Note how you can park and charge at least 5 e-bikes in the same space as it takes to charge one electric car. And the bikes use so little power a solar panel awning is enough for them.
I’m not sure that there’s really an industry standard like we’ve seen with small electronics (Micro USB + USB-C) or electric cars (SAE J1772 in NA for every car but Tesla). Seems like that would be a necessary starting point.
From what I understand Japan does one better with a battery standard. No charging needed, at least not on your time. Just exchange for a new brick and go when needed for a small fee.
I saw a video of something similar in Taiwan for electric mopeds where the people can just pick up a charged exchange battery at any time. AFAIK, the moped owners didn’t even own the batteries and just rented them from the service. This would allow people to not have to worry about long term battery recharge cycle health of batteries that they own going down over time.
There is somothing like that in my city. But we also have normal bikes too. I personally always use the bikes, a bit of exercise it’s always good.
Why not just regular wall outlets?
Then you have to bring along the actual charger everywhere, which is often sizeable. EV’s do carry around the necessary components, but those are relatively small compared to the rest of the car.
Maybe we should push for e-bikes to start integrating a mains adapter into the body. Like how you don’t need a power brick for most of your appliances or your desktop PC (or your electric car). Though, I can see water resistance might be a big hurdle for something so much more exposed to the elements than the power electronics on an EV.
But, here’s an idea: I’ve seen these used specifically on Lexmark printers and also some old 90s laptops, it’s a power adapter cartridge that you slot into the device. It’s sealed, and only exposes the AC plug and some DC contacts.
I imagine you can much easily water proof a discrete device like this, and it also allows you to take the adapter with you on the bike body, without having to fumble with two separate cables. Plus, it’s great for reparability and therefore longevity of the bike. Coupled with a power outlet equipped with GFCI and arc detection, I imagine it can be made fo be both safe to use in the rain and also easily integrated onto the bike itself.
Is there a map of where all the e-bike chargers are?
I’ve never seen one in person where I live :(
Neither have I, that’s why I was asking. It would be nice for more activism to encourage building e-bike chargers.
Not that I know of
