Review: Cycplus L7 Radar Tail Light cycle light

When it comes to rear radar bike lights, many of us might think they’re a luxury, especially when prices are often sky high. However, the Cycplus L7 Radar Tail Light, at just over £70, offers a reasonable price point amid the many competitive options out there.

It delivers decent value, offering useful features that can enhance safety on rides, whether during the day or at night.

Easy setup and user-friendly features

Getting the L7 Radar Tail Light up and running is simple. The only thing you’ll need is a cycle computer to pair with the light, and once that’s done, you’re ready to go.

The L7 gives you three different lighting modes: constant, blinking and breathing. You can switch between these modes by pressing a button on the light itself, or you can use the mobile app to make any adjustments you need. The app is easy and straightforward to use and lets you tweak settings like brightness or mode depending on the conditions of your ride.

While the radar functionality is the highlight of this light, it’s also important to discuss how well the light itself works in terms of visibility. The L7 isn’t the brightest rear light I’ve used, but it’s certainly bright enough to keep you visible during the day or in low light conditions.

It’s important to keep in mind that this light’s strength lies more in the radar feature rather than sheer brightness.

The light comes with a number of attachments to suit your needs. You can use the brackets to hang the light under your saddle or use the straps and rubber fittings to attach the light to any part of your bike. With my Restrap saddle bag setup, it also paired perfectly with the loop at the rear – something not typical of other lights I’ve used in the past.

Impressive battery life

One of the biggest selling points of the L7 is its battery life. With a 2000mAh battery, Cycplus claims the light lasts up to 22 hours in flashing mode and 30 hours in radar mode. In my testing, these claims held up.

I found that it lasted through multiple rides without needing a charge, which is always a bonus for anyone who cycles regularly. You won’t have to worry about constantly recharging, making it a reliable option for long rides or multi-day trips.

The radar function: a real safety feature

At first, I wasn’t sure how useful the radar feature would be. It seemed like a nice extra, but I didn’t expect it to make a huge difference in my rides. However, once I took it out on the road, I quickly realised just how helpful this feature is. The radar alerts you to vehicles coming from behind, helping you stay aware of what’s going on around you.

The light has a 40-degree detection range, which means it picks up approaching vehicles and lets you know about them through a visual display on your cycle computer. The closer the vehicles get, the higher up the screen the dots move. If you’ve got sound enabled, it will also give you an audible alert, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

One of the most impressive moments during my testing happened when I was riding down a narrow country lane. As I turned a corner, looking ahead to the next turn, I was alerted to a car coming up behind me.

I hadn’t noticed or heard it, and when I quickly turned around to check, I saw the edge of the car peeking out from the bend from well over 100 metres away. I couldn’t quite believe it picked up such a small portion of the car.

With the rise in popularity of electric cars, which are much quieter than regular vehicles, this kind of early warning system is something I didn’t even realise I needed until it happened.

The radar was also fantastic for spotting vehicles hidden in my blind spot. There were several times when I didn’t notice how many cars were tucked in closely behind me, but the radar picked it up. It gave me a heads-up before they got too close, helping me stay aware and feel safer, especially when multiple cars choose to overtake you in traffic.

Convenient and clear

Whether you want to change the mode or fine tune the brightness, everything is simple to do either through the button on the light or using the mobile app. It’s not overloaded with unnecessary features, which makes it a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss around with complicated settings.

One other point worth mentioning is the design and fit of the light. It’s compact and easy to attach to your bike, and it doesn’t feel bulky or awkward, even on longer rides. It’s small enough to be unobtrusive but still packs enough of a punch in terms of functionality.

Verdict

The Cycplus L7 Radar Tail Light is a great choice for cyclists who have concerns about their safety on the road without spending too much. It’s easy to use, has an impressive battery life, and the radar feature offers an extra layer of awareness that’s especially helpful when riding in busy traffic or on narrow lanes.

While it might not have the brightest rear light, the radar is what really sets this light apart and makes it worth considering.

The L7 Radar Tail Light is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great tool that can help you feel more confident and aware of your surroundings, especially as electric vehicles become more common and quieter on the roads.

Whether you’re a commuter, weekend rider, or someone who loves long-distance cycling, this light will be a reliable companion at a reasonable price.

Other options

Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar tail light £169.99 (£129.99 at time of publishing)

Pairs with a Garmin Edge or smartphone, this bright light has a detection range of up to 140m.

Trek CarBack Radar Rear Bike Light £169.99

A claimed detection distance of 240m – much higher than the competition – is offset by the more narrow beam width.

First published in March 2025. All information correct at time of publishing.