Not Just Bikes 🇳🇱Apr 3, 2025

I've been saying this for years: ebikes should have USB-C PD ports for charging!

Finally a manufacturer has actually done it. In this case using 140W power delivery, which is way higher power than any ebike charger I've ever used. And USB-C PD now supports up to 240W, which is more than enough for ebikes.

I hope this becomes the norm:

https://www.theverge.com/news/639681/usb-c-charging-e-bike-ampler-nova-specs-price

Finally, an e-bike that charges off USB-C

The Ampler Nova e-bikes can be charged in three hours using a standard 140W USB-C PD 3.1 laptop charger.

The Verge
Show threadQuadApr 3, 2025
@notjustbikes the only problem i have with this is the port itself and its placement, based on the pictures. those rubber flaps will fall off way too quick. and while this often isn't a huge problem for larger DC connectors with big + and - pins, a USB-C connector is filled with many small pins and is far more sensitive to any grime getting into the port.

hopefully future bikes with USB-C can do a better job. the USB-C port really should face downwards and have a cover that's a bit beefier. not to mention the rubber covers are often hard to replace when they do break (it's not uncommon that you have to swap the entire port assembly rather than just the rubber flap, because the rubber flap is mounted by being stuck through a slit in the assembly.)

at least the port is decently recessed, so it's not the worst thing i could imagine.
Show threadMarweApr 3, 2025
@quad @notjustbikes
Yep, you should have a proper/big connector at least additionally.
Or an adapter like thing that you can easily exchange if water destroyed it.
So why not have an adapter to USB-C for the proper/large contact connectors?
You can keep it safe in your pocket until you really need this Indoor-Tech USB-C ;)
Show threaddraeath
@Marwe @quad @notjustbikes or just a more robust cover, that's probably the simpler way.
Apr 3, 2025 at 2:03pmWeb
Show threadGabriel NApr 3, 2025

@draeath @Marwe @quad @notjustbikes they can also find a place to put it that water does not reach easily, like the top of the seat post.

The part has to be easily replaceable and sturdy, easy to operate with gloved hands.

Show threadQuadApr 3, 2025
@wtrmt @draeath @Marwe @notjustbikes electric kickscooters with USB ports often place them on the underside of the handlebar, so the port is high up (therefore far away from any splashes and sprays due to riding), while also pointing downwards so rain doesn't get in.

granted, these ports are typically for power output, not for input. not sure how well this design would work for charging, electrically speaking. you'd probably want the charge port closer to the battery if possible.