RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Solarcycle have been consulting, designing and installing 100% off-grid e-bike charging for major employers in the UK, including the NHS and Regional Councils since 2022.
If you can’t find an answer to your questions, drop us an email at faqs@solarcycle.uk or use the form on our contact page >
Can you charge any brand of e-bike?
Yes, the Solarcycle E-bike charger can provide energy for any road-legal, pedal assisted ‘pedelec’ electric bike.
How many e-bikes can use the chargers?
Using data from across the Solarcycle network of cloud connected chargers, combined with local maps, we are able to configure the chargers to suit your location and budget. Use our pricing configurator for an estimate >
How much does a Solarcycle charger cost?
The pricing is dependent on your location, rider requirements and scale. We also offer finance to spread the cost monthly from just £195, with blue light discounts and pre-qualified finance for NHS.
How long does it take to charge an e-bike?
Using a Solarcycle charger will take the same amount of time as a mains charger for your ebikes. This is usually around 2 hours from 20%-80% charge and up to 5 hours for a 0-100% charge using an average battery and ebike setup.
Can it go anywhere?
Solarcycle chargers are completely off-grid, which means they require no groundworks for mains connections. This makes the highly versatile. However, riders of e-bikes will need somewhere to shelter their ebikes from the weather, so it is recommended charging is within a shelter which can be provided by us or fitted retrospectively to an existing sheter.
How long does installation take?
The chargers are installed and up and running usually within a 90 minutes, with. a minimum of disruption or cost.
What are your lead times for orders?
Most orders are fulfilled within 6 weeks, depending on stock levels. If you require something much quicker, get in touch about our ex-demo or temporary chargers.
Are Solarcycle chargers available outside the UK?
Solarcycle chargers are available worldwide. We have offices in Spain, where we serve locations in Europe.
Are there branding options?
Solarcycle chargers are completely customiseable – with a range of RAL colours for the powder coating to vinyl graphics to suit your brand or sponsors.
What is the Warranty period?
Standard warranty
Battery and solar panels (Parts only, subject to delivery & labour), +
- Solar Panels: 5 Years: Guaranteed at least 95% of rated output power
- Battery: 3-year limited manufacturing defect warranty
Expected lifespan of the battery and solar panel:
- Solar panels: < 25 years expected 80% performance
- Battery: 3-6 years / 600 deep cycles
Any routine maintenance requirements:
It is not recommended to remove any secure access panels as this will invalidate warranties. However, you should consider the following in regular upkeep:
- Visually inspect and wipe panels clean of any debris such as leaves, bird droppings etc. Suggest quarterly or half yearly.
- Visually inspect external cables at the rear of unit
- Locks; Coat with oil or WD40 as and when lock jaws required.
- Test and Inspect 3-Pin Sockets using an RCD Socket tester to ensure tripping/earth working as expected.
Any inspection or servicing recommendations?
- Security updates to firmware made over the air to Internal computers (x3). This is managed remotely by us with over the air updates 24/7 whilst under contract.
Solarcycle Totem Chargers now come with 3 years parts and labour warranty, 24/7 safety monitoring and over-the-air security updates. This is can be extended to 5 or 10 year options from £49/pm.
Do I need mains backup?
No. Solarcycle chargers are configured for UK conditions. This means we add contingency at at the design stage for your location using 15 years of historic UV data. In addition, Solarcycle chargers are monitored 24/7 with cloud monitoring. Low power Notifications are shared with the Solarcycle team and vendor. During periods of wet, colder weather and shorter days when cycling is less frequent, the chargers are put into sleep mode to conserve power. This also extends the lifespan of all components and batteries.
How are Solarcycle chargers safer?
Solarcycle chargers require no groundworks or mains connection and work entirely off-grid. This means that they can be placed anywhere away from buildings and people, and in accordance with your landlords and/or insurers policy.
Where are they manufactured?
Solarcycle chargers are manufactured in the UK and assembled in Surrey. All the components are enitrely European exceot the solar panels which are sourced according to the latest, highest specification and come from a range of tier 1 manufacturers. The data is held securely within a UK or Central European location. If this is critical for your requirements, get in touch via our contact page for more detail.
What is average use?
In the UK, 68% of journeys travelled by car are below 5 miles. Around 82% of people reported to have used a private car at least once a week, and 6% less than once a year or never in 2023. These proportions were similar to the previous four years. Source:
