Recharging your electric bike while traveling: our tips

First, a quick rundown on charging stations, those strategic points along your route. They are oases in the desert of electricity. Some are as discreet as a cat on a secret mission, while others shine like beacons in the night. The cool thing? They're often found in nice places, perfect for a break. 📍

But beware, not all charging stations are born equal. Some offer recharging power worthy of a sprinter on the Tour de France, while others play it more like a marathon, in endurance mode. For your batteries(and your waiting time), it's important to know the difference. 🚲💨

Broadly speaking, they fall into three categories, each with its own power rating:

• 2.2 kW terminals: recharge your 400 Wh battery in around 20 hours. A quiet, unhurried recharge. 🐢
• 3.7 kW terminals: Recharge a 400 Wh battery in around 11 hours. ⏳
• Terminals of 7.4 kW or more: These boost a 400 Wh battery in almost 5 hours. For those who like fast, efficient recharging. 🚀

But, how do you find them? That's where your smartphone comes in. Use it to locate those precious charging points. Among the aces in charging station mapping, two sites stand out (originally intended for the car): Chargemap and PlugShare. These platforms are to electric cyclists what a compass is to explorers: essential and reliable! 🌍🔍

There's one player who can't be ignored in the world of electric bikes: Bosch and its famous Power Stations. Available not only in France, but also in Italy and Switzerland, these are the crème de la crème of charging stations (even if their power rating is 3.7 kW ⌚). Do you have a Bosch charger? Perfect, you're ready to plug in! 🔋

And where can you find these wonders? In strategic, pleasant places: hotels, restaurants, bike stores, tourist centers... 🏞️ The icing on the cake? Using the Power Stations is totally free (I like that kind of price! 🤑). All you have to do is plug your VAE's charger into the station, and voila, the magic happens. The battery fills up while you take a well-deserved break. 🆓

If you don't have a charging station on your route, or if you'd like more autonomy so you can spend less time recharging your electric bike... here are a few tips to brighten your day. 🌞

First joker up your sleeve: the external backup battery. An (almost) essential when bikepacking. Slip it into your panniers and double your autonomy without breaking a sweat. No need to anxiously check your battery level - you've got plenty to spare! 🚴‍♂️

For fans of eco-friendly solutions (like us 😊), solar kits come into play. These little gems of technology let you recharge your bike thanks to the sun. Just imagine: you pedal under a blue sky, while your solar panels collect energy from our star. It's sustainable tourism in its purest form! ☀️

The last trick in our bag of tricks: the dynamo. Yes, this old friend of cyclists is making a comeback, but in a modern version. It connects to your electric bike, and as you ride, it gently recharges your battery. Magic, isn't it? A real plus for making the most of your vacation days, without worrying about a single USB plug. 🔄

Ah, bicycle cafés! These little paradises for cyclists, where coffee flows freely and power sockets patiently await your electric-assist bike. ☕🚴

These unique cafés are more than just a place to recharge. They're a social hub, a meeting place to share tips and stories from the road. You'll find like-minded souls, maybe even answers to questions you didn't even know you had. Who knows, maybe a tip on the best setting for your next bikepacking adventure? 🗣️🚲

These cafés often have a workshop corner where you can adjust the weight of your gear, check your bike's system or even get quick help with a minor mechanical concern. They're equipped to assist you, whether it's an engine adjustment or advice on the best GPS to use. 🛠️

Bike cafés are a wonderful aspect of sustainable tourism. By supporting these establishments, you're supporting local businesses that are committed to promoting an eco-friendly, active lifestyle. It's a choice that combines pleasure and responsibility, with a little dose of caffeine to spice things up! 🌱

Night falls, the stars twinkle, and your VAE? It recharges quietly while you snore. Yes, recharging your electric bike at night, where you sleep, is a good idea. Whether you're camping or staying with a local, your trusty electric steed recuperates from its day while you recuperate from yours. 💤⚡

When camping, you pitch your tent, light a small fire (if it's allowed, of course), and while you toast marshmallows, your bike recovers at a charging station. 🔥🏕️

Staying witha local is another adventure. You meet people, share stories and all the while, your bike is discreetly recharging in a corner. It's also an opportunity to exchange travel tips and perhaps learn more about the best routes in the region. 🏠

Recharging at night makes good sense. You optimize your time: while you're sleeping, your bike is getting ready for the next stage. No time wasted looking for a charging station in the middle of the day. And in the morning, you wake up refreshed and ready to set off on a new day of adventure, with a fully loaded and enthusiastic bike. 🌅🚴