AndyCine R1 RGB Pocket Light: The Tiny Light I Actually Use on My E‑Bike
July 2, 2020
If you’re into EV life—e-bikes, e-motos, one-wheels, scooters—visibility is safety. And if you’re also into shooting content (even casually), portable lighting is one of those things you either never carry… or you carry all the time.
The AndyCine R1 RGB Pocket Light is one of the rare gadgets that’s earned a permanent spot in my kit because it pulls double duty: it’s a legit little RGB light for creative work, and it’s also become one of my favorite “why didn’t I do this sooner?” upgrades for riding—especially as a super-bright rear light.
Why I Wanted a Pocket Light Like This
For a while my go-to portable lighting setup leaned on larger, more traditional options. They’re great when I’m intentionally building a lighting setup, but I kept wanting something smaller and lighter—something I could toss in a bag, mount quickly, and use as an accent or backlight without thinking.
That’s exactly where the AndyCine R1 fits.
First Impressions and Build Quality
The R1 is about the size of a phone (just under 5 inches), and that small footprint is the entire point. It doesn’t feel like a flimsy “toy light” either—it's encased in aluminum and has a diffuser layered over the front, so it comes across more heavy-duty than you’d expect for something this compact.
I also like that it keeps controls simple: there’s an LCD display and straightforward adjustment for RGB colors and color temperature. No drama, no digging through a confusing app when I just want light now.
In the box, it comes with a USB‑C charging cable, a hot shoe mount, and a carrying pouch—enough to get started immediately.
Real-World Use: The Best Place I’ve Mounted It
Here’s the fun part: my favorite use for the AndyCine R1 isn’t on a camera.
I’ve been running it as a tail light on my Super73 Z1.
Why use a video light as a tail light?
Because output matters.
The R1 is bright enough to be seen from long distances, and it stays visible even during the daytime. That’s the big win for me. When I’m riding in traffic, I want to feel confident that cars can see me—and with the R1 on the rear, I feel noticeably safer.
This is one of those EV lifestyle upgrades that doesn’t just look cool; it changes how comfortable I feel taking a lane, riding at dusk, or rolling through busy stretches.
How I mounted it
To attach it to the tail of my Z1, I used:
A small clamp
A 1/4" male to 1/4" male adapter
Because the light is so compact, it’s easy to position without it sticking out awkwardly or getting in the way.
Powering it for longer rides
The R1 has an internal 3600 mAh lithium-ion battery, and in my experience you’re looking at roughly 2–3 hours depending on brightness.
If you crank brightness all the way up (which is exactly what I want for a tail light), internal battery life goes fast. So I’ve also run it with an external battery using a USB‑A to USB‑C cable. That turns it into a much more practical “set it and forget it” rear light for longer rides.
Lighting Effects: Cool, But Not My Main Reason to Buy
The R1 includes seven lighting effect simulations.
They’re fun to have, and they can absolutely be useful for certain creative setups. But in my day-to-day use, they feel more like a bonus than a core feature. I’m mainly using this light for strong, clean output and the ability to go red (and stay bright) when I’m riding.
Things To Consider (Before You Buy It for EV Use)
This light works great on an e-bike, but it’s not a purpose-built bike light, so there are a couple real caveats.
Battery is small and non-removable
The biggest con is that you’re limited by the internal battery, and it’s not removable. If you need long runtimes with no external power—like long shoot days or long rides—plan on bringing a battery bank.
Not waterproof
This is a big one if you’re thinking “tail light.” The R1 isn’t waterproof without some kind of case or protection. If you ride in unpredictable weather, you’ll need to solve for that.
What We Like
Small “phone-sized” light that mounts almost anywhere
Durable aluminum body with a diffuser up front
Strong output for such a compact light (great for visibility)
RGB color control plus adjustable color temperature
Can be used creatively for filming and practically for EV riding
USB‑C charging and easy to extend runtime with an external battery
Things To Consider
Internal battery is limited at full brightness, and it’s non-removable
Not waterproof without additional protection
Lighting effects are more of a novelty than an everyday feature (for me)
Final Thoughts
The AndyCine R1 is the kind of gadget I love: it’s made for creators, but it fits perfectly into real EV life.
As a pocket RGB light, it’s compact, sturdy, and flexible enough to throw into any kit. As an e-bike tail light, it’s been a surprisingly practical safety upgrade because it’s bright enough to be seen even during the day—something a lot of small bike lights struggle with.
If you want a solid RGB pocket light that you can also repurpose for riding, the R1 is an easy recommendation—just plan for external power if you’re running full brightness, and don’t ignore the weatherproofing piece.
Links
AndyCine R1 RGB Pocket Light - https://amzn.to/2An2XqB
SmallRig 25mm Rod Clamp - https://amzn.to/3dsWGY8
1/4" Male to 1/4" Male Adapter - https://amzn.to/311fqLC
Want a discount on your Super73? Use my promo code here: https://www.talkable.com/x/fqj0WT
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/