Battery light test 2025: The three cheapest sets from Contec, Decathlon and Osram

Everyone needs a rechargeable light for retrofitting, whether to extend the season in the darker months or for travelling through tunnels. But does it have to be the high-end version costing several hundred euros? Or can you also find the right lane in the dark with an inexpensive light set from a sporting goods discounter? We tested a total of 12 light sets, here we present the three cheapest models from Osram, Decathlon and Contec at prices between 50 and 80 euros.

Battery-powered lights for bicycles have undergone significant development in recent years - not only in terms of brightness, but above all in terms of efficiency. LED technology is now standard: all manufacturers use white LEDs, which produce a lot of light from little power. However, it is not just the brightness of the light source that is decisive, but also the duration of the light so that the luminaires do not have to be constantly plugged in. Modern control systems regulate the light intensity dynamically and ensure that there is still enough light on the road even when the battery charge is running low, so that the evening drive does not end abruptly. In the systems tested, the lighting times varied between just under two and a solid six hours; the charging time to replenish the batteries is between two and five hours, depending on the model and capacity.

The cheapest set: Osram LEDs Bike Race 100E Set

• Set price: 50 euros, China (country of production) >> available here
• Weight (headlight / tail light with bracket): 127 / 44 grammes
• Headlight battery capacity: 2,400 mAh
• Front / rear light modes: 4 / 1
• Battery status display: 4-LED bar blue / red LED flashes
• Headlight/rear light operating time: 4:05 / 11:10 hrs
• Holder: Each click fastener with rubber strap

Our verdict on the Osram LEDs Bike Race 100E set

Osram LEDs Bike Race 100E Set is unbeatably affordable at a price of just 50 euros. We really liked the clear and reliable indicators on the front light. The flexible strap holders are easy to handle and offer a good grip on handlebars and seat posts with a round cross-section; however, they are too short for flat shapes such as integrated cockpits or aero posts. The lighting times are good.

The second cheapest set: Decathlon ST 930 Set

• Set price: 55 euros, China (country of production) >> available here
• Weight (headlight / tail light with bracket): 150 / 51 grammes
• Headlight battery capacity: 2,500 mAh
• Front / rear light modes: 2 / 1
• Battery status indicator: 3er LED bar white / colour change indicator
• Headlight/rear light operating time: 2:30 / 8:40 hrs
• Holder: Extension arm with screw clamp / click lock with screw clamp

Our verdict on the Decathlon ST 930 set

Apart from its somewhat clunky design, this affordable battery-powered light set scores highly in many technical categories. The rear light is flawless, is easy to operate, shines all around with its powerful light ring and, thanks to the indicator in the centre, always provides reliable information about its battery status before it has to be recharged after 8:40 hours. One small point of criticism: its holder, like that of the headlight, is not suitable for aerodynamically profiled seat posts.

The third cheapest set: Fidlock Pinclip Battery Light

• Set price: 80 Euro, China (country of production)
• Weight (headlight / tail light with bracket): 122 / 31 grammes
• Headlight battery capacity: 2,600 mAh
• Front / rear light modes: 3 / 1
• Battery status display: Colour change indicator
• Headlight/rear light operating time: 6:30 / 8:30 hrs
• Holder: each with click / twist lock

Our verdict on the Fidlock Pinclip Battery Light

With a set weight of just over 150 grams, Fidlock is one of the lightest candidates in our comparison test. A unique selling point is the magnetic pinclip fastener, which allows the headlight and rear light to be mounted as if by force of attraction; at the same time, the screw tab of the counterpart also allows mounting on slightly profiled handlebars or seat posts with a circumference of up to 45 millimetres. The light duration of the front and rear lights is sufficient even for long rides around the house in twilight, and the charging times are short. The headlight and rear light have to put up with criticism for their less practical indicators, which only provide rough information about the battery status.