Leon Wang:27 Jul, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Electric Bike Chargers

Introduction

With the changing world, people are changing their habits. One such environmentally friendly practice is using e-bikes for a daily commute. Not only it ensures pollution control, but it aids in and for movement amidst busy city traffic. Additionally, these vehicles can be driven on most terrains due to their swift moves and reasonable control over the ground. But as much as you know about e-bikes, do you know about an ebike charger

Well, herein, you will get to know the depth of this aspect, as opting for the correct charger is the first step towards the sustainability and longevity of your e-bike's lifespan. So, let us start.

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What Is a Charger for an E-bike?

The system of an electric bike depends solely on its battery as it is the sole source of energy for the bike. You may come across battery management systems that help improve the performance along with the battery's life, but all is only possible with an apt ebike charger.

One of the most crucial and essential components of an ebike, a charger is a medium that helps provide power for the proper functioning of an ebike. Choosing the correct charger is crucial for your electric bike functionality as;

  • It helps in battery protection from overcharging when it's in charge.
  • It helps in boosting battery life.
  • It is of an apt size so that it can be carried easily as an instant charging solution.

Understand Different Specifications of Electric Bike Chargers

You may need help finding one charger that fits every electric bike. So, if you want to extend your battery life or lifespan along with improving its efficiency on the road, it's better to select the electric bike charger that is designated for your e-bike. It also keeps problems like overheating and fire hazards at bay. You may notice an increment of 12-volt when discussing different e-bike batteries.

E.g., 24 volts, 36 volts, and 48 volts can be used for small bikes, standard bikes, and bikes with high power, respectively. E-bikes usually range from 36 to 48 volts for batteries. So if you have a bike of 36V, you must have a charger of 42V. Similarly, if you have a bike of 48V, you must have a charger of 54V.

Herein we are considering Hiboy P6/P7 as a reference with a battery of 48V 15AH and a charger of 54.6V 2.0A. The power used in an electric bike is measured in Watts, whereas the figure for the hour provides a reference for time. In this case, 48V times 15AH results in 720 watts for 1 hour, which is a pretty good figure for an electric bike.

You can check out the Hiboy Ebike collection and its charger for your reference.

Can Electric Bicycle Chargers Be Used Universally?

Amidst a wide variety of e-bikes, there is a need for clarity about electric bike chargers and which chargers can be used for which bike. Or are there any chargers that can be used universally for every electric bike? Of course, it is a big 'No' to use any e-bike charger universally or to charge any other e-bike.

Which Electric Bike Charger Is the Right One You Should Select?

It may sound weird to some, but as similar as they may look, all sorts of electric bike chargers are not the same and cannot be used universally either. Depending upon the manufacturer of the ebike, different chargers are made for other e-bikes, and these relate to the bike's size and the capacity of charge it can take. On this basis, e-bike chargers can be categorized as;

  • Portable chargers that you can directly plug into an e-bike battery pack.
  • The universal charger can be used in any wall outlet.
  • A professional must install An at-home charging station on your premises.
  • Onboard or power sources that are removable. Herein some batteries are built-in and can be removed after a certain period's completion and replaced with new ones. 

Usually, an ebike charger between the range of 36V to 48V of capacity is apt for an electric bike.

Many factors aid in making decisions for selecting the suitable Electric Bike charger. You can find a few significant ones below;

  • Different Bike Models- You must also note that other brands are floating in the market for e-bikes, so universal chargers become out of the question as they make compatible chargers per their e-bike type. As the brands own patents or designs of their e-bike, it can never be the same as that of their competitors. 

  • Battery Specifications- It also happens as every e-bike has a battery of different capacities, so it calls for a separate charger per the e-bike's battery. Sometimes batteries are made of lithium-ion, which has additional charging requirements than other batteries. 

  • Evaluation of charging time requirements- When opting for an electric bike charger, you must note that setting time can be a crucial factor in its selection. You may not know, but some chargers take longer to charge your e-bike fully, while others charge it in shorter intervals. So, if you use an e-bike frequently, opting for a charger that does the job in less time is better.

  • Assessment of portability and convenience- A compact ebike battery charger that is portable and lightweight is preferred for frequent travelers. It can be carried with comfort to almost anywhere. 

  • Price and other factors- Make sure you opt for an e-bike charger that falls in your budget, but there should be no compromise on the quality as it affects the battery life. Besides this, ensure the battery and charger fall in sync with voltage and amps. E.g., if you opt for a high-voltage charger, the e-bike battery lifespan may get reduced. On the contrary, a low-voltage charger may take a lifetime to charge your e-bike.

FAQs

After getting a glimpse of the correct charger for electric bike, it is time to ponder over more information on the topic through these exciting FAQs.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Bike Battery?

Usually, if you have an ebike with a lithium-ion battery, getting a full charge may take 3.5 to 6 hours.

Is There a Unified Standard for Electric Bicycle Battery Connectors?

There is no unified standard for electric bicycle battery connectors, but the most common one used is DC jacks; it is apt with electronic devices that need low voltage. Besides this, as a norm, the following chargers take respective time to charge your e-bike;

  • Standard charger - 8 hours
  • Fast charger- 2-4 hours
  • Portable charger - Provides quick charging in emergencies

Can I Use an Adapter to Connect a Charger With a Different Plug Type?

It is not recommended to use an adapter to connect a charger of an e-bike with a different plug type as it may damage the battery in the long run and affect the vehicle's lifespan.


Is It Safe to Leave the Electric Bike With the Charger Plugged in After the Battery Is Fully Charged?

We do not recommend leaving your e-bike charger plugged in once you know the battery is fully charged. It is so because once the battery is set, the higher-end systems for charging may shut off; however, some systems may continue to charge, affecting the battery's lifespan.


Can I Charge My Electric Bike Battery Without Removing It From the Bike?

Yes, you can charge your e-bike with their battery if they are non-removable. For removable batteries charging can be done after removing them.

Final Words:

E-bikes have recently gained popularity, so you must be well-versed with their allied components too. With our information on an ebike charger, you can find a suitable one for your electric vehicle. Although it is a small part of an e-bike, it aids in charging it well and provides an excellent lifespan to the e-bike battery. So before you settle for a suitable e-bike charger, focus on its compatibility with your e-bike rather than its cost.