The World’s First e-Bike with USB Type-C Charging Is Unveiled
Estonian company Ampler has released the Nova and Nova Pro electric bicycles, which can be charged via a USB-C port built right into the frame. The same port can be used to charge other gadgets.
Nova electric bikes use relatively small 48V 336Wh integrated batteries (removable for maintenance only) that can be charged from 0 to 100% in three hours using USB-C PD 3.1 at up to 140W.
By comparison, most bikes with similar batteries take about five hours to charge, and about two hours with 300W+ chargers. With 240W USB-C chargers already shipping, it’s safe to assume that USB-C for bikes will remain a viable interface for the foreseeable future.
As for the bikes themselves, the Nova costs €2,990, while the Nova Pro costs €3,490. They are available with Step-over (for men) and Step-through (for women) frames and a standard 250W motor that allows for a top speed of 25 km/h.
The e-bikes are available for pre-order in the UK, EU and Switzerland, and will begin shipping in June. The company offers two-year warranties on its vehicles.
