Garmin Varia RCT715 Rear Bike Light with Radar & 1080p Camera Safety System

The Garmin Varia RCT715 is the most capable device in the Varia range, combining a rear radar, a bright tail light, and a continuous 1080p camera into a single seatpost-mounted unit. It's the definitive answer for road cyclists who want radar awareness, strong rear visibility, and video evidence of every ride — all in one compact, integrated package. It detects approaching vehicles from up to 140 metres behind you and delivers real-time alerts to a paired Garmin Edge computer or the Varia smartphone app, giving you advance warning to adjust your road position before traffic arrives.

The integrated camera records continuously in 1080p and automatically saves footage when an incident is detected via the built-in accelerometer — so if something happens, the evidence is preserved without you having to do anything. Footage can be reviewed and managed via the Varia smartphone app (iOS and Android) or directly through a compatible Garmin Edge computer. The tail light is visible up to 1.6km away and offers four modes — solid, peloton, night flash, and day flash — covering everything from group riding etiquette to maximum solo visibility. Battery life runs to up to 6 hours in day flash mode with recording active, and the unit carries an IPX7 water rating (immersion to 1m for 30 minutes).

The RCT715 integrates seamlessly with the full range of Garmin Edge computers — including the Edge 540, Edge 840, Edge 850, Edge 1040, and Edge 1050 — displaying vehicle alerts on screen and giving you camera control from the handlebar. Pair it with the Varia UT800 front light for a complete smart lighting system. Browse the full Garmin range or explore our lights collection and rear lights.

If you're deciding between the RCT715 and the Varia RVR315 or RearVue 820, the RCT715 is the choice for riders who want the added security of continuous video recording alongside radar and light functionality. The RVR315 and 820 are lighter and simpler; the RCT715 is the most comprehensive option in the range.

What It's Good For

• Riders who want radar, rear light, and continuous 1080p video recording in a single unit
• Detecting approaching vehicles up to 140m behind you with real-time alerts to a paired Garmin Edge or Varia app
• Automatic incident recording — footage is saved automatically when an impact is detected
• Tail light visible up to 1.6km with four modes: solid, peloton, night flash, and day flash
• IPX7 water resistance for reliable use in all weather conditions
• Full integration with Garmin Edge computers for on-screen radar alerts and camera control
• Pairing with the Varia UT800 for a complete smart front-and-rear system

What It's NOT Good For

• Riders who don't need video recording and want a lighter, simpler unit — the Varia RVR315 or RearVue 820 are more compact alternatives
• Rides exceeding 6 hours without a recharge opportunity — battery life is reduced when recording is active
• Off-road MTB use where rear vehicle radar is not a concern
• Replacing attentive riding and road awareness — the Varia is a safety aid, not a substitute for good road craft

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the automatic incident recording work?
The RCT715 records continuously while riding. If the built-in accelerometer detects a sudden impact or crash, it automatically saves the footage from before and after the incident to ensure the evidence is preserved. You don't need to manually trigger anything — it happens automatically.

How do I access and manage the camera footage?
Footage can be reviewed, downloaded, and managed via the Varia smartphone app on iOS or Android. If you're using a compatible Garmin Edge computer, you can also control the camera and access basic footage management directly from your handlebar-mounted screen.

Which Garmin Edge computers is it compatible with?
The Varia RCT715 is compatible with a wide range of Garmin Edge computers including the Edge 540, Edge 840, Edge 850, Edge 1040, and Edge 1050. It can also be used with the Varia smartphone app without a Garmin Edge computer.

How does the RCT715 compare to the RVR315 and RearVue 820?
The RVR315 offers core radar and light functionality in the most compact form. The RearVue 820 adds a longer detection range (175m), more powerful light (2km visibility), intelligent brake light, and vehicle size indication. The RCT715 adds continuous 1080p video recording and automatic incident saving on top of radar and light — making it the most comprehensive but also the heaviest option in the range.