E‑bike charging while travelling: ever been refused or asked to pay?

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pagheca

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So far, in the few occasions I’ve needed to do this, in Italy and Spain, I’ve never had any issues charging my e‑bike battery at a restaurant, or even at a café where I’d stopped for a sandwich and a cappuccino.

That said, I’m curious about other people’s experiences: has anyone ever been refused the option to charge? For example, because too many people do it in tourist areas or during peak season? Or have you ever been asked to pay a (large) fee specifically for charging the battery? This feels like an important thing to take into account when planning a multi‑day trip, especially in remote places or little villages where it can become a pretty serious issue.

If you’d like to share your experience, please mention the region and the situation (bar, restaurant, crowded place, etc.).
 
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Just ask politely and leave a good tip at the end.
If refused, walk away and find another one.

That's how I do when travelling with my cat (in a cat box).
Worked everytime.
 
With a kilowatt of electricity costing on average around 30c, charging a 750wh bike from 0-100% would be <25c.

I would think if you explained this and got them to throw another shot in your cappuccino or grabbed an extra cookie to go, they'd be happy.
 
How about one of these charge adapters for EV charge stations….
1775924385282.webp
 

ozzybmx said:
With a kilowatt of electricity costing on average around 30c, charging a 750wh bike from 0-100% would be <25c.

I would think if you explained this and got them to throw another shot in your cappuccino or grabbed an extra cookie to go, they'd be happy.
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that's absolutely right, but sometimes people is suspicious, doesn't know what an ebike is and how small is the battery. Or may think having a socket busy for a hour or two is an annoyance, or they heard about some accident, you know. However, it looks like nobody ever experienced problems here so far.
 
Highland Wheels said:
Does your cat need charged?
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Well sometimes it seems it needs - chewing some electric wired and plugs!

But seriously, have been offered things like water and even a quieter table, and besides the normal tip, I like to leave a good tip for all for having me and my cat.

I don't see any problem if a rider comes and asks for battery charge for 1h/30min or even 2h...
1KWh is cheap (in reality and depending on company, it won't be more than 25c€/kwh).

If you can't find a cafe/restaurant/something to charge your battery, well... I'll say that the problem will be you! Aahahha
 
Mario Antony said:
Is this safe?

Care to share a link or name. Reallu interested on one of those!
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You can get them from Amazon, eBay etc.
I use a similar thing to charge the lithium batteries in my van if I don’t get enough solar.

Link below for one, hope it’s not breaking any forum rules.

RamTouch Type 2 to UK 3-Pin Adapter for Charging Stations & Wallboxes (230 V, 13 A, 3 kW) | Type 2 Male Plug to UK Mains Socket (Type G) for E-Bike, E-Scooter, Motorcycle & Micro EVs (Not for V2L): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

RamTouch Type 2 to UK 3-Pin Adapter for Charging Stations & Wallboxes (230 V, 13 A, 3 kW) | Type 2 Male Plug to UK Mains Socket (Type G) for E-Bike, E-Scooter, Motorcycle & Micro EVs (Not for V2L): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive
amzn.eu
 
Powerslider said:
I’ve had people tell me I can’t plug in a phone charger(!), so I can easily envision resistance.
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There's a lot of entitled brats about these days, so I understand the resistance to let someone charge something without asking, offering to pay or negotiating a deal that both parties are happy with.
People turn up, plug in, spend nothing and then expect free wifi, all the young ones (and some old) these days think its a given that if there is a power point somewhere they stop, its a free for all charging point... my 2 boys included.
 
I can talk my past experience about "unconvencional services".

Years ago, we were doing +300km on roadbike, one way, but due to train time tables, we needed to make ~ 100km 1st day, sleep and make the other 200km next day, arriving on time to take the train.
Natural thing would be to carry all things on the bike.
I rejected and call an Hotel close to where we plan to arrive, if they could receive a big package (said dimensions and weight) and keep it until we arrived (around 3 days). To which they agreed, no questions asked. But neverthelesd I explained to the manager.

When we arrived, the box was waiting and there was: clothes to go out, swimming shorts, all higenic items and next day riding kit.

Next day, on checkout, I asked to send the box to my address, with all used items, and that't it! No weight, clean cloth, clean kit, for extra quid!
1st time Hotel had such an odd request, but never once denied.

Some said it was not the "true adventure" (what ever that means), but not once complained...

Same with restaurants/cafes. Some owners have ebikes, and lend the charger to have the battery top up while we eat lunch.
This of course you need to know prior to steeping in... and you know by engaging in communication and talk.

Sure, there are places where there is shortmind small people, but it's your choice, to decide and stay.

Not once I had issues, even when I arrive at the local, filled in mud, to which I ALWAYS offer to clean before leaving (never once I cleaned), explaining also why I'm like that.

Sometimes it's just how you ask...
 
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At hotels, I leave my bike in the concierge room, plugged into my Ecoflow to charge. Then just charge the Ecoflow in my room later.

If I have my car nearby. I leave the bike in the car plugged into the Ecoflow, and recharge Ecoflow in my room later, as well.

When riding at a Bike Park. Same again. Recharge from the Ecoflow whilst at lunch. Then recharge the ecoflow overnight.

