E-bikes have become insanely popular and have established their place in the realm of urban transportation in this modern era. Some fantastic features, compact size, and zero emissions have made them reputable in commuters’ eyes. They are a valuable tool to escape the hassles of traffic jams and parking issues on their way to work.
But a considerable confusion emerges in the minds of new e-bike owners – How to charge e-bike batteries without a charger? Most of the e-bikes now available in the market use a cluster of cells containing lithium ions. Rather than nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries, lithium ions have a much greater energy density. If you have ever been in a situation where you need to charge these lithium-ion batteries on the go, understand that charging these batteries is extremely easy. Still, you should follow a few safety steps to prevent damage to battery cells.
Article summary:
- Generally, lithium-ion batteries have a capacity of 9ah and have a range of 21mil (32KM).
- The batteries weigh around 6-8lbs, and the battery’s run-time is determined based on the type of load.
- On the other hand, a few e-bikes run on lead-acid batteries and are known as “power-battery packs.”
- These lead-acid batteries run on 48 volts with a capacity of 20ah.
- Here we will be focusing on six simple ways to charge your e-bike batteries without a charger (Lithium-ion).
What Is The Speed Limiter On An E-bike?
Before we analyse the different simple steps involved in “how to charge an e-bike battery without a charger,” it is essential to know the fundamentals of speed limiters and the government-regulated speed limits. Understanding the speed limits significantly impacts the battery life of e-bikes. All electric bikes on the market come with a designed speed limiter. The primary use of a speed limiter is to ensure that individuals do not go faster than the permissible speeds.
E-bikes are generally classified into three classes. We will be looking at the different speed limits permitted to each of these classes.
Note: Different countries have different regulated speed limits on e-bikes.
- Class 1 – Pedal assists without throttle – According to “class 1” of e-bikes, the regulated speed limit in the United States is 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2 – Throttle + Pedal assist – The e-bike can be ridden without the user pedalling whenever the throttle is engaged, much like a motorbike. The highest speed authorised in this type of activity in the United States is 20 mph, even though the e-bike could have the mechanical potential to go faster.
- Class 3 – Pedal assist – When the user is using the pedals, Class 3 e-bikes may aid users up to a speed of 28 miles per hour. When the e-bike exceeds 28 miles per hour, the motorised assistance is lowered until the e-bike maintains a speed of 28 miles per hour or less. Class 3 is a lot more pleasurable way to ride an e-bike since it is closest to the pace that a fit rider can attain without a motor.
Now that you have understood the different types of classes and their speed limits on e-bikes let us dive right into the crux of this article – How to charge an e-bike battery without a charger?
Six Easy Ways How To Charge An Ebike Battery Without A Charger
As mentioned earlier, it is unquestionably harmful to charge a battery without a charger. However, if you don’t have any other options, you can quickly use the following methods to meet your emergency requirements.
1. Charging a lithium-Ion battery with the use of a USB port
Whenever you need to recharge a lithium-ion battery quickly and efficiently without using a charger, the quickest and most convenient method is to use a USB port. Charging a lithium-ion battery (6600-37) with a USB port is simple and not complicated. Let’s look at the measures that will make your job easier!
- Obtain a USB cord that functions similarly to a smartphone charger.
- Attach the USB tip to a computer, scanner, power bank, or any electrical device with a USB port.
- Take your device and attach the discharge end of the wire to the gadget that needs to be charged.
- Then switch on your computer or laptop or any other appropriate device.
Safety steps to follow while using a USB port
- Place the battery of the device you wish to charge inside of it.
- Charge no more than a single gadget at a time using the equipment’s USB port.
- If your battery consumes more than 500 aM power, don’t charge it since it might lead to a malfunction.
