Like other bike lights, wheel lights also increase the cyclist's visibility in traffic, especially in the dark. But compared to front and back lights, the ones you install on your tires are playful and glamorous, letting you show off your style while riding. People worldwide use them every day and are absolutely in love with the colorful patterns.
Table Of Contents
Top 6 Best Bicycle Wheel Light Comparisons
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 DAWAY LED Bike Spoke Lights | |
 Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights | |
 Monkey Light M232 | |
 Bodyguard Bike Wheel Lights | |
 Brightz WheelBrightz LED Bicycle Wheel Lights | |
 Willceal Bike Spoke Light |
Wheel Lights Basics
There is one thing that we need to get out of the way: wheel lights will not replace helmet lights or taillights. Helmet lights are strictly designed for bike safety: they illuminate the road and help you see obstacles. Wheel lights are more of a decorative choice. Even if they draw attention in traffic, they are not bright enough to illuminate your path. In other words: they aren't mandatory, but they're cool to have!
One of the Best Tools
They are considered one of the most innovative cycling gadgets. The more colorful they are and the more patterns they have, the more heads you'll turn. Even if they can never replace an old-fashioned headlight, they may allow you to spot smaller obstacles in the road since they are placed so close to the ground. Many manufacturers will sell sets for one wheel, but you should order a set for each wheel if you truly want to make your presence in traffic noticed. The majority of these kits have a battery container that's attached to the light via a subtle wire, and they are often installed on your wheel's hub. This helps them stay out of the way and not get tangled in the spokes of your tire.
Double Check
Before ordering a set, make sure that they are compatible with your bike wheels. In general, these details are mentioned on the product page. Depending on the model you choose, you can opt for a particular color or choose a combination of several colored LEDs. Some models create amazing patterns that are more visible the faster you pedal. Most wheel lights are waterproof to combat splashy puddles. Most manufacturers have designed lights that are compatible with AA or AAA batteries that require changing, but you can also purchase a set of rechargeable batteries to avoid these costs in the long run.
Since these lights add to the total wheel weight, they are often not favored by professional cyclists. The lights aren't great for gaining speed when pedaling, and they can weigh down serious cyclers on the go.
With all of that in mind, let's check out some of the coolest and most popular options for bike wheel lights.
Top 6 Best Bicycle Wheel Light Reviews
DAWAY LED Bike Spoke Lights
Add a little playfulness to your bike by opting for either the one- or two-wheel set by DAWAY. With no additional tools required, you can install this LED bike wheel light in less than 3 minutes, as long as they measure 16 inches or more. These DAWAY lights feature 30 patterns that change every 4 seconds. Since the lights are waterproof, you won't have to worry about biking through puddles or getting caught in the rain.
The installation process is fairly easy. The first step requires installing the battery, after which you have to unscrew the screws placed on the light. Next, place the light on the spoke and insert the screw from the previous step from behind, making sure that the spoke goes in the screw's groove. Tighten the nut and you're ready to go. Depending on the speed at which you're cycling, the patterns will change. When you ride above 18.6 miles per hour, the pattern given by the lights is clear and complete, but the effect is lessened at lower speeds.
Each of the lights is made from 14 LEDs, visible from both the left and right sides of the bike. Every one of these LEDs can flash in 8 different colors and are bright enough to make you visible on any road. Since a motion sensor controls the lights, they will only become active when you're pedaling. The on and off button shifts the lights to auto mode. The lights will turn off automatically when the bike has stopped for more than a minute, but you can also turn them off automatically. When placing an order, make sure that you order the two-piece set. You will have a light for each of your wheels.
Pros
Cons
Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights
With seven different colors and color combinations available, the Activ Life LED set for your bike spokes is certainly both a decorative and useful accessory. The lights resemble Christmas tree lights quite a lot. You can opt for red, green, blue, pink, or white lights, but there's also red + white + blue, or the rainbow combination for those who can't make up their minds. You'd think that this set is more suitable for a kid's bike, but the lights are compatible with all types of bikes, from 12 to 29 inches.
Each box comes with sufficient lights for a single wheel, so you may want to consider purchasing two boxes if you want both your wheels to be colorful and visible. Together with the lights, you will also receive 3 x AAA batteries and a set of zip ties. The 22 lights are easy to install and will require no additional tools. The waterproof design will make sure water isn't a challenge.
To install the set on your own wheel:
- Make sure you unscrew the battery container's cap and remove the clip.
- Place the 3 included batteries in their designated slots and test them using the ON/OFF switch. If the lights work, turn the lights off and seal the battery container.
- Move on to the rubber pad and remove the white backing so that you can stick the battery container to the pad.
