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Charge your USB Devices as you Pedal Using The Bike Charge USB Hub Dynamo

Written by Saris Mercanti
14 Comments
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Generator hubs have been used for decades to power integrated lights, but in a modern world, what you really need is a USB charger for your portable energy starved electronic devices. The BikeCharge Dynamo by Bike Console is an all in one bike light and power generator for any USB device.

Hop past the break for the details

The integrated 1Q front LED and 2 S/B rear LED are adjustable, remote controlled, and weather proof. A 700mAH Li-ion battery stores power and will keep the lights powered for up to two hours after stopping.

The device can be easily installed by a home mechanic and allow tool free removal. The manufacturer claims it is 20% lighter than similar dynamos and has low load resistance. You’ll need to be cruising along a 5 kmh( 3 mph) in order for the device to work and full capacity is achieved at 20 kmh (12 mph) based on 26″ wheels.

Depending on your speed, you can fully satisfy your mobile phones battery gremlin after a mere 2-3 hour ride!

The kits retails for $100 and is available at BikeConsole
Saris Mercanti
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B
B
12 years ago

I was having a conversation with a riding buddy just a few weeks back about the need to develop a dynamo option for powering devices (phones, GPS’s, etc). This seems like a great idea for bike touring, though I would prefer a model that ran a dedicated cord to the handlebars and allowed you to plug in from there. The current design has a lot of potential for the cables to get snagged, and requires a cable that’s sufficiently long enough to make it from the bars to the axle (not something all my device cables could do).

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Sean
Sean
12 years ago

Maybe you could buy something like this and zip tie it to from the generator up the fork to your handlebars.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-A-Male-A-Female-Extension-Cable/dp/B001TH7GV4/ref=pd_cp_e_2

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reverend dick
reverend dick
12 years ago

This is interesting.

B, Supernova offers just such a device with it’s “the plug”. It is a replacement top-cap incorporating a usb port.

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Taras
Taras
12 years ago

It’s kind of in a nasty spot for water + other contamination. That rubber flap will not last.

There are much better options.

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B
B
12 years ago

Reverend – “The Plug” is a really cool idea, and pretty close to what I was imagining, but at 139euros (plus shipping I’m sure), and requiring that you already have a dynamo hub, it doesn’t have nearly the versatility. That said, it does look like a very solid product.

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Aaron
Aaron
12 years ago

I don’t see why you don’t just use a solar charger. It is more efficient.

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Brett
Brett
12 years ago

I’ve seen dedicated chargers based off the SONdelux on a couple Renee Herse bicycles. But I don’t remember the set up. Oh well, it’s out there.

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B
B
12 years ago

Aaron – where would you put the solar charger while riding? Bars are out, as you have a computer/garmin/cue sheet, and there isn’t really anywhere else level that you could use one.

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PhilM
PhilM
12 years ago

@Aaron – you could build solar cells into the back of the jersey. 🙂

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dan
dan
11 years ago

I wonder if the wheels were made solid with solar panel arrays in the wheel interior where the spokes would have been, if that would work?

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J
J
11 years ago

If you’re willing to have a separate hub or bottle generator, there’s this guy:
Bright-Bike Revolution

It’s waterproof and pretty small and you can attach it to your frame or you can keep it in a handlebar bag – The Plug becomes a permanent part of your bike, for better or for worse. It’s also only $120.

B – given your concerns about the placement and quality of the BikeCharge and the cost and lack of versatility of The Plug, maybe the Bright-Bike is what you’re looking for?

In case the link didn’t work, the site is http://www.brightbikelabs.com

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nagendra
nagendra
11 years ago

Hi, How to buy the bike charger? Please let me know.

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J
J
11 years ago

It looks like Bright-Bike has changed their name to Sinewave Cycles

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enzo
enzo
9 years ago

it was designed for day and night use. solar panels are useless at night and inefficient at shade, plus the energy available when you ride a bike is kinetic energy, that’s why a dynamo was used and not solar panel

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