Magicshine markets the VIVEE 50 as a design-forward smart taillight for riders who want visibility, simplicity and style. It is a unique looking halo style taillight that packs an impressive range of features into a compact form factor. The taillight retails for $39.99 and features a 50 lumen output COB LED arranged in a halo-like ring. Despite the budget price, the VIVEE 50 is compatible with the FTR LightSync remote for single button power on and off of the VIVEE 50 and a compatible headlight. Magicshine has also incorporated a brake sensor and their PelotonSync Flash feature to automatically synchronize the flash pattern with nearby VIVEE 50 taillights.
The Magicshine VIVEE 50 is a stylish halo-style bike taillight with Magicshine’s latest tech and a replaceable battery.
| Retail Price | $39.99 |
| Rating | 8.4 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 29 (taillight), 4 (GoPro adapter), 8 (seatpost mount) |
| Likes | + Removable battery module is a welcome feature + Full 360 degree visibility thanks to the extended Halo style lens + FTR LightSync compatible with modern USB-C charging |
| Dislikes | – Lacks focused LED for longer distance visibility |
| Where to Buy (US) | Magicshine 15% OFF coupon code: “TheSweetCyclists” |
UNBOXING
The Magicshine VIVEE 50 comes in a small orange and black cardboard box with a glossy graphic of the taillight printed on it and specs on the side and rear. Inside the box you’ll find:
- VIVEE 50 taillight
- Seatpost mount w/ multiple rubber adapters + short / long rubber strap
- GoPro adapter mount
- USB-C charging cable
- User manual
Note, the VIVEE 50 is compatible with FTR LightSync but the remote is not included.
MOUNTING
The Magicshine VIVEE 50 can be mounted to a seatpost or GoPro adapter right out of the box. A simple rubber strap style seat post mount is included with different length straps to accommodate round and aero seatposts. The light slides onto the mount and has magnets integrated into it to help with positioning. Once it is locked in place, it is secure and wobble free thanks to the lightweight of the taillight. There is also a GoPro adapter included for seat rail mounting which consists of a plastic tab with the GoPro prongs molded in. With either mount, the VIVEE 50 is easy to slide out of the mount for charging or to remove from the bike while parking outdoors.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the VIVEE 50 is a new cylindrical design we haven’t seen with other Magicshine taillights like the SEEMEE series. The taillight has a transparent round ring design that was inspired by cosmic orbits. It’s a sleek taillight that looks clear with the light off and turns red with the light on. The power switch and battery are placed inside the hollow ring which allows the lens to be set all the way back. One of the exciting features of the light is the removable battery that Magicshine calls a QuickSwap Energy Module. At the time of this review, the battery module is not listed for sale but we’d expect it to be a fraction of the cost of the light itself. It’s exciting to see more sustainable designs like this which would let you extend the runtime of the taillight or extend the lifespan of the taillight by swapping out batteries once one dies.
One of the unique features of the VIVEE 50 is the lens design which utilizes a distinctive round design. There is a COB LED ring placed at the inner edge of the ring which gets reflected off the textured surface on the surface of the lens. It’s an eye-catching design that doesn’t look like most taillights on the market that typically reflect the light off a larger front surface. This design is similar to the Magicshine SEEMEE 50 and it helps light up the entire lens for 360 degree visibility. With the battery and power button placed inside the ring, the LEDs are placed quite far back which gives the taillight a slim appearance. The only downside to this lens design is the lack of a focused LED for longer distance visibility like you’d find on the higher output Magicshine taillights.
USER INTERFACE
The Magicshine VIVEE 50 has a single button user interface with the button in the center of the light. It’s a similar illuminated button design as other Magicshine lights that will either be lit up green, yellow or red to reflect the current battery status. Holding the button turns the light on and off, while a single press cycles through the available options. Magicshine also lets you disable the brake sensor feature by double pressing the button and then holding the button for three seconds with the light on. A constant cyan color indicates the sensor is one while a flashing light indicates it is off. As with other Magicshine lights, there is also a simple lock out mode that can be enabled by holding the button for around five seconds. In the lockout mode, the button flashes red and the light cannot accidentally be turned on while traveling or being stored.
LIGHT OUTPUT
Magicshine has kept the VIVEE 50 modes simple with two constant modes and three flash options. The two constants modes are a low (6 lumen / 9 hr runtime) and a high (15 lumen / 4 hr). The more interesting modes are the flash options which are a night time flash (15 lumen / 20 hr) that pulses from low to high. Daytime flash unlocks the full 50 lumen output with 23 hour runtime and has an erratic flashing pattern to attract attention. For the longest runtime, Eco Flash is a 10 lumen mode that goes off-low-off-low-high and has 25 hour runtime. With the curved design of the lens, all the light modes light up the entire body of the lens creating excellent side visibility. However, the lack of a focused LED means the light isn’t that visible during the day or from longer distance.
Instead, we think the VIVEE 50 is better suited for commuters or urban riders looking for a stylish light on a budget. The light looks best at night with its distinctive illumination pattern that reflects light off the grooves on the surface of the lens. We found the flash modes had great runtimes, but it was not nearly as daytime visible compared to lights like the Trek Flare or even the Seemee 100 as the curved COB LEDs have a much wider beam. The additional FTR LightSync feature is a nice addition if you already have the remote and makes it easy to power on a headlight and taillight with a single button. As with other Magicshine lights, the brake sensor works well but can be sensitive and reduces the runtime which is why we recommend leaving it off.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Magicshine VIVEE 50 to be a stylish and unique bike taillight. Magicshine has created a new design that deviates from the Seemee series by using a Halo style COB LED lens. The combination of a extended lens and inset battery module give the VIVEE 50 a futuristic appearance. We appreciate the fact that Magicshine has made the battery module removable as a way to extend the runtime or lifespan of the taillight. The light is also small and easy to mount with its combination of magnet and tab mounts. As far as negatives, the VIVEE 50 isn’t really daytime visible from longer distance due to the rounded lens so we think the light is better suited for urban or city riding. That said, the Magicshine VIVEE 50 is a unique smart taillight for riders that want a modern looking taillight.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Magicshine. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.