A USB Charging Port for an Electric Bicycle

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Introduction: A USB Charging Port for an Electric Bicycle

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This instructable will show how to build a USB charging port for an electric bicycle.  This project is basically a DC-to-DC converter which takes power from the main battery of an electric bicycle (usually 24V, 36V or 48V) and converts it down to 5V needed to power a USB charging port.

Step 1: Schematic and Parts List

Here is the schematic and the parts list with Digi-Key part numbers.
The resistor network is needed for some phones (e.g. the iPhone) that need to see 2V on USB pins 2 and 3.

Step 2: Circuit Board Layout

Here is the printed circuit board layout.  There are parts on both sides of the board in order to create a more compact layout.

Step 3: Bare Board (back From the Fab)

I had a prototype board fabricated .. and here are some shots of the bare boards.

Step 4: Completed Prototype Board

Here are some photos of the prototype board with the parts installed and soldered.

Step 5: Testing

Testing just consisted of supplying a 48V input voltage and verifying the output voltages at the USB connector.
Pin 1 should measure 5V and pins 2 and 3 should both measure 2V
After verifying these voltages, the real acid test is being brave enough to plug in your smart phone.
I have tested this charger with a Samsung Galaxy Android phone and an iPhone 5 and both charged just fine.


Step 6: Packaging

I used shrink-wrap tubing to enclose the design.
Optionally inject a little hot glue just before shrink-wrapping to make a waterproof casing.

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    3 Comments

    0
    Imtiaz971
    Imtiaz971

    1 year ago

    Hi sir.

    I have been looking for this for a few months now.

    I have an e scooter - Inokim Oxo, with 60V 25.6 Amp battery. I am trying to retrofit a USB port onto the scooter so I can charge my phone and run rgb lighting on it.

    My email is Imtiaz.mannan@gmail.com if you could kindly let me know how I can pay you to make me something like this.

    I'm very desperate, and this sort of modification would greatly improve my riding experience. Saves having to carry power banks everywhere.

    I have other accessory request that I will need, but USB port is first.

    0
    kavurum
    kavurum

    Question 3 years ago on Introduction

    this is ingenious! Is there a commercial product that performs this function? that is adding a USB port from a Li Ion bike battery? with one end having a IEC C13 female that could plug into the 36 v battery and the other end having a USB port? I have searched for it and can't seem to locate it...should be a market for it?.....appreciate any guidance.