FAQ

  • How does PedalCell work?
  • Can PedalCell work on anything besides bicycles?
  • What is your warranty?
  • How much does PedalCell cost?
  • Where can I buy PedalCell?
  • Where are replacement parts available?
  • How do I troubleshoot charging?
  • Are there special discount codes, Pro Deals, etc.?
  • How much is shipping?
  • How is PedalCell shipped outside of the USA?
  • Can I track my order?
  • How long does shipping take?
  • Is my bicycle (or trike) compatible with PedalCell?
  • Does PedalCell work with suspensions?
  • Can PedalCell mount with panniers and bags?
  • How much space does my rim need?
  • Can PedalCell be mounted in the rear?
  • How long do O-Rings last?
  • Is PedalCell theft-resistant?
  • Does my wheel need to spin exactly true?
  • Does PedalCell require maintenance?
  • How can I clean my PedalCell?
  • Can PedalCell be used on an electric bicycle (eBike)?
  • Why do carbon rims not work?
  • Can PedalCell run off my tire (or tyre)?
  • Can PedalCell install on an exercise or stationary bike?
  • Can PedalCell install alongside a dynamo hub?
  • Is PedalCell waterproof?
  • Does PedalCell add drag?
  • How do PedalCell's USB ports work?
  • What lights are recommended?
  • What powerbanks are recommended?
  • What is the charge time/power at different speeds?
  • Does PedalCell use a battery?
  • Can PedalCell power devices while stopped?
  • Does PedalCell work in the rain and mud?
  • What cables should I use?
  • Is PedalCell noisy?
  • What is PedalCell's top speed?
  • Is there a whitepaper published on PedalCell?
  • Can PedalCell damage my devices?
  • Which USB Charging Standards are supported?
  • Can PedalCell charge an eBike battery?
  • How can PedalCell charge my 12V, 48V non-USB battery?
  • Can PedalCell charge my large portable devices (laptop, CPAP, etc.)?

General/Purchasing

How does PedalCell work?

PedalCell consists of two pieces. The Generator attaches to your bike's frame, on the front or back, and touches the rim. When your wheel spins, the side of the rim spins the Generator to create electricity. This electricity is sent up a cable to the second part of the device: the Smart Power Hub with two USB-C charging ports. PedalCell does not use batteries. Our product does safely stabilize power for your devices and can output charge for up to 30 seconds while stopped.

Can PedalCell work on anything besides bicycles?

PedalCell's electronics and generator are designed to be used within the speeds and riding behavior of a bicyclist (or trike). In addition, its mounting and alignment hardware is optimized for a bicycle frame. PedalCell's warranty only applies to bicycle mounting. 

What is your warranty?

We offer a two-year limited warranty for original purchasers who bought products from our website or an authorized dealer. PedalCell's warranty covers defects and product failure within intended use. Read more.

How much does PedalCell cost?

PedalCell is priced at $399.99. We also offer the Ultimate PedalCell bundle, which includes our whole accessories catalog for $499.99 but can be ordered $50 off on our store. To inquire about our wholesale pricing catalog, please contact us directly: info@pedalcell.com.

Where can I buy PedalCell?

If you are a consumer, visit our online store or select retailers. We do not offer direct pickup options from our shipping facilities or HQ. If you represent a company, shop, or distributor, contact us at: info@pedalcell.com.

 

 

Where are replacement parts available?

Replacement parts can be ordered by emailing info@pedalcell.com.

How do I troubleshoot charging?

Common Easy Fixes:

- Spinning the wheel with your hand or very short bike sprints will not produce charge. PedalCell will start charging after the device has established your cruising speed and charged its internal supercapacitor bank. Charging usually starts within a minute at 5+ MPH.

- PedalCell's generator must be properly engaged on the rim with spring force. Check this video to ensure your generator is activated correctly.

- If your charging is slow, check your USB port of choice. PedalCell has two USB-C ports: one prioritized port that's first to turn on, last to turn off (max power 3W), and one high power port (indicated by a small lightning bolt symbol on the power hub lid) that will receive surplus energy when you ride fast enough (max output 12W). You'll need to be going at a minimum of approximately 10 MPH to power both ports continuously. If you aren't going that fast, then we recommend you use just the high port for the fastest charging.

If you need additional support, please email info@pedalcell.com with your order number, details about what you're experiencing, and photos of your setup (generator and smart power hub).

Are there special discount codes, Pro Deals, etc.?

We would love to be able to offer everyone something, but we don't offer discount codes. We operate as a small business for a relatively niche (but super awesome) customer base with lower sales volumes. We have our prices set how they are to cover our costs and keep the lights on 💡

Ordering and Delivery

How much is shipping?

Shipping costs depend on the item you’ve ordered and the country where it’s being delivered.

Contiguous USA: Standard and two-day shipping that is calculated automatically at checkout after you've entered your address.

Alaska/Hawaii: Automatically calculated at checkout after you've entered your address.

European Union and United Kingdom: PedalCell shipments are at a flat rate for standard shipping from our EU/UK warehouse. There will not be any additional customs fees after checkout.

All other countries: Automatically calculated at checkout after you've entered your address. Duties and taxes can be paid at checkout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How is PedalCell shipped outside of the USA?

The majority of our customers are outside the USA, and we ship to nearly every country worldwide. We have a full international shipping FAQ here.

European Union and UK: We ship to European Union and United Kingdom customers with low cost and fast shipping via our EU/UK warehouse. VAT is included, and there will not be any additional customs fees after checkout.

Other markets: Shipping, duties, transit times, and taxes can be paid after entering your address at checkout before payment. If you choose to prepay these fees, there will not be additional costs when reaching your country. You may also opt not to prepay duties and taxes if you prefer to communicate with your customs office directly. See the image below for an example checkout in Australia.

Can I track my order?

Yes. We’ll provide updates at every stage of your order, from the moment you place it, through to despatch and delivery. In your delivery confirmation emails, you’ll receive a tracking reference which you can use to check the progress of your order online. If your shipment tracking has not been updated for 30 days, please contact us to conduct an investigation.

How long does shipping take?

Most USA, EU, and UK orders take 2-7 business days with standard shipping.

All other countries are provided a breakdown at checkout for estimated transit. Typically, expedited speed is 4-10 days, and standard speed is 15-25 days.

If your shipment tracking has not been updated for 30 days, please contact us to conduct an investigation.

Installation

Is my bicycle (or trike) compatible with PedalCell?

PedalCell is compatible with the majority of bicycles and delta trikes with front forks equal to or smaller than a 1″ X 2″ oval, including disc, drum, and rim/caliper/cantilever brake setups. PedalCell can mount on nearly any frame material, including aluminum, steel, titanium, and carbon. We do not recommend mounting with carbon rims.

PedalCell also supports mounting on the rear seat/chainstays of Tadpole Trikes and bicycles. Those directions can be viewed on