The Vangogo LED Bike Light Set is one of the best budget bike light sets I have come across. The unique configuration of the front light makes for good vision while you are cycling, without the dreaded situation of blinding oncoming motorists and cyclists. And because the front light is a robust 500 lumens, it helps to make cycling in the dark safer. The rear light also has an unusual configuration, making the most of a small light. All in all, a very good deal – less than $35 at Amazon.
Here are the Vangogo lights on Maggie’s handlebars. To show them both we put the tail light on the front handlebars, on the left
Here is a stock photo that shows more clearly the front light and the tail light included in the Vangogo bike light setUnboxing the Vangogo Bike Light Set
As a budget bike light, I was not expecting that this light would earn a permanent place on any of our bikes. However, when I took it out of the box, it had a pleasingly solid weight to it. This made me more optimistic about the light, as it did not feel like the rubbishy plastic bike lights that have flooded the market in recent years. We have decided to keep these lights permanently on Maggie’s bike. My own Haibike has built-in lights.
The lights come with a printed 17-page manual (in various languages). I give Vangogo top marks for effort on this one, as I have become irritated that items like a $200 set of headphones now often come with just one page of picture-only instructions, and leave you to figure out the details yourself. That said, I was able to figure out how to use the lights without actually reading the manual.
Charging with USB Cables
You can see the charging level at a glance – unusual at this price pointBefore trying out the lights, I charged both of them with the included USB cables. It was nice not having to search for cables, but as they are both generic micros USBs, I do have about a dozen lying around somewhere!
Amazingly for such a budget bike light, both of the lights have charging indicators. On the front light, you know you are fully charged (usually 3.5 hours) when the green lights stop flashing. On the rear light, you know you are fully charged when the charging light changes from red to green.
Installation
It was super easy to install the front light on my handlebars, using the included mount. No tools required! The rear light is installed with a simple rubber strap threaded around your saddle post.
Everything you need is in the box. Plus, there’s actually a manual!The Front Light in the Vangogo Bike Light Set
Vangogo aim to help you see, without blinding others. 500 lumens is plenty to see your path aheadAs mentioned, this 500-lumen front bike light has an unusual configuration. The aim of the manufacturers is simple: to light up the road right in front of your front wheel, without blinding oncoming traffic. They aim to achieve this with what they call an eco-reflex optical lens. This is a curved lens that collects the light from the LED light by reflection, with almost no loss. The area lighted up includes the area occupied by your front wheel, but does not arc up to blind others.
The front light has an eco-reflex optical lensI am making a video to show how well these lights work, and will insert it in the post as soon as I am done editing and uploading.
Waterproof Level
A waterproof rating of IPX-5 means this bike light can withstand jets of waterIn terms of waterproofness, this bike light is rated at IPX 5. This means it will resist water jets, and that “Water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.” So, unless you plan to cycle underneath a waterfall for extended periods, this light should keep shining, regardless of rain, sleet, and snow!
The Tail Light in the Vangogo Bike Light Set
For a free extra, this is a pretty nice little tail lightThis light is included in the set as a “free rear light.” As such, don’t expect a premium light! However, it’s not a bad little 8-lumen light. Personally, I would spend money on a brighter tail light, but if you are in the market for a complete budget bike light set, it’s adequate. It has two light levels, and also a quick flash mode. However, as I reported in another post (When to Use Flashing Bike Lights), many cyclists find flashing rear lights really annoying (some even get disoriented and develop headaches). So, you might be best advised not to use the flashing mode.
Warranty
Vangogo offers a 12 months warranty, during which time they will replace or repair the lights.
Bottom Line on the Vangogo Bike Light Set
This is a great product for the price. The front light is impressive, and the rear light is adequate. This is a well-made product, and much better than I expected for a budget bike light set. Also, the front light is bright and hefty enough to double up as a flash light, once you get off the bike. Get yourself one from Amazon, and see for yourself!
See also: Our Complete Guide to Bike Lights
And: 3 Best Affordable Bike Lights
And also: 7 of the Best Bike Lights
Technical specs of the Vangogo Bike Light Set
Front Bike Light
Waterproof Level: IPX-5
Weight: 160 g
Lumens: 500
Lighting distance: about 656 feet
Charge port: Micro USB (2.0)
Charge time: 3.5 hours
Operating times:
High – about 2.5 hours
Medium – about 3.5 hours
Low – about 6.5 hours
Fast flash (100 lumens): about 6.5 hours
Slow flash (100 lumens): about 13.5 hours
Taillight
Waterproof Level: IPX-4
Weight: 26 g
Lumens: 8
Charge port: Micro USB (2.0)
Charge time: 1.5 hours
Operating times:
High – about 3.5 hours
Medium – about 4.0 hours
Fast flash: about 5 hours
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