More than likely, if you’re shopping for the best lights for an electric scooter, you take safety seriously. At a minimum, a good set of lights should be easy to install. They also should aid in improving visibility — not just for motorists but also for you since the built-in lights on electric scooters aren’t typically that strong.
Scooter lights make it easier for motorists to see you during night rides or in low-light conditions. For this reason, you also want lights that are properly located on your scooter so that they’re easily visible. Of course, other factors like dimension compatibility or longevity also come into play. But, if you like the idea of combining style and function, this product category can achieve those goals.
Keep reading our best lights for electric scooters guide to learn more. And if you’ve just started your scooter search, check out our best electric scooter buying guide.
Top Lights for Electric Scooters
#1 EverBright 30CM-5050-12SMD Lights
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This product comes with a sticky backing so you can easily slap it wherever you need it. You also don’t have to worry about damage from liquids since this is a fully-resistant system. This product can be placed pretty much anywhere.
- Resistant to liquid damage
- Self-adhesive system
- Extensive application
- Prone to burning out
This blue LED strip is totally waterproof with a IP67 rating. You won’t have to worry about riding in the rain. It’s 11.8” long so it has enough length for most electric scooter decks. This light strip is flexible in nature which makes it less prone to breaking or snapping. Unfortunately, it has been reported that after a few months these lights are prone to going out. Keep an eye out for flickering or dimming.
You can place this product essentially anywhere. It has a mulitude of applications, such as decorating a car’s interior, going on a boat deck, or even in a trunk. The strip offers 200 lumens of brightness, increasing your safety while riding at night. It holds around a 50,000 hour lifespan so you won’t have to replace it anytime soon. The low 12V output means that it is safe to handle and use but has enough power to have longevity.
#2 Outair USB Rechargeable Lights
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This highly compact model is extremely easy to install. It comes packed with 20 lumens of brightness so you can easily see your way around and improve your visibility to others. You also don’t need to use batteries to power it.
- Highly compact system
- Doesn’t require batteries
- Extremely easy to install
- Only has 20 lumens
This light strip is USB rechargeable. That means you don’t have to invest in expensive batteries. It’ll take around three to four hours for a full charge, which allows for 4 – 10 hours of bright ride time. This depends on a few factors, like the color mode or setting used. However, 20 lumens may not be enough for some people. Pitch black conditions will be made only marginally better by this light.
It’s both easy to install and a breeze to use. You won’t have to use screwdrivers or any other tool to get them on your electric scooter. Instead, it’s attached to a small cage that will snap right onto your scooter’s handlebars. It’s also shock-proof, so rough terrain shouldn’t dislodge it. You also don’t have to worry about rain or wet conditions since it’s waterproofed, as well. It has an IPX4 rating.
#3 Stupidbright Micro LED Lights
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Award: BEST FOR PITCH BLACK CONDITIONS
WHY WE LIKE IT: No tools are necessary to install this compact model. It has a universal mount that can attach to just about any handlebar. The light is high intensity so you can rest assured that you’re safer and can see further.
- High-intensity light
- Universal mounts
- No tools required
- Might be too small
As the name suggests, this ultra-bright LED light set offers 150-degree visibility. It packs 50 lumens of brightness in, ensuring high visibility for both you as well as other motor vehicles. This is also a highly compact set of lights. On the other hand, being so compact means it’s on the smaller side. If you want to add a better aesthetic rather than add a safety measure, this isn’t a good fit.
It mounts from a universal frame system that will snap onto any handlebars 1.5” in diameter or smaller. These are great for letting other motor vehicles know that you’re around. No tools are required and it’ll strap on in just seconds. We also enjoy that they’re shock-proof and waterproof. This means that tough terrain, even when it’s wet outside or raining, shouldn’t pose any problems during your ride.
#4 DANCRA LED Strip Lights
Award: BEST FOR LIGHTING OPTIONS
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has 19 dynamic modes, allowing you to completely customize your experience. There is a mini-controller included for this purpose. It also includes double-sided tape for easier installation.
- Comes with a mini controller
- Includes double-sided tape
- 19 dynamic modes for lights
- Powered by batteries
We enjoy the multiple lighting options that are offered. There is a 3-key compact controller that can switch through 20 different color modes as well as 19 different dynamic modes The different keys on the remote control change the speed, brightness, and mode independently. Unlike other models, these lights are battery-powered. This can present a challenge to some users since batteries are generally a hot commodity in any household.
