What is Powerbox?
Powerbox is an outdoor charging station designed to power up 4, 6, or even 8 e-bikes or scooters at the same time. It’s not just a single spot—it’s a whole network of over 600 charging stations spread across popular cycling destinations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. E-cyclists can stop by and charge their e-bikes for free, which is pretty neat. The folks running these Powerboxes—whether municipalities, restaurants, hotels, or other businesses—get a boost by attracting new visitors and happy customers who appreciate the convenience.
Main Benefits of Powerbox
Why choose Powerbox over a regular bike charger? Here’s the lowdown:
- No unnecessary burden: E-bike owners hate lugging around heavy chargers (we’re talking 0.7 to 1.6 kg). Powerbox cables are compact, lightweight, or you can borrow one on-site.
- Theft protection: Regular chargers can’t be locked to the bike, so you can’t leave them unattended. If stolen, replacements cost between 1500 to 4000 CZK (about 60 to 180 EUR).
- Water resistance: Regular chargers are meant for indoor use only and shouldn’t be left outside unattended. Powerbox stations are built to handle outdoor conditions.
- Up to 2× faster charging: Powerbox charges e-bike batteries twice as fast as most standard chargers. For example, a 400 Wh battery can go from 30% to 80% in about an hour—plenty of time to grab a snack or a drink nearby.
- Charge multiple bikes simultaneously: Got a group? Powerbox can handle 4 to 8 e-bikes at once and works with almost all e-bike types found in Czech and Slovak markets.
Installation and Durability
Installing a Powerbox is a breeze. It can be mounted on walls, poles, “H” stands, or totems, and a technician can have it up and running in just 90 minutes—no permits needed. Plus, it’s built tough with IP54 protection, which means it’s resistant to splashing water, dust, and even vandalism. So, it’s ready to brave the outdoors without breaking a sweat.
Benefits for Operators
For those running municipalities, tourist spots, or businesses, Powerbox offers some serious perks. E-bikes are becoming the go-to choice in Western Europe and catching on fast locally. Offering free charging can draw more visitors and customers. Plus, every public Powerbox station gets automatically listed on popular cycling maps, boosting visibility. Whether you mount it on a building facade, a pole, or a ground structure powered by 230V or solar panels, Powerbox gives you freedom in placement. It can even be installed indoors safely, like in garages or company bike rooms.
Technology and Safety
Powerbox uses industrial-grade chargers certified for all e-bike batteries, including those with two-way communication systems like Bosch e-bike, Bosch Smart, and Shimano STePS. The system is managed remotely via a unique Cloud solution, letting operators switch stations on or off and monitor electricity use and user numbers over time. And don’t worry about costs—charging an e-bike costs just about 1-3 CZK per session, which is practically nothing.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promotes clean energy use with efficient outdoor charging.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Supports innovative infrastructure for sustainable transport.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Encourages eco-friendly urban mobility.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Reduces waste by providing shared charging resources.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Helps lower carbon emissions by supporting electric mobility.
Changing the Way We Ride
The Powerbox network is transforming how people use electric bicycles daily. Instead of worrying about carrying bulky chargers or leaving them vulnerable to theft, riders can simply stop at a Powerbox station and recharge with ease. This convenience encourages more people to choose e-bikes, making cycling more accessible and sustainable. It’s a small change with a big impact—making green travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