2. Charging a lithium-ion battery using a car battery
You can use your car battery to charge your lithium-ion battery. How? It’s straightforward. You can recharge the batteries by wiring them to the lead-acid battery of your car. However, to charge in this manner, miniature light bulbs must be used to control the current supply. If your car’s lead-acid battery is 13V, you will need three tiny light bulbs to replenish a 6V battery. To complete the charging task, you must arrange or place three bulbs in parallel. It will let 0.5 amps flow to the battery, ensuring that it is fully charged. After that, wait for five to ten minutes, and your battery will be sufficiently charged for use.
Safety steps to follow while using a lead-acid car battery
- When charging a battery, never leave it alone. Always have an eye out for any malfunctions or over-heating issues.
- Allow only a portion of the battery to charge, as it may increase the risk of your battery bursting into flames.
- While recharging, use a protective mask and eye protection since there is a risk of fire or shock.
3. Charging e-bike batteries using solar panel
A solar panel can be used to charge lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries. To recharge your battery using a solar panel, you’ll need a solar charge regulator (6600-45) or high-quality solar inverters (5400-50). Otherwise, you must disregard this method.
Safety steps to follow while using a solar panel
- To limit the danger of electrical shocks, wear suitable protection gear such as glasses and gloves.
- When dealing with electrical wiring, avoid wearing metallic jewellery.
- When moving solar panels, use two hands.
- Holding on to the junction box or cables of the solar panel while charging your batteries is not a good idea.
4. Using a clip charger to charge e-bike batteries
To use a clip charger to recharge your batteries, you must first remove the battery of your e-bike. Place the battery on the clip charger’s loading station. After that, connect the charger to the power supply and turn it on. It will charge your battery without difficulty, as you will discover. There is a worldwide USB clip charger (10-44) available. You may acquire one like the Lenmar PPUCLIP Universal USB Clip Charger and put it in your backpack.
Safety steps to follow while using a clip charger
- Do not use your bare hands to handle both battery connections at the very same time.
- In wet or damp situations, do not use the charger.
- If the charger has already been damaged, dropped, or is somehow defective, do not use it.
5. Charging e-bike batteries at charging stations
As a bonus provided to e-bike enthusiasts, Bosch is now building indoor e-bike power stations across the globe. At any indoor power station, riders can remove their lithium-ion or even lead-acid batteries and charge them in their suitable ports. Not just Bosch indoor e-bike power stations, but many pubs and restaurants are also incorporating e-bike charging stations in their venues.
Safety steps to follow while charging e-bikes at charging stations
Though there are no big safety tips to follow while charging e-bike batteries at charging stations, it is essential to make sure that your keys to the e-bikes and the battery are well within your reach.
6. Charging e-bike battery using an alternative charger
You’ll need three AAA batteries to recharge your battery quickly to use this easy method. When you first receive the batteries, organise them in a sequence before connecting them. Because each battery has 1.5 volts, the three together will create 4.5 volts. To completely charge a lithium-ion battery, it needs 3.7V. However, the combined voltage of the 3 AAA batteries will be 4.5V. As a result, they will recharge your batteries without difficulty.
Safety steps to follow while charging using an alternative charger
- Make sure to arrange all three AAA batteries correctly to regulate the current flow.
- Make sure that all three batteries generate the same volts of power, or it may cause malfunction.
- Do not place the battery in a wet environment.
- Always wear a safety glove while connecting lithium-ion batteries to AAA batteries.
Conclusion
There you have it! The answers that most of the e-bike enthusiasts were waiting for. Now that you have understood various simple steps to charge an e-bike battery without a charger, it can ease your burden if your e-bike stops or breaks down when you are in a rush. If you take your e-bike for long rides along the mountains, hills, or highways, these steps will surely come in handy. And it is also essential that you carry another spare battery in your backpack for long rides.
Hello, this is Evan Larry. The chief editor of this site, “eBikeBuster.” After completing my graduation in mechanical engineering, I worked for a renowned e-bike manufacturing company as a technician. I had worked there for almost six years, and later I quit the job and started my own business where I sell different types of e-bike and their tools and accessories. I created this site, eBikeBuster, to guide people, who are new to an e-bike and don’t have proper knowledge about its tools, accessories, and maintenance.