And when camping. I ensure a good charge of my EV. Then I use my EV 12V socket to charge the Ecoflow. Then the Ecoflow to charge the bike. I use camp mode in the EV, and sleep in the SUV in perfect climate controlled comfort. Uses about 5-10% car battery overnight, dependant on outside temps.

Never had anyone even ask me about recharging my Ecoflow.
 
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I just don’t ask and always bring mine and my wife’s bike straight into the room. The front desk does not know they are e-bikes.
 
Powerslider said:
I’ve had people tell me I can’t plug in a phone charger(!), so I can easily envision resistance.
Click to expand...

I saw a homeless man arrested for theft of electricity for plugging his cell phone into an outlet on the side wall of a storefront. He was acquitted because there was no sign indicating it wasn't for public use.
 
BobR said:
I just don’t ask and always bring mine and my wife’s bike straight into the room. The front desk does not know they are e-bikes.
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He's referring more to cafes, restaurants and other small shops in town... not motel/hotels. I've never had an issue at hotels, bringing bikes into my room. If their going to give you a hard time, its not because its an ebike (and charging). If anything, their concern would be tracking dirt/water into their establishment. That and it's unusual to see folks bringing bikes into hotels regularly.

Some establishments don't allow folks to use the restroom, unless your paying patron. I can totally see this (paying to charge) as a thing in Europe... they seem more sensitive to cost and charge for everything. Want extra ketchup with your fries that'll cost you.
 
bmwpowere36m3 said:
He's referring more to cafes, restaurants and other small shops in town... not motel/hotels. I've never had an issue at hotels, bringing bikes into my room. If their going to give you a hard time, its not because its an ebike (and charging). If anything, their concern would be tracking dirt/water into their establishment. That and it's unusual to see folks bringing bikes into hotels regularly.

Some establishments don't allow folks to use the restroom, unless your paying patron. I can totally see this (paying to charge) as a thing in Europe... they seem more sensitive to cost and charge for everything. Want extra ketchup with your fries that'll cost you.
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I once ate at a burger joint that charged me 25 cents for requesting no ice in my soda
 
BobR said:
I once ate at a burger joint that charged me 25 cents for requesting no ice in my soda
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Well what do you expect they have been selling you water for years filling up those beakers with ice first before the soda, must be at least 25 cents worth of the more costly beverage without the ice!;)
 
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bmwpowere36m3 said:
I can totally see this (paying to charge) as a thing in Europe... they seem more sensitive to cost and charge for everything.
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I have never seen any sign of that in fact the reverse, here in Germany and Austria. I have visited a number of cafe and beer garden type establishments where they have set up free e-bike charging, I assume on the basis of wanting to attract cyclists and then keep them eating and drinking while the bikes are charging, it costs peanuts compared to the prices of coffee, beer and grub these days.:)
 
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Joecrow said:
I have never seen any sign of that in fact the reverse, here in Germany and Austria. I have visited a number of cafe and beer garden type establishments where they have set up free e-bike charging, I assume on the basis of wanting to attract cyclists and then keep them eating and drinking while the bikes are charging, it costs peanuts compared to the prices of coffee, beer and grub these days.:)
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When most eMTBs cost well over 5K/6K, I believe having a place to park and charge for an hour or so, will be better for business... just saying.
With present Bosch charges at 4A, 1 hour will give less than 20% (750Wh Battery), that's not acceptable.

For anyone wanting long rides:
1) Just take public transportation (if available) --> one way route
2) Buy a 2nd battery, park the car halfway, do half on one battery, swap the battery at the car park, and go for the 2nd one. (8 figure Route)


48V systems will be an advantage at rapid charging (if they can at 16A)
 
Mario Antony said:
With present Bosch charges at 4A, 1 hour will give less than 20% (750Wh Battery), that's not acceptable.
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There is talk of a 12A Bosch fast charger version to be announced in May though no idea if it is only for the rumored new batteries or if it will be backward compatible. For me getting a 20% top up for free while having lunch is a bonus, since I never plan rides longer than my battery range and I do have a PowerMore range extender.
 
Powermore250 is a good option to extend the ride.
Out of curiosity
Donyou ride only with Powermore 250, to have a lighter, better handling ebike on short rides?

12A, would mean ~50% (750Wh battery), but it will depend a lot on charger size and weight.
 
Mario Antony said:
Powermore250 is a good option to extend the ride.
Out of curiosity
Donyou ride only with Powermore 250, to have a lighter, better handling ebike on short rides?
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Yes, pretty much all the time in winter, I have no garage so I remove the main battery and store it indoors to protect it from the cold. It's much more convenient just to pop in the Powermore if I'm just going for a short ride and yes the bike feels one hell of a lot lighter.:)
In summer I generally leave the main battery installed and just jump on and go for short rides and only take the PowerMore with me for the long ones.
Mario Antony said:
12A, would mean ~50% (750Wh battery), but it will depend a lot on charger size and weight.
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Agreed, but it should not be too much heavier on the assumption the chargers are all solid state rather than the more current requiring a bigger and heavier transformer as in the old days.
 
I've pondered this in the past but wondered if most cafes even have enough space available to take your bike in. My general experience is that they try and fit as many table and chairs in as fire regs allow.

That EV charge station adapter looks like it could be handy on occasion. Anyone know if something similar for campsite electric hookups would work fine?
 
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