Any ideas of how to get a USB power socket on a 36v electric bicycle? How abo...

Dunken K Bliths - 2013-04-25 07:58:10+0000

I was wanting to do this...and perhaps might build one ...the only issues I could think of was the waterproofing side of it...

Julian Bond - 2013-04-25 08:17:44+0000 - Updated: 2013-04-25 08:19:46+0000

Heat shrink tubing, hot glue and electrical tape has worked for me in the past. I've got USB outlets on both my M/Cs made by taking car accessory adapters, extracting the circuit board and soldering a couple of wires on them. These get used for running a cheap GPS mounted in a bicycle mount or charging an ipod and phone. Quite happy with doing the same on the E-Bike but I'm just not sure what to tap into and whether connecting a 12v adapter to 36v will just blow it up. I think most 240v/120v to 12v or 20v PSUs will run quite happily off 36v DC unless they have a transformer input stage. Just as long as the input voltage is a bit higher than the output voltage. I'll have to take a cheap ipod charger apart and see what's inside.

Dunken K Bliths - 2013-04-25 08:22:28+0000

I meant on the exposed USB socket or are you just using a cable connector straight into the device...

Dunken K Bliths - 2013-04-25 08:23:46+0000

there must be some kit somewhere for more than 12v as some caravan kit works on higher voltage than 12v dc

Julian Bond - 2013-04-25 08:24:36+0000

I haven't worried about the socket. It's only 5v. I suppose you could have a dummy plug for when it's not in use.

Elisa McEvoy - 2013-04-25 08:46:42+0000

If you'd like to support something new (like me), this may work for you: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/332999904/the-siva-cycle-atom-powering-your-life-one-pedal-a?ref=home_popular

Dunken K Bliths - 2013-04-25 09:59:48+0000

nice idea Elisa, but we already have the power to charge devices on our bikes, adding something like that would actually waste energy.... great idea for normal bikes though...

Julian Bond - 2013-04-25 12:59:26+0000

I think almost everything should be powered or charged from USB. And I'm all for powering the USB from interesting things. Like the camp fire. Or a cycle trainer. Why use a fan or magnet to dissipate the energy of a cycle trainer when you could be charging a battery or powering a sound system.

One of my favourite Stages/Tents/Tea rooms at Glastonbury is entirely powered by a stationary cycle and solar. And they have a deal, cycle for 5 minutes get a free cup of tea.

Julian Bond - 2013-05-02 08:05:48+0000

I've got an old Garmin GPS. It works fine off USB but the battery is pretty much dead now and non-replaceable. So the USB socket on the bike would be to power this. My iPod classic and cheap Nokia phone both last for days so they're not a problem. The iPod Touch also has a fading battery but wifi only limits its use anyway.

You're right in a way. If there's a plug to charge the bike, it can charge the other devices at the same time.