Remember in the bad old days when we had to tape directions to our bike’s gas tank? Well, smartphones have become an essential part of riding, and fewer and fewer of us can find ways to leave them behind when we go on our rides, particularly since you can track and share your rides with your buddies. However, playing music and running turn-by-turn directions can drain your phone’s battery. Naturally, we need a way to feed it while out on the road. While some phone mounts have built-in wireless charging, the vast majority are just a means of securing your phone to your motorcycle. So, here is our current list of the best motorcycle phone chargers we know of. If you have a favorite that’s not listed, let us know in the comments.
You’ll find these chargers lumped into two basic categories. One gets hard-wired into your bike’s electrical system, while the second is an adapter that plugs into your 12V socket on the bike. Either way, they then convert the power to 5V and deliver it via the cable that is appropriate for your phone. When it comes to installing your phone charger, we highly recommend that you use a switched circuit because they will otherwise place a constant small load on your motorcycle battery that could run it dry during storage. Nylon Cable Gland
For motorcyclists who have their bike’s battery set up to be maintained by a smart charger, the Battery Tender Quick Disconnect USB Charger Adaptor is as easy as it gets. Simply plug the SAE connector used for maintaining the motorcycle battery into the Battery Tender USB Charger, and you have an instant USB port, delivering 2.1 Amps of power to your phone. If you have more than one motorcycle, you can move the Battery Tender from one bike to the next with ease. Easy peasy!
The Qidoe 12V/24V Dual USB Outlet PD3.0 & QC3.0 is a powerhouse charger that you mount into your motorcycle’s dash or body panels via a 30mm hole. The USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 outlet has enough oomph to deliver a total output of 20W to charge: iPhone 14/13/12/11/Pro Max/X/XR, iPad, AirPods, and Tablets. The USB-A Quick Charge 3.0 port offers a maximum output of 18W, providing a 4x faster charging speed to compatible devices. In addition to the charging capabilities, the Qidoe 12V/24V Dual USB Outlet also has a built-in voltmeter that can help you keep track of your motorcycle’s electrical health out on the road.
The unit has an on/off switch to keep your motorcycle’s battery from being drained when idle, and we recommend installing the Qidoe 12V/24V Dual USB Outlet on a switched circuit. Finally, the USB plugs are protected from dust and water by the flip-down cover, making it suitable for both motorcycle and marine applications.
Now, we’re stepping out of true charger territory into the phone mount zone. Still, it’s hard to ignore how nice it is to mount your phone to your bike and charge it at the same time. The Quad Lock H2O Wireless Charger requires one of Quad Lock’s variety of phone mount systems. Additionally, you’ll need one of the USB chargers listed here to power the device, but once you’ve got that package together, there is no difference between your mount and the charger, and you’ll be able to charge your phone wirelessly while you ride. This is the area of motorcycle phone chargers that is most in flux. So, check back here often.
This is an easy-to-use adapter for riders whose motorcycle comes with a 12V “cigarette” lighter plug. However, there is a major caveat: These adapters are not waterproof since they are primarily used in the automotive industry in dry settings. If you can live with that limitation, then you get two independent ports that are capable of delivering 38W of power total. The PD 3.0 & QC 3.0 Fast Charge USB ports are buzzword compatible, with the USB-A port delivering 5V/3A、9V/2A、12V/1.5A (Max 18W). The USB-C port follows up with 5V/3A、9V/2.22A、12V/1.5A (Max 20W). Both ports support a variety of fast-charge specifications. So, your electronics will be well cared for.
If you are more of the handlebar-mount than the dash-mount persuasion, the Vemote Motorcycle USB Phone Charger, Waterproof 6.8A Dual Port QC3.0 Fast Charging has got the hot setup for you. First, it conveniently mounts to your handlebar, placing it right where you need it for your phone mount or tank bag. Second, it has a built-in on/off switch to keep it from draining your battery. The SAE connector means that you can use the power feed to your battery for other purposes, like a smart charger. Most importantly, the Vemote has two QC3.0-capable USB ports that deliver fast charging to compatible devices, like smart phones. When things get wet, the waterproof cover snaps in place to protect the USB ports. Finally, the Vemote has a voltmeter to monitor your bike’s electrical system. All-in-all, a pretty tidy package.
This is as basic as it gets. You connect in the included fused wires, find a place to screw, rivet, or zip-tie the USB port, and join the SAE connectors. At the end of your labors you’ll get 5V DC and 3.1 Amp charging capabilities. No frills, just a waterproof cover. After all, that’s really all you need.
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