Phone-based navigation has made it easier than ever to stay safe while on your bike. That's not to mention that your smartphone can help keep you entertained on your journey, talk on the phone, and be ready for when you reach your destination.

However, these features require power. If you need to keep your smartphone charged while out on a cycle, you do have options. You could choose a backpack and battery pack combo, a standalone power bank, or even a solar-powered option. Here are the best ways to charge your phone while riding a bike.

Premium pick

1. IZIP E3 ProTour

9.00 / 10
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If you've been considering a bike upgrade alongside phone charging, then you may want to take a look at the IZIP E3 ProTour. This electric bike---or e-bike--- is equipped with an electric motor that supports you while you ride. Riding uphill or over long distances become more achievable with an e-bike and make cycling an attractive transport option.

Although there are many e-bikes out there, integration with COBI, the smart connected biking system, makes the E3 ProTour notable. The handlebar-based unit is a bike phone charger, can control your bike's lights, and protect your bike when not in use. When connected to your smartphone via the COBI app, you can adjust your e-bike's settings, monitor your cycling performance, and utilize turn-by-turn navigation.

Of course, the bike itself is also a consideration here. The E3 ProTour is equipped with a high torque 500W Currie Electro-Drive system coupled with a 48V battery. This makes it ideal for cycling long distances at high speeds. This is a multi-use bike, just as suited for fitness as commuting. There are integrated fenders, a rack, kickstand, and lock as well. This e-bike can assist you up to a maximum speed of 28mph and has a range of up to 35 miles on a single charge.

Key Features
  • Electric bike with integrated COBI smart system
  • Digitally adjustable lights and settings
  • 500W electric motor
Specifications
  • Brand: IZIP
  • Battery: 48V 8.7Ah lithium-ion
  • Weight: 23.5kg
  • Maximum Speed: 28mph
  • Brake Style: Shimano M396 Hydraulic Disc
  • Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
  • Wheel Size: 28-inch
  • Suspension: Not included
  • Motor (W): 500W
Pros
  • Up to 35-mile range
  • Maximum speed of 28mph
Cons
  • Although a great e-bike, an expensive option to charge your phone
Buy This Product
IZIP E3 ProTour
Editors choice

2. XTPower Xplorer Hiker 8

10.00 / 10
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If you like the idea of a solar charger, but want something more portable, consider the XTPower Xplorer Hiker 8. You may have come across the CamelBak hydration bladders in the past, and the Xplorer Hiker 8 is a similar backpack with water storage. These products are ideal for cycling, as you only have to reach for the straw rather than hold a water bottle in your hand as you ride.

What makes this option from XTPower unique is that it integrates a waterproof 7W solar panel on the outside of the bag. The panel has a 5V USB output, which provides power to a battery inside the bag. This allows you to charge your devices while on the go using only renewable power. The bag's interior even has multiple pockets to keep your gadgets organized. Alongside the 1.8L hydration bladder, there's also a 6L main storage compartment.

Key Features
  • Hydration backpack with integrated power bank
  • Direct-charge via the bag's solar panel
Specifications
  • Brand: XTPower
  • Battery Capacity: Not applicable
  • Ports: USB-A
  • Weight: 0.82kg
Pros
  • Ideal product for those who spend time outdoors
  • Integrated solar panel, power bank, and hydration bladder
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XTPower Xplorer Hiker 8

If you rely on your phone for navigation, then the ROMOSS Bicycle Handlebar Power Bank is an ideal option. The product combines a bike phone holder with a power bank so that you only have to attach one unit to your handlebar. The phone holder fits phones up to 5.5 inches due to its stretchable mounts. The silicone buckle is adjustable, so it should fit all handlebars and even onto the grips of a baby stroller.

The portable charger is encased in a silicone cover. However, as your phone is always exposed, this item is not suitable for use in the rain. The 10,000mAh battery can recharge most phones up to five times on a single charge. There are two USB ports so you can power up to two devices simultaneously. You even have options here, as the power bank supports both micro-USB and USB-C connections.

Key Features
  • Mount fits devices up to 5.5 inches
  • 10,000mAh battery
Specifications
  • Brand: ROMOSS
  • Battery Capacity: 10,000mAh
  • Ports: micro-USB, USB-C, 2 x USB-A
  • Weight: 0.3kg
Pros
  • Supports micro-USB and USB-C connections
Cons
  • Power bank casing is splash-resistant but there is no protection for your phone
Buy This Product
ROMOSS Bicycle Handlebar Power Bank

Cycling is often praised for its health benefits. Not only do you exercise while riding, but you get some time outdoors, too. So, why not make use of that outdoor time and opt for a solar charger? The GoerTech Solar Charger is one of the best solar chargers available today and an excellent way to charge your phone while riding your bike. This 25,000mAh portable charger can store enough energy to recharge an iPhone XS more than seven times.

So, even when partially depleted, it should be more than enough to get your phone back to full health. Usefully, it can charge up to three devices simultaneously. The power bank can be recharged either by sunlight or via USB. By cable, the GoerTech Solar Charger takes 13 hours to recharge fully. Depending on the weather, charging the unit by sunlight can take between three and seven days. It also features 36 LEDs so that the unit can double as an emergency light source.

Key Features
  • Recharge via USB or built-in solar panel
  • Charges up to three devices simultaneously
Specifications
  • Brand: GoerTech
  • Battery Capacity: 25,000mAh
  • Ports: 3 x USB-A
  • Weight: 0.54kg
Pros
  • 36-LED side-panel flashlight
  • IPX6-rated for water resistance
Cons
  • Between three and seven days to recharge using sunlight
Buy This Product
GoerTech Solar Charger

In many places around the world, there's a requirement that cyclists have lights on their bike during low-light hours. The BurningSun Solar Bike Light is an excellent choice, as it stays charged throughout the day thanks to the integrated solar panel. There are four headlight modes and the lights reach a maximum 350 lumens. Additionally, there's a horn included here to save space on your handlebars by only attaching a single unit.

However, you're here for bike chargers for mobile phones. Fortunately, this unit also comes with a 2,000mAh internal power bank. This can be charged using the solar panel or via USB. You can choose one of five sounds for the horn, which will reach 140dB. The unit is IPX5-rated for water resistance, making it a genuinely multi-purpose all-day cycling companion.

Key Features
  • 140dB electric bike horn included
  • All-in-one unit to save space on handlebars
  • Recharge via USB or built-in solar panel
Specifications
  • Brand: BurningSun
  • Battery Capacity: 2,000mAh
  • Ports: USB-A
  • Weight: 0.21kg
Pros
  • Headlights reach 350 lumens
  • IPX5-rated for water resistance
Cons
  • Smartphone handlebar mount not included
Buy This Product
BurningSun Solar Bike Light

FAQ

Q: Can You Use a Phone While Riding a Bike?

Although legal requirements vary around the world, generally, it is best to stay focused on the road while cycling. However, many people find that listening to music or podcasts through their smartphone, paired with a Bluetooth headset, to be an acceptable pasttime. Likewise, you'll often see people taking hands-free calls while cycling. However, be careful that the conversation doesn't distract you from the task at hand. If attached to the handlebars, cyclists often use their smartphone for app-based navigation or tracking services.

Q: Where Do Cyclists Keep Their Phone?

As cycling is an outdoor activity, you'll be subject to nature's whims. While on a sunny day, it may be safe to attach your smartphone to your bike's handlebars, less ideal conditions should prompt you to find alternatives. If you rely on your phone for navigation, then you could use a waterproof case, water-resistant housing, or opt for a phone with water resistance. Otherwise, you're better off keeping your phone in a safe, secure, dry place like in a zipped backpack.