light | 1,200 Lumens | Handlebars Headstrap | 4400 mAh Lithium-Ion | $ | 4.2 |
  | TeamObsidian LED Bike Light Set | 200 Lumens | Handlebars | AAA | $ | 4.2 |
  | Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 MTB Light | 1,100 Lumens | Handlebars | Lithium Ion | $$$ | 4.5 |
| Picture | Light | Brightness | Mount | Battery | Price | Rating |
Bright Eyes Helios 1600 MTB Light
- Maximum Brightness: 1600 lumens
- Light: Cree T6 LED
- Battery: external rechargeable 6400 mAh lithium-ion
- 5 Modes: low, medium, high, fast strobe, low strobe
- Battery Life: from 4-5 hours on high to 16+ hours on low
- Weight: 1.46 pounds
- Other Features: 100% waterproof, includes additional diffuser lens for a wider beam for daytime riding, handlebar mount, helmet mount accessories, tail light included
- Warranty: lifetime for the light, 1-year for the battery
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $$
Cycle Torch Shark 500 MTB Light
- Maximum Brightness: 500 lumens
- Light: Cree T6 LED
- Battery: internal rechargeable 2200 mAh lithium-ion
- 4 Modes: low, medium, high, flash
- Battery Life: from 2 hours on high to 30 hours on flash
- Weight: .22 pounds
- Other Features: IPX5 water-resistance rating (no problems in rain), handlebar mount, USB LED tail light included, 5-second no tools assembly, can be used as a flashlight
- Warranty: 1-year satisfaction guaranteed
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $
NightRider Pro Enduro 3600 MTB Light
- Maximum Brightness: 3,600 lumens
- Light: dual-head, 6 Cree LEDs
- Battery: 8-cell lithium-ion with built-in USB output, AC power adapter charger
- 5 Modes: low, medium, high, race, flash
- Battery Life: from 1.5 hours on high to >16.5 hours on flash
- Weight: 1.84 pounds
- Other Features: nylon storage pouch included, thumb-operated remote switch, handlebar center mount, easy-to-read 8-step battery gauge, glass borofloat lens, durable housing
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$$$$
Light and Motion Seca Race MTB Light
- Maximum Brightness: 2,000 lumens
- Light: 4 Cree LED array
- Battery: 3-cell lithium-ion external battery pack
- 4 Modes: low, medium, high, and pulse, and includes race mode for toggling between high and medium output
- Battery Life: from 1.5 hours on high to 12 hours on pulse
- Weight: .78 pounds
- Other Features: handlebar and helmet mounts, GoPro interface, waterproof to 1-meter of water depth with the battery connected (no problem in the rain), illuminated power button, low-runtime indicator, rubberized case
- Warranty: ask about the warranty
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$$
View More From Light and Motion
NightRider Lumina 1200 Boost MTB Light
- Maximum Brightness: 1,200 lumens
- Light: Cree LED
- Battery: lithium-ion USB rechargeable
- 7 Modes: low, medium, high, boost, pulse flash, fast flash, walk
- Battery Life: from 1 hour on high to 18 hours on walk mode
- Weight: .38 pounds
- Other Features: one-button operation, secure quick-release handlebar mount, optional helmet mount, dust and water-resistant to IP64 (no problem in the rain), can be used as a flashlight (walk mode), low-battery indicator, fiberglass reinforced nylon housing
- Warranty: lifetime for defects and LED
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$$
- Maximum Brightness: 1,200 lumens
- Light: Cree XM-L2 LED
- Battery: 4400 mAh lithium-ion with external rechargeable battery pack
- 4 Modes: low, medium, high, strobe
- Battery Life: from 4 hours on high or strobe to 12 hours on low
- Weight: .33 pounds
- Other Features: easy no-tools handlebar mount, headstrap/helmet mount, includes red tail light, made using aircraft quality aluminum, can be rotated 360 degrees laterally while mounted, overheating protection circuitry
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $
TeamObsidian LED Bike Light Set
- Maximum Brightness: 200 lumens
- Light: LED
- Battery: AAA (3 for the headlight and 2 for the rear light), not included
- 3 Modes: high, dimmed, flash
- Battery Life: up to 6 hours
- Weight: .6 pounds
- Other Features: easy no-tools handlebar mounting, adjustable focus, water-resistant, includes red LED taillight, made of aluminum and ABS, can be used as a flashlight
- Warranty: 2 years against defects
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $
Cygolite Metro Pro 1100 MTB Light
- Maximum Brightness: 1,100 lumens
- Light: LED single cell
- Battery: lithium-ion with a micro USB recharger
- 9 Modes: day – lightning flash, triple flash, zoom, night – boost, high, medium, low, steady pulse, walking
- Battery Life: from 1 hour on boost to 100 hours on walking
- Weight: .33 pounds
- Other Features: IP67 water-resistant (no problem in the rain), low battery alert, secure handlebar mount, can be used as a flashlight, light activation lock
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty against defects
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$$
MTB Lights Buying Guide
Output
The output or brightness of a light is measured in lumens. Manufacturers list the number of lumens for each light with the higher the amount the greater the brightness.
Riders traveling fast in dark conditions require bright light to be effective and remain safe. This is especially true for downhill runs. In slower conditions, a weaker beam can be acceptable.
Beam
Besides the output, the shape of the beam is important. On fast terrain, wide paths, and helmet use, a narrow, focused beam is more effective. For more technical trails with more obstacles, a wider beam revealing a broader area is best. Further advice: How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Light
Fit
It’s essential that whichever light you choose you can attach it to your chosen location, be it your helmet, handlebars, frame, or wherever you want it mounted. Many lights offer a fit to a wide range of options but some are limited. Make sure it will fit your attachment points especially if you have unusual sizing to deal with. Lots of information is usually provided by sellers. If you have any doubts, check the online comments and/or ask the seller if you don’t have a chance to try it out first.
Battery Life
The essential feature when you head out for a ride is that the battery will last the duration of your necessity for it. Most of the models we are looking at use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. A good feature is an indicator showing how much power is left. It is also good to know how long it takes to recharge them. The models reviewed here have several modes that use the power at different rates that you should be well aware of. If your light uses standard AAA batteries, then they are easily replaced if you have brought along spares.
Water Resistance
Through exposure to precipitation or wet terrain, the high possibility of getting your light wet is a consideration. Most better models are water-resistant to a degree. Be sure to check the specs to find out just how much protection it has.
Other Uses
Some lights are mountable on both the handlebars and the bike itself, as well as the helmet. If it doesn’t come with attachment gear for your set-up you can check for optional accessories to get the job done. Otherwise, it can be useful if your mountain bike light can be detached from its mount and used as a handheld flashlight. Not all models are suitable for this.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Hardtail Mountain Bikes Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Feedback and Comments
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