MPOWERD Luci Candle
Published · Researched 2026-09-21
Identifier: MPOWERD Luci Candle inflatable solar light (SKUs LUCI-1010-001-001-000 / MPD04040 / MPLU1010). | Lineup note: MPOWERD's frosted amber-glow solar candle — 25 lm, solar-only (no USB), IP67. One of the oldest Luci models (CES awards 2013–2015), still sold.
All prices and spec claims dated 2026-09-20.
Lineup & lineage (2023–2026)
The Luci Candle dates to ~2013 (2013 CES Envisioneering award, 2014 CES Innovation, 2015 INDEX Design finalist). It has remained in MPOWERD's lineup essentially unchanged through 2023–2026: frosted inflatable body, single amber LED, solar-only charging, 3 modes. U.S. availability is patchy (several U.S. dealers show out of stock); EU dealers show in stock.
Overview
A 63 g inflatable frosted lantern that mimics candlelight: one amber LED (25 lm), three modes (candle flicker, dim, bright), charged only by its built-in solar panel (8 h direct sun). Collapses to 3.2 cm. IP67 waterproof — safe around kids, pets, and baths.
Complete specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Max output | 25 lm (1 amber LED) |
| Modes | Candle flicker / dim / bright (press-hold 2 s to shut off) |
| Runtimes | Up to 12 h per most listings; one listing claims 18 h — conflict, see gap-fill |
| Solar charge | 8 h direct sunlight |
| Weight | 63 g / 2.2 oz (some listings 65 g / 2.3 oz) |
| Dimensions | 10.2 cm × 10.2 cm; 3.2 cm collapsed |
| Battery | 350 mAh Li-ion (one EU listing specifies LiFePO4 — UNVERIFIED chemistry) |
| Water resistance | IP67 |
| Operating temp | -10°C to 50°C (15°F–122°F) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Prices (2026-09-20)
- $19.95 — Stellar Volta (in stock).
- $20.00 — Forza Sports.
- $17.99 — Luggage Online (out of stock).
- $12.74 — Portmantos.
- €24.90 — Ekosport EU (in stock).
- Trio 3-pack: $33.99–$48.00 (Portmantos).
Box contents / warranty / support & parts
- Luci Candle, instructions. No cables (solar only).
- 1-year warranty.
Community verdict
Loved as an ambient/mood light rather than a task light: the flicker mode genuinely reads as candlelight, and the frosted IP67 body makes it a bath/patio/yoga favorite. Campers use it as a tent-glow light. Criticisms: 25 lm is dim for any real task, solar-only charging means a cloudy week leaves you dark, and the decade-old design shows (no USB backup).
Durability & warranty-claim reality
The inflatable PVC body is the wear point — punctures happen, though the material is reasonably tough. The solar panel and LED are reliable; MPOWERD's 1-year warranty is short. Given the age of the design, long-term parts support is a question — buy it as a consumable-ish delight, not a lifetime tool.
Year-by-year history
- 2023: Still in lineup, largely unchanged since ~2013.
- 2024: Unchanged; U.S. dealer stock thinning.
- 2025: Unchanged; EU availability steadier than U.S.
- 2026: Current as of 2026-09-20; patchy U.S. stock.
Closest existing catalog rivals
- specs/mpowerd-luci-outdoor-20-pro.md — the bigger, brighter Luci; the Candle's edge is the amber flicker ambiance.
- specs/goal-zero-crush-light.md — collapsible solar lantern; brighter, less candle-like.
- specs/mpowerd-luci-solar-string-lights.md — Luci ambiance in string-light form.
Care
Keep the solar panel clean; don't store collapsed for months (valve/body memory); charge monthly in storage.
Buying traps
- Solar-only: no USB charging — a week of overcast = no light.
- 25 lm is mood light, not camp light; buy the brightness you actually need.
- Runtime conflict (12 h vs 18 h) — expect the lower figure.
- Check U.S. stock/return policy before ordering; several dealers show zero stock.
Additional community voices
- Yoga/patio communities love it as a flameless candle replacement; camping forums treat it as a luxury, not a necessity.
- The 2013–2015 design awards still feature in listings — a sign of how unchanged it is.
Spec gap-fill
Runtime 12 h vs 18 h — UNVERIFIED (expect 12 h). Battery chemistry Li-ion vs LiFePO4 — UNVERIFIED. Current U.S. availability — patchy, UNVERIFIED as a firm status.
Images
- images/mpowerd-luci-candle-1.jpg — OFFICIAL 4-pack, lit with candle flicker
- images/mpowerd-luci-candle-2.jpg — OFFICIAL lifestyle: lit on dinner table
- images/mpowerd-luci-candle-3.jpg — top view: solar panel
- images/mpowerd-luci-candle-4.jpg — top view: solar panel
- images/mpowerd-luci-candle-5.jpg — top view: solar panel, button
- images/mpowerd-luci-candle-6.jpg — top view: solar panel, cylinder
All six verified 2026-09-20 (Luci Candle). Manifest: images/IMAGES-lighting-r3.md.
Research footer
Researched 2026-09-20. Sources: Stellar Volta, Forza Sports, Luggage Online, Portmantos, Ekosport EU, ZZD Sport (specs/pricing).