The installation process is easy because the battery box has double-sided tape already on it. This allows you to stick it to the undercarriage with ease. It is also driven by four double A batteries. This battery box has a handy on-off switch, as well. These strips measure in at 2.6ft in length and are 2” wide. This makes them the perfect size to fit right underneath your electric scooter’s deck.
#5 Jirvyuk IPX6 Lights
Award: BEST FOR ADDING DAZZLING COLOR
WHY WE LIKE IT: This product packs in seven different styles for color that you can change on a whim. It also has a long-lasting battery. There are 160-lumens so you can rest assured that other motor vehicles will see you even after dark.
- Seven different styles
- Long battery life
- High lumen count
- Limited installation choices
There are seven colors and 14 different light modes to choose from. The modes include monochrome, breathing, fast flash, and more. For colors, you can choose between blue, red, white, pink, green, blue, and yellow. This provides an incredible amount of customization. However, this was originally a light system meant for bikes. Because of this, the only reasonable place to install it will be on the handlebar of your scooter.
This is an ultra-bright option with a brightness of up to 160 lumens depending on the color and mode you choose. It is rechargeable through a USB port with a run time of around 10 hours depending on the modes you’re using. You can charge it easily through a computer or wall port with a USB adapter. It has an IPX6 waterproof rating and is shock resistant. The rear light cover is made of a thickened silicone pad.
#6 Hapo Mi Scooter Accessories Lights
Award: BEST FOR UNDERCARRIAGE LIGHTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This waterproofed and shock resistant accessory has great longevity. We also enjoy the multiple color modes that you can choose between. There are seven colors available and 14 different modes. There is even a rainbow function.
- Sealed and insulated
- Waterproofed
- Multiple color modes
- Tricky connection style
The lamp belt on this LED system is sealed, insulated, and waterproof. This means that cold, wet, or rough terrain won’t be enough for it to so much as budge. You’ll choose between monochrome, multi-color gradients, multi-color flashing, marquee, constant light, and more. However, the connection direction must be correct. Follow the instructions carefully or this light strip won’t work properly.
In this kit, you’ll receive a waterproof battery case to keep it working even in the rain. You’ll also get a cable tie to make sure everything is securely fastened. There is double-sided tape for installation purposes, as well. This is all you need for the relatively simple installation process on your electric scooter’s deck. It is literally built to work with electric scooters so you know that installation will be a breeze and it’ll fit your scooter deck correctly.
Beginner’s Guide to Lights for Electric Scooters
What are Lights for Electric Scooters?
Electric scooter lights are a straightforward product category. While most e-scooters come with built-in lights, they may not be as powerful as you would prefer. Traditionally, scooters will feature main headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. However, depending on their placement and design, they could be too low for oncoming traffic to see or might not provide enough light for you to safely ride in poor visibility conditions, such as during night rides.
This is why aftermarket lights are a popular option for electric scooter owners. These lights are usually LED strips designed to be installed on your scooter to aid in safety and visibility. An added bonus is that often they’re not only brighter than the built-in lights but can also add a cool factor to your ride. Usually, they’re added along the length of the front of the stem or to the sides of the board. Thankfully lights don’t add much weight to your ride, which makes them an ideal upgrade even for the lightest electric scooter.
Lights for Electric Scooters vs. Other Lights
As we mentioned before, many electric scooters do come standard with built-in lights. However, many people are surprised to find that these scooters aren’t intended for use at night, even with that support. This is because those lights aren’t very powerful and can reduce not only the rider’s visibility but oncoming motorists’ ability to see them as well.
But another reason is that the lights rely on the scooter’s battery for power, and sustained rides with the lights on will drain your battery faster. Typically, the built-in lights also tend to feature poorer optical quality and are underpowered LEDs. In addition, the lighting may be heavily dispersed, being too dim to be effective.
Unlike built-in scooter lights, you can find aftermarket options designed either to be attached to your scooter or you. For example, you can find clip-on rear lights that can be attached to your backpack or the back of your shirt or jacket. An added benefit is that these independent lights are USB-rechargeable, making them an affordable solution for anyone that wants to ride at night — but safely. Similarly, many people opt for finding the best electric scooter horn to also create a safer riding experience.
Not only do aftermarket scooter lights offer better lumens output, but they also come in a range of configurations. Along with the clip-on option, you have LED strips and even strap-on designs for bright headlights. But even though aftermarket scooter lights are an excellent solution for visibility, some models can present functionality issues. In particular, you may find that aftermarket brake lights must stay on continuously as opposed to only being activated as you’re slowing down.
