HID Lights vs. LED Lights - Which One Is Better for Your Bike

If you’re a rider, you know how important the light is when riding your bike, especially at night. It’s one of the must-have things because, without it, it will be difficult for you to see road signs, hazards and even other motorists will have a hard time seeing you. That’s why you need to have an efficient, functional and the right kind of light for your bike. 

There are two kinds of light that are fit for the standards: the HID light and the LED light. Here, we will discuss their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision when choosing a light for your bike. 

Let’s get to it! 

What Are HID Lights?

First, let’s define what HID light is. HID lights or High-Intensity Discharge lights are the oldest types of electrical light. It’s a family of gas-discharge arc lamps, which create light by sending an electrical discharge between two electrodes and through a plasma or ionised gas. 

People use HID lights to light a large area. For example, the street lamps and floodlights in stadiums use HID lights. Its light refraction is usually white, and it is twice as efficient as halogen lights. 

What Are the Benefits of Using HID Lights? 

The first benefit of using HID lights is that they will provide a broader and more tunable beam pattern. They are also easier to repair in most developing countries, and you can save a lot of money on its cost, especially if you don’t ride off-road. 

But note that if you use auxiliary lights on the street, make sure to check your local laws before buying because it may be prohibited since HID lights can cause blinding on the oncoming traffic.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using HID Lights?

The downside of using HID lights is that some of its emitted energy is infrared. So, in terms of lighting output, it’s a total waste of energy. You are not just wasting energy, but you are also wasting money, so it’s not a good choice if you’re looking for something inexpensive and energy-efficient. 

What Are LED Lights?

Now, let’s talk about LED lights. LED or the Light-Emitting Diode produces light when it transfers current through a semiconductor, called a diode. Essentially, LED produces light when power is applied to it. The frequency of its emitted light can be adjusted, resulting in a change in colours. 

LED lights are commonly used today. You can see them on your cell phone, laptop and other various things. Unlike HID lights, LED lights are just small and have low power consumption. They also have low current applications and generate very minimal heat. 

What Are the Benefits of Using LED Lights?

If you use LED lights, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of having energy-efficient and long-lasting lights. It can last for about 100,000 hours or more, unlike HID lights that only last 10,000 to 25,000 hours. 

Additionally, LED lights produce very high light quality, and they only have low maintenance costs. 

What Are the Disadvantages of LED lights?

LED lights have very few advantages. The only problem you can encounter is that LED lights only require far fewer accessory lamp parts. 

Conclusion

Now that you know about HID lights’ and LED lights’ pros and cons, you can now determine which of them is the best for your bike. But, if you’re going to ask us, we suggest you go with LEDs. Why? Because LEDs are much more affordable, energy-efficient and are an excellent light source for your vehicle. But, the final decision will still fall to your personal preference. As long as you understand the things we’ve discussed, you can make an informed decision when choosing a light for your bike. 

If you’re looking for the best bike lights, get them at Cushbike! We sell premium bike lights and bike reflectors that can make you see and will let you be seen. Browse our shop and place your order with us today!