Getting a bike light doesn't automatically mean safety and protection. Just like any vehicle accessory, you need to get the right bike light for you.

One of the most important things you have to consider when buying a bike light is the brightness or lumens level. And in doing so, you have to think about three factors: your usual time of riding, your typical environment, and your preference. Identifying the answers to these questions will help you buy the perfect bike light.

To help you with that, we came up with a guide on how you should choose the brightness level of your bike light. We also paired it up with a bike light lumens chart to make it easier for you. Get your pens and papers now!

Your usual environment in riding

The first thing you should determine is the usual environment where you bike.

If you're usually riding on a well-lit city road, you can go off with at least 50 lumens of the front light. However, you should remember in this kind of setting that you should always have a brake light.

Just like in cars, a brake light alerts the vehicles around you should you go on full stop. If you're riding in the city, a brake light with at least 60 lumens will do.

Meanwhile, when you're used to riding in the countryside or trails with poor lighting, you should have at least 600 lumens for the front light. This level of brightness will give you the road visibility that you need.

Your usual time of riding

Determining your time of riding is the next step. 

You can go with a lower lumen level if you know you will be riding in the morning, where visibility won't be a problem. However, getting a bike light with higher lumens is essential if you know that you will be biking at night.

The average lumens level needed for daytime biking is at least 100 lumens. It's also highly recommended that your front light will be adjustable down to 50 lumens with flashing mode so that it can serve as your daytime running light as well.

On the other hand, if you will be riding at night, it's essential to have at least 200 lumens bike lights.

Your preference

Of course, you can also consider your preference in buying your bike light.

While the brightness level of your bike lights is non-negotiable, you can determine the other features of your bike light.

For instance, you should look for a bike light with long battery life regardless of its brightness level. Sure enough, you wouldn't want to stop in the middle of your ride to recharge your lights. It's also highly convenient if your bike light is USB rechargeable so that you can recharge it with your power bank, phone, or other gadgets.

There are also lots of bike lights available today that can be controlled through your smartphones. We recommend that you look for a bike light with anti-theft alerts so that you can leave your bike anywhere without worrying. 

Ready to buy your bike lights? Remember that sometimes, a bike light isn't just about brightness. Make sure that you consider these three factors.