- Flip the bike over so that you can easily mount the lights on the wheels. The battery container mount should go against the center hub of your wheel.
- Use the zip ties to make sure the batteries are fixed in place.
- Simply wrap the lights around the spokes at the end closest to the rim.
Pros
Cons
Monkey Light M232
The M232 bike lights are considered to be some of the most popular spoke lights on the market. The 32 full-color LEDs have an intensity of 200 lumens, being some of the brightest and most visible lights of their kind. They feature waterproof construction, too. The system requires 3 x AA batteries to work, which should provide about 20 continuous hours of use before they need replacing.
You have no less than 42 themes and patterns included, from hearts to stars, skulls, to lightning, making your bike as cool as you want it to be. The circuit board of the set is protected by a plastic coating to make it waterproof. The included battery pack is not attached to the circuit board. Instead, the pack rests on the wheel's hub and connects to the board via a wire.
The power button will allow you to select either the bright mode or the power-saving one. The other buttons will allow users to shuffle between the several available patterns or the color of the lights.
Pros
Cons
Bodyguard Bike Wheel Lights
Blue, green, pink, red, white, multicolor—you name it! The Bodyguard bike lights for wheels are a sight for sore eyes. You can switch between 4 different lighting modes: slow, medium, quick flash, and steady light. The lights work with 2 x AA batteries that are included in the package. You will also receive a set of instructions and the mounting hardware required to place these lights on your bike and enjoy a very colorful ride.
There is a battery compartment you can open with the help of a coin or screwdriver. Once accessed, you can install or change the used batteries. The lights will detect when it gets dark outside and turn on automatically. They also detect motion and will turn off once the bike has stopped.
Pros
Cons
Brightz WheelBrightz LED Bicycle Wheel Lights
You're bound to turn some heads with the Brightz lights set. The 7 feet of micro LED lights are available in several different colors and chromatic combinations: blue, gold, green, orange, pink, purple, red, white, patriotic, multicolor and color morphing. The multicolor option doesn't actually switch between colors; you have to order the color morphing set for that. Starting with every wheel that's over 20 inches, the Brightz lights should be compatible with just about every tire size. The lights operate with 3 x AA batteries which are not included in the pack. It's important to know that the lights are only compatible with wheels with an average number of spokes, not too low or too high.
Upon ordering a kit, you will receive two strings of micro LEDs in waterproof tubing. A battery pack is also connected to the tubing (the whole setup is pretty similar to Christmas tree lights). The tubing comes with two end caps for both its ends and six mounting ties for each of the two strings. With 3 AA batteries, you should get about 48 hours of continuous use.
Pros
Cons
Willceal Bike Spoke Light
Each pack contains six different lights that come in either the same color or multicolor combination. If you want a single color on all 6 of them, you can choose between blue, green, orange, pink, red, and white. Each light is very easy to install and does not require any additional tools. The lights can operate in 3 different modes: steady glow, slow and fast flashing. The lights are fueled by replaceable batteries and are compatible with every type of 2 mm spoke. Installing them is super easy, as all you have to do is press the light against the spoke until it's fixed.
Made of flexible silicone, each of the lights is waterproof to ensure durability and peace of mind when riding in the rain or crossing a deep puddle. Inside the package, you will find six individual lights and 12 zip ties for easy installation. Attach each of these lights using 2 of the 12 included zip ties. Each light is powered by a CR2032 battery that will provide enough power for 48 hours of continuous use. A button is included on the upper side of each lamp that turns the light on and off. Since the lights are dependable on the thickness of the spokes, they are compatible with every bike size.
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
Since the two main goals of wheel lights are to make you visible and cool, the Monkey Light M232 set is our favorite, and one of the best options if you're into street cycling. The 200 lumens that power the LEDs are bright enough to make it easier to be spotted in traffic. Powered by 3 AA batteries, the lights will last about 20 hours before the batteries need replacing. The 42 available themes are a real hoot. You can stand out by selecting patterns such as hearts, skulls, rockets, fireballs, or atoms.
You can also set the lights to shuffle mode, and you won't have to waste time thinking about which pattern to pick. You will have to order another separate set if you want to mount lights on both of your bike's wheels but, trust us, the visual effects are truly worth it!
However, you'll have to pedal pretty fast to get the beauty of a full pattern. For that reason, riding in the big city at slow speeds may be frustrating, as patterns are best seen on the open road, where you can reach a more generous speed.
If you’re looking for something with more protection, check out Bikemunk’s other guides!
Best Bicycle Helmet: Get the very best equipment to ensure your little one’s safety!
Bicycle Mirrors: Watch for traffic and safely cross the road with helmet- or handlebar-mounted bike mirrors.