How Lights for Electric Scooters Work
Built-in electric scooter lights can be halogen or LEDs and can work in many different ways. They are usually wired into your scooter’s electrical system, so they rely on its battery to function properly. As a result, every time you ride with your lights on, you’re drawing more power and are ultimately reducing the distance you can travel between charges.
Aftermarket lights can work in one of two ways. Clip-on and strap-on lights operate independently of your scooter’s power system and instead can be charged via USB. The benefit of this is that you don’t have to compromise on the range in the name of safety.
Alternatively, some lights do need to be wired into your scooter’s electrical system. While they’re still far more powerful than the factory-issued lights, the downside is that they’re draining your battery every time you use them.
Why You Should Buy Lights for Electric Scooters
Safety is an important concern. Even if you don’t ride at night, early morning or dusk rides can put you at risk of being invisible to motorists. Beyond the cool factor of a vivid LED strip, the last thing you want is to put yourself in danger when you’re on the road. In truth, there are very few valid reasons to support not upgrading the lights on your electric scooter.
Are Lights for Electric Scooters Worth Buying?
- You’re Concerned About Safety: Hands down, safety should be a priority when you ride a personal mobility device like an electric scooter. Even for people who don’t ride at night, riding in overcast, hazy, or foggy conditions can also cause poor visibility.
- Your Built-in Lights Aren’t Powerful Enough: We can’t stress enough that most electric scooters have poor output when it comes to their lights. And one of the biggest upgrade categories you’ll find is in improving the lights.
- Your Scooter Didn’t Come with Lights: Not having lights is just as bad — if not worse — than having poor quality lights. Built-in lights aren’t a standard feature for electric scooters. So, if your ride didn’t come with lights, it’s a good idea to upgrade your lighting situation.
Why Lights for Electric Scooters May Not Be for You
- You Don’t Have an Electric Scooter: Probably one of the few valid reasons for not investing in lights for your scooter is because you don’t have one. If you don’t have a scooter, you have no need for lights.
- You Don’t Ride in Poor Visibility Conditions: The likelihood that someone will never ride their scooter when lighting conditions aren’t ideal is pretty slim. But if you’re a conscientious rider who only hops on their scooter in sunny morning or mid-day weather, you might not need to upgrade your lights.
How Long Will Lights for Electric Scooters Last?
The short answer is, it depends. Strictly speaking, electric scooters have a lifespan similar to other personal mobility devices like hoverboards. In other words, your scooter frame will last for as long as you care for it, but you’ll most likely need to replace the lithium-ion battery every three to five years.
In terms of the lights, it depends on whether your lights are halogen or LEDs. Halogen lightbulbs tend to have a lifespan of roughly 2,000 hours or two years — assuming that you ride your scooter for three hours a day. In contrast, LEDs have a lifespan as high as 50,000 hours or 11 years, based on an eight-hour daily consumption rate.
How to Choose the Best Lights for Electric Scooters
Functionality and safety should be your primary concerns when you’re shopping for the best lights for your electric scooter. Even if you’re happy with your scooter’s built-in lights and just want to add more lighting to look cool, think about how easily you can add lights to your scooter and if you need tools to do so.
Best Lights for Electric Scooters Key Factors to Consider
1. What is the lumen output?
Lights are rated in a measurement known as lumens, which refers to how bright the light is. For an electric scooter, keep in mind that you not only need to rely on lights to see where you’re going but to alert motorists to your position. And built-in scooter lights are notoriously poor. As a general guide, the higher the lumen rating, the brighter and more powerful the light.
2. How is the light attached to your scooter?
Do you want lights that integrate into your scooter’s electrical system or a simple solution that can be clipped or strapped into place? There are benefits and drawbacks to both options. But someone who is looking for a fast solution may prefer detachable lighting solutions.
A light that has to be formally installed can be ideal since you don’t have to worry about adjusting it. However, if it’s drawing off of your scooter’s battery power, you’re reducing the distance you can ride between charging sessions. Conversely, strap-on and clip-on lights can be easy solutions that you remove and recharge via USB when the battery dies. You don’t have to worry about prematurely draining your scooter battery.
3. Where and when will you be riding?
If you plan on riding at night or when visibility is poor — such as when it’s foggy, rainy, or hazy — you need good lighting. Also, remember that riding in overcast conditions even if there is no rain can create visibility issues, causing motorists not to see you.
4. How much are you looking to spend?
As compared to many other products, aftermarket electric scooter lights are a very affordable category. You can easily purchase a good set of lights for headlights, rear lights, and even stem strips without spending even $100.
