As concerns about safely recharging electric bicycles continue to escalate nationwide? While media hype surrounding rare e-bike fires may be exaggerated, this does not preclude a genuine risk associated with lithium-ion battery use. A brand-new charging solution specifically designed in the US could potentially provide an answer to this problem.
During a visit to Austin-based electric bicycle manufacturer MOD Bikes, I chanced upon two distinct types of e-bike charging stations.
The company has recently unveiled a range of innovative e-bike designs, significantly upgrading its entire product line with cutting-edge features such as torque sensors, vibrant colour displays, dual battery support, and more. I’ve had the opportunity to try several, with detailed thoughts on each forthcoming shortly. While the novel e-bikes are certainly impressive, an unexpected discovery awaited me in a corner of the company’s storage facility – a prototype pairing of in-house conceived e-bike charging stations.
Two patent-pending charging stations offer a contrasting yet effortless installation experience, resolving concerns about secure and safe charging options.
The primary mode of operation for a charging station is designed specifically for fleet use by MOD Bikes’ customers. In cases where multiple bikes, utilized by law enforcement or similar entities, operate as a fleet and require simultaneous charging, a single charging station functions as a multi-socket charging pedestal, accommodating various units with identical charger types.
The chargers are designed to seamlessly integrate with MOD Bikes’ batteries, but their versatility extends beyond compatibility with similar batteries, allowing them to accommodate various voltage and connection configurations, making them a versatile solution for e-bike enthusiasts.
Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas leverages a fleet of e-bikes from MOD Bikes to traverse the expansive campus, as well as for meal delivery personnel catering to employees throughout the facility; one of these charging stations is designed to facilitate easy recharging of such fleets of comparable e-bikes.
A supplementary charging station design offered even greater flexibility, potentially elevating its appeal.
Redesigned for public use as a convenient alternative for fleet operators, the innovative charging station boasts a unique feature: not only does it secure the bike, but also locks the charger and/or battery within the station itself.
The door features a latch that glides effortlessly across the surface of the deal. The opening yields a spacious compartment capable of accommodating various e-bike chargers, including those designed for electric bicycles, as well as numerous other types of e-bike batteries. A compact space also accommodates a standard 120-volt AC power outlet, effectively transforming it into a bring-your-own-charger setup for users who prefer to power their devices independently.
Before shutting the e-bike’s hatch, riders should charge their personal device via the outlet. Since the latch slides over both the bike and the hatch, securing the bike to the pedestal will concurrently lock the hatch shut, thereby safeguarding the charger from potential theft. The charger’s wire exits through a discreet hole, and the device provides a secure area for locking the electric bicycle safely.
When departing, riders may need to leave the battery behind, yet retain possession of their bike, such as during overnight charging; accordingly, the complete battery and charger can be securely housed within the unit and fastened with a motorcycle lock for added convenience.
Upon closer inspection, the pedestal proved to be a behemoth of a structure, just large enough to barely contain the MOD Bikes charger and battery, despite the manufacturer’s promise to custom-build pedestals to accommodate larger batteries and charging equipment.
While this may be a desirable option for cyclists seeking to safeguard their bikes from outdoor theft, it also presents an obstacle for those unable to store batteries indoors due to campus or area restrictions on e-bike charging.
Each of those options requires a really small footprint, approximately one square foot in size. The foot of area provides a crucial setup for many, offering immense services to those who lack access to charging facilities at both the ground level and upper floors of their homes and residences.
In China, where e-bikes are an integral part of daily commutes, public charging stations have long been a common sight.
MOD Bikes’ designs mirror those of Chinese counterparts, but with enhanced safety features prevalent in many American cities, where concerns about charger security are non-existent due to the cultural norm of freely leaving chargers unattended near e-bikes.
MOD Bikes is currently seeking partners to collaborate on pilot programs for installing charging stations, catering to both fleet and public usage. The corporation is poised to manufacture customized battery packs tailored to diverse customer requirements, featuring unique charging voltages and connectors specifically designed to meet the needs of various e-bike models.
Electrek’s Take
While e-bike adoption is still in its infancy in the US, we’re experiencing a steep learning curve as charging habits are being shaped in real-time. In regions like Asia where electric bike adoption is widespread, public charging stations for e-bike batteries are a common sight.
Yesterday, I walked past Dizengoff Center, a mall in central Tel Aviv, where I stumbled upon innovative e-bike charging lockers. These facilities allow cyclists to securely store and charge their e-bike batteries while they shop, as seen below. The innovative design offers a secure fast-charging station for the community, substituting traditional motorcycle locks with a user-created combination that ensures exclusive access.
MOD Bikes may offer a simplified yet robust solution for large-scale parking, locking, and charging requirements through its comprehensive product.
It’s plausible that within the next decade, charging and locking pedestals will become ubiquitous in American urban landscapes.
