Before you go out on an adventure, you are going to have to charge your electric bike. This is something that does not take long, but it has to be done in advance of cycling outdoors. Of course, you can use your electric bike like an ordinary one and peddle. But, you may feel like you need the motor for a burst of speed or to handle hills and different terrain.
Those that are new when it comes to electric bikes ask; can an electric bike be charged at home? The answer is yes. Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
Charging Your Bike at Home
It is simple to charge your electric bike. You are going to need a power outlet, bike battery and a charging cable. Depending on the type of bike you have, you may have to position your bike near to the power outlet. Alternatively, the process is going to be simpler if you have a removable battery system. This means that you just disconnect it from the bike and this is what you need to plug in to charge.
How long you have to charge your bike will depend on the brand and model. For instance, this could be as little as three hours and it could be as long as seven hours. To view your options, you can check out Eco Bike Co. They have the best electric bike collection you will find online, with a variety of popular brands on the market. You can check out what each battery is like and how long it will take to charge at home.
It is going to be best that you charge the battery indoors. This is going to be the safest way to do it. If it is a nice day and you have an outside outlet, you can charge the battery there. But, if the weather looks questionable, it is best not to take any risks and simply do it indoors. Once you have fully charged the battery, you may want to leave it to cool down before reattaching to your bike.
Other Charging Options on the Go
Of course, most people are going to opt to charge their e-bike at home. The best thing you can do is plan ahead and this way, you know that you have enough battery for the journey. But, there are some circumstances where you might run out along the way. This could happen on a camping trip, if you are carrying heavy bags or even if you have not had enough time before you leave. So, here are some ways you can charge on the go.
Look for E-Bike Charging Stations
If you are out exploring, there is another way you can charge your electric bike. This is by looking for charging stations specifically for bikes. While it is a relatively new concept, they are popping up all over the country right now. This means that they should become mainstream in the coming years. For example, there are railway stations that now have e-bike charging stations, as well as some being accessible on National Cycle Network routes. So, take a look in advance and see if there is one on the way to your destination. This can act as a break and refreshment stop too.
Use a Library
Often, you are welcome to charge your devices in public libraries. While it might not be common to charge your electric bike here, it is still an option if you need to. Of course, this is only going to be a suitable option if the battery detaches from the bike. Otherwise, you might get in trouble for bringing it indoors! If you are in doubt about whether you will be allowed to charge the battery, ask permission from a member of staff at the library. Make sure you bring your charger too.
Stop at a Café or Restaurant
Again, you need to find somewhere that has a power outlet you can use. Often, when you have permission, a café or restaurant will let you use one. Of course, the best thing to do is order a meal and this is going to make the permission more likely. Again, you want to make sure that you pack your charger with you and this is going to allow you to top up the battery on the move. You will also have to work out how long you have to stay so that you can charge the battery enough for your journey.