E-bike charging stations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Published 02/27/2021 · Updated 01/05/2022

To make sure you don’t run out of juice on your next bike tour, there are now many e-bike charging stations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Restaurants, museums, town halls and many public places usually offer a free charging service. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to take a quick charger with you on longer tours to be able to charge flexibly. Most charging stations can be used free of charge; only some require a customer card from the respective electricity provider to activate them. Often the bike is parked and charged as a whole, or the removed battery is connected to the power supply separately and stored safely in a locker.

What charging stations are available?

Lockers with sockets
Bicycle racks with earthed sockets
Charging points for e-cars and e-bikes
Bike-energy charging points with special cable system
Restaurants or cafés that provide their sockets or mains adapters

Charging stations from SSL Energie (Charge4Bike)

The charging station offers space for 4 bikes and has 2 splash-proof sockets (IP44) each, which are protected by a residual current circuit breaker.

Charging stations from Akkurad

The charging stations, which are mainly found in North Rhine-Westphalia, offer lockers for charging the batteries that can be locked with a key or code as well as tap stations with up to 6 sockets (IP65).

Charging stations from RWE eBikeStation

Professional stations with several Schuko sockets or charging columns with 1-2 sockets supply the bike with new energy.

Charging stations FAQ

What does charging cost at e-bike charging stations?

At most stations, charging the batteries is free of charge. For some, you need a special card from the respective electricity provider to activate the station.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

Depending on the capacity and the condition of the charger, between 2 and 8 hours are needed to fully charge the battery. Often, an 80 percent charge level is reached after only half the charging time.

How safe is my bike when charging?

Many stations are equipped with bike racks where the bike can be securely locked. In beer gardens, restaurants or cafés, you should always keep an eye on your bike and park it in sight. Sometimes the operators offer rooms where the e-bikes can be safely charged.

Are there different sockets?

Conventional Schuko sockets are installed at most charging stations. Type 2 plugs have become established at charging stations that also offer electricity for electric cars. These can only be used with a special adapter. bike-energy charging stations are also equipped with their own cable system. These can be borrowed if necessary, or if you frequently use bike-energy stations, it is worth buying your own cable.

Are charging stations always open?

Charging points are usually open 24 hours a day. In public places as well as museums and restaurants, etc., the charging stations are open 24 hours a day. The respective opening hours must be observed.

Can I also charge my bike in the rain?

At many charging stations, charging is possible even in the rain. The stations are often covered. When it rains, make sure that the chargers are protected or stowed waterproof.

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