Charging Ahead

e-bike icon

Charging Ahead

An E-Bike Accommodation Guide for Architects and Property Owners

Introduction

The growing popularity of e-bikes has significantly influenced the design requirements for bike parking facilities. Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes tend to be heavier, larger, and come in a wider variety of shapes due to their integrated motors, batteries, and reinforced frames. These factors have implications for the types of bike racks used and the spacing allocated in parking areas. Property owners and planners must account for these changes to ensure their facilities can accommodate modern bicycle users effectively.

E-Bike Parts

E-bikes can be operated without electrical assistance just like a traditional bike, but the assistance of a battery-powered motor enables riders to enjoy extended range, easier hill climbs, and reduced effort during their journey.

E-bike batteries are typically lithium-ion, for their high energy density, lightweight design, and long lifespan. Most batteries can be removed and charged away from the bike.

Charging only certified batteries with the recommended charger, avoiding overcharging, and storing the battery at moderate temperatures are important practices for preserving the battery’s health.

e-bike on white background e-bike battery on white background e-bike charger on white background

Providing Power

Catering to the growing demand for e-bike charging points is a smart move for any property looking to stay compatible with today’s cycling needs. As with any electrical system, thoughtful planning and procedures must be followed to implement a solution safely and effectively.

Here are some precautions and tips to consider when providing electrical hookups for e-bike charging.

charging icon

Most standard e-bike chargers draw 4 amps continuously. We recommend a maximum of (4) receptacles per 20A circuit.

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Display clear signage near each outlet identifying how many amps each outlet can safely provide per the location’s electrical system. The use of fast chargers, which draw a higher load, should be discouraged.

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Any electrical safety device, such as a timer switch, should be certified by a nationally recognized testing facility.

charging icon

Always consult a locally licensed electrician when planning new circuits and use caution when working with electricity!

Safe and Secure

Because e-bikes are typically more expensive than traditional bicycles, they require enhanced security measures when providing parking. Using racks with thick, square tubing makes them more resistant to common theft tools like pipe-cutters.

To further improve security, install these racks in a monitored area, such as under surveillance cameras or within restricted-access spaces, ensuring safer storage for e-bike users.

Charging points should incorporate time limits to help prevent overcharging and extend battery life.

square tubing icon

Square tubing provides resistance to pipe-cutters.

monitored area icon

Place racks in a monitored area

timed charging icon

Timed charging helps preserve battery health

E-Bikes
Are Getting
Big

Battery powered assistance makes it much easier to pedal heavier loads with larger bikes, like cargo bikes. In fact, most bikes of this type being sold today are now electric, and are replacing cars for many individuals and families.

In the next section we’ll look at how to choose racks and set appropriate spacing for these larger bikes.

family riding on electric cargo bike

Space Use

Standard bike rack spacing, which often assume bikes will be parked tightly together, may lead to overcrowding and inconvenience if not adjusted for larger bikes. Providing additional clearance between a number of racks and ensuring aisles are wide enough for users to navigate with bulky e-bikes will improve usability and encourage more riders to use the facility.

Be aware that many cargo bikes will not be centered on the rack when parked. The diagrams on this page illustrate how cargo bikes (shown in blue) compare to a traditional bike (gray) when parked on a rack.

space-use measurements with various bikes

Let us help!

The most efficient and user-friendly way to allow space for cargo bikes will vary considerably from site to site. Dero can work with you to design a free CAD layout that maximizes your space while ensuring usability and accessibility.

Learn More

The Right Racks

E-bikes often weigh between 45 and 80 pounds, with some cargo models exceeding 100 pounds. While racks designed to hang bikes vertically may be sturdy enough to handle the heavier loads, your users may not be able to raise their bikes onto these racks.

When planning to accommodate e-bikes, be sure that at least a portion of your parking options include racks that leave the bike on the ground.

bike room with horizontal and vertical bike racks

This bike room employs a combination of vertical racks for space-efficiency and horizontal racks for better compatibility with the wide variety of bike sizes and styles commonly seen today.

e-bike charging products

Charging Solutions by Dero

E-bike sales continue to outpace those of electric vehicles in the United States, and as their popularity grows so too, does the demand for the infrastructure to support their use. Dero provides a complete lineup of products designed to allow e-bike users to charge their ride while securely parked. Explore our product options below and help keep those e-bikes rolling!

See our E-Bike Charging Products

Got Questions?


    News

    Charge. Lock. Ride. The Future of Micromobility is Here!

    April 2, 2025

    The way we move is changing, and Dero is keeping pace. We’re thrilled to introduce our updated line of E-Bike Charging Racks—innovative solutions designed to power the growing micromobility movement. Whether you’re managing a bike room, a transit hub, or a campus, our charging racks provide a secure and convenient way for riders to charge up while they park. 

    ✅ Charge and lock two bikes or scooters per rack

    ✅ Designed for indoor and covered outdoor spaces

    ✅ 4-hour timer prevents overcharging

    ✅ Durable, tamper-resistant construction

    Meet the Lineup:

    Dero eDecker – Premium, two-tier storage with built-in charging, ideal for high-capacity bike parking areas. 

    eSwerve™ – Sleek design, built for bikes and scooters with a timed charging cycle to protect battery health.

    eDowntown™ – Sturdy and stylish, this rack accommodates urban riders looking for a reliable charge. 

    eBeam™ – Compact and efficient, perfect for maximizing space while keeping e-bikes powered. 

    eHitch™ – Smart and secure solution, ideal for indoor & covered locations. 

    Single + Double e-bike Lockers – Unmatched security, allowing bike charging while also securing the batteries.

    Our E-Bike Charging Racks feature a 4-hour timed charging cycle, ensuring that e-bike and scooter batteries get the charge they need without the risk of overcharging. This helps preserve battery life, maximize efficiency, and provide a safer charging experience for riders. Designed for convenience and longevity, our racks make it easy to power up while preventing unnecessary battery strain.

    Projects, Streetscapes, Tips

    Partnering with Purpose: Dero and Local Arts Center Create a Bike-Friendly Space

    September 30, 2024

    Dero was thrilled to partner with the Chicago Fire Arts Center (CFAC), located at the historic intersection of 38th and Chicago, also known as George Floyd Square. The CFAC reached out to Dero for help in designing a bike parking solution that could be placed over their newly installed permeable pavers next to the parking lot. Since removing the pavers to install a concrete foundation wasn’t an ideal option, Dero offered a creative alternative.

    Orange rail-mounted Dero Downtown Racks on top of pavers in parking lot

    Dero recommended a rail-mounted bike rack system. These racks are designed to “float” over surfaces like brick, gravel, or other materials that typically aren’t compatible with traditional bike racks. The team proposed using the Dero Downtown Rack, which boasts a square-tube design for enhanced strength and added protection against cutting. Not only is this design more secure, but it also offers a modern, distinctive appearance that sets it apart from standard round-tube racks. The Downtown Rack starts as a 2-inch square tube of high-quality, USA-sourced steel, which is then bent, welded, and powder-coated at Dero’s Lakeland, Florida, manufacturing facility.

    After laying out the plan in AutoCAD, Dero recommended positioning the racks at a 45-degree angle. This placement minimized any interference with the rain garden to the north and nearby parking spaces to the south. The CFAC selected a bold orange powder-coated finish for the racks. However, the rails themselves were left with a galvanized finish, which is standard for Dero. Since the rails are in constant contact with the ground and exposed to water and Minnesota’s salty winters, a powder-coat finish could wear out prematurely. The galvanization process provides long-term protection against rust, ensuring durability over time.

    These bike racks were generously donated to CFAC as part of Dero’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the South Minneapolis community, a place many of its employees proudly call home.

    Bike Storage, Tips

    Top 12 Benefits of Adding Bike Rooms to Multi-Tenant Housing and Campus Living

    May 17, 2024

    As urban areas become denser and more people look for eco-friendly transportation options, the need for adequate bike storage solutions becomes crucial. Bike rooms outfitted with Dero bike racks offer a modern solution for apartment buildings and campus settings, enhancing the quality of living and promoting a greener lifestyle. Here’s how:

     Secure Bike Storage

    1. Prevention of Theft: Bike rooms can be equipped with robust security features, including controlled access and surveillance systems, reducing the risk of bike theft significantly compared to outdoor racks. With an onsite bike room, residents and students can rest easy knowing their bikes are stored in a secure location, which adds an invaluable sense of security to their daily lives.
    cyclist unlocks door with key fob

    Space Efficiency

    1. Maximized Space Use: Dero’s innovative bike racks, such as vertical hanging or double-tiered systems, make the most out of limited spaces, allowing more bikes to be stored in a smaller area.
    2. Clutter-Free Common Areas: By providing a dedicated space for bike storage, bike rooms keep hallways, stairwells, and common areas free from the clutter and obstructions caused by improperly stored bikes.
    bike room with two tier and vertical bike racks

    Enhanced Property Value

    1. Attractive Amenity: A secure bike room is an attractive feature for potential tenants or students who are cycling enthusiasts or prefer biking as their primary mode of transport.
    2. Competitive Edge: Properties with dedicated bike rooms stand out in the competitive housing market, appealing more to environmentally conscious residents and increasing tenant retention.
    View of bike room from outside downtown building

    Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle

    1. Encouraging Cycling: Easy access to secure bike storage facilities encourages residents and students to cycle more often, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
    2. Reduction of Carbon Footprint: Bike rooms facilitate cycling, and contribute to reduced vehicle emissions, aligning with sustainability goals of the community.
    two young women walking with their bikes

    Community Building

    1. Social Interactions: Bike rooms can become a gathering spot for like-minded individuals who share an interest in cycling, fostering a sense of community among residents. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to organize events. Management can organize biking events or workshops, enhancing engagement and interaction among tenants or students.
    chairs and table in colorful bike room

    Maintenance and Convenience

    1. On-Site Repair Stations: Dero can provide repair stations equipped with tools for basic maintenance tasks, allowing cyclists to perform quick repairs and adjustments.
    2. Weather Protection: Indoor bike storage protects bicycles from harsh weather conditions, prolonging the life of the bikes and reducing maintenance needs.
    public bike repair stands inside bike room

    Customizable Solutions

    1. Design Flexibility: Dero offers customizable bike room design consultation to match the specific needs and aesthetic preferences of each property, ensuring that the storage solutions blend seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
    2. Adaptability: As the needs of the community evolve, bike rooms can be adapted and expanded to accommodate more bikes or incorporate new features.

    Incorporating a bike room into multi-tenant housing complexes and campus environments not only addresses practical issues of storage and security but also enhances the overall quality of life by supporting sustainable practices and fostering community engagement. These facilities are a testament to a property’s commitment to modern, eco-friendly solutions and can significantly influence a resident’s decision to choose one living space over another. Ready to find out more? Check out our Bike Room Guide here and contact us to discuss our complimentary CAD drawing.

    News

    Embracing Spring: Why City Planners Should Invest in Dero Bike Lockers for Cyclists

    March 26, 2024

    As the frost thaws and the sun begins to warm the earth, spring breathes new life into our cities. For cyclists, it’s not just about shedding layers of winter gear—it’s a time of reemergence, of rediscovering the joy of pedal-powered exploration. However, for many urban cyclists, the lack of secure bike storage poses a significant barrier to fully embracing the season’s potential. This is where Dero bike lockers and smart lockers come into play, offering a solution that not only enhances cyclist convenience but also contributes to building sustainable, bike-friendly communities. City planners and administrators take note—here’s why spring is the perfect time to invest in these amenities.

    1. Facilitating Active Transportation

    Spring inspires a wave of enthusiasm for outdoor activities and cycling ranks high on the list for many urban dwellers. By providing secure bike lockers, city planners empower cyclists to choose active transportation options without worrying about the safety of their bikes. This, in turn, promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces traffic congestion, and decreases carbon emissions, contributing to overall community well-being.

    2. Encouraging Cycling Tourism

    As the weather warms, cities become more attractive destinations for cyclists seeking new routes and experiences. Whether it’s exploring scenic trails, visiting local attractions, or simply cruising through vibrant neighborhoods, cyclists inject vitality into urban landscapes. By offering Dero bike lockers and smart lockers, cities can cater to the needs of visiting cyclists, fostering a welcoming environment that encourages tourism and supports local businesses.

    3. Enhancing Security and Peace of Mind

    For cyclists, the fear of bike theft is a persistent concern that can detract from the enjoyment of riding. Dero bike lockers provide a reliable solution, offering robust security features that safeguard bikes against theft, vandalism, and inclement weather. Smart lockers, equipped with advanced technologies such as keyless entry and remote monitoring, further elevate security standards, providing cyclists with peace of mind knowing their bikes are protected while they go about their day.

    4. Promoting Multimodal Transportation Integration

    In the quest for sustainable urban mobility, integrating different modes of transportation is key. Dero bike lockers serve as a vital component of multimodal transportation networks, seamlessly connecting cycling routes with public transit hubs and other transport infrastructure. By strategically placing bike lockers in high-traffic areas such as transit stations, city planners facilitate smooth transitions between cycling and other modes of travel, encouraging more people to incorporate biking into their daily routines.

    5. Demonstrating Commitment to Sustainability

    Spring symbolizes renewal and growth, making it an opportune time for cities to reaffirm their commitment to sustainability. By investing in Dero bike lockers and smart lockers, city planners signal their dedication to fostering eco-friendly transportation alternatives and reducing reliance on cars. This aligns with broader environmental initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and creating greener, more resilient urban environments for future generations to enjoy.

    As spring breathes fresh energy into our cities, it’s essential for city planners and administrators to seize the moment and prioritize the needs of cyclists. By investing in Dero bike lockers and smart lockers, cities not only enhance the cycling experience but also promote active lifestyles, support local economies, and contribute to the creation of more sustainable and vibrant communities. As we embrace the season of renewal, let’s pedal forward towards a future where cycling thrives as a cherished mode of urban transportation.