USB power for phone

[smee]

Just wondering if anyone has ever fitted a USB power outlet to the bike's electrical system.

The reason I am thinking of it is that using GPS based bicycle apps on a phone can shorten the battery life, so it seems like a good idea to use some of the bike's battery power to keep the phone charged while you ride and use the app. I am sure the little bit of power used won't make much difference to the bike's performance.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Some bikes and batteries have a USB outlet. Some people have added a dc/dc converter, but the easiest is to stick one of these in your pocket:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5V-9v-12v-Dual-USB-Mobile-Power-Bank-6x-18650-Lithium-Battery-Charger-Box-/300987271174?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Battery_Chargers&hash=item46143d4806

 

[smee]

Yes, I thought of putting one of those (or something like it) in a pannier bag.

 

[Aushiker]

The battery I have purchased from EM3EV, a 36v Samsung battery has an USB plug. I thought it was for a USB charger; it never occurred to me it could be a USB outlet .

Andrew

 

[drsolly]

I have a cable running from my pannier to the handlebars, which is a USB extension cable. So if I put power in at the pannier, I have a powered USB port on the handlebars. I use it to power my GPS system. Today, I was out from 10:30 till 18:00. and needed more power for the GPS than it's own battery gives me.

 

[smee]

Yes, nice and simple. Probably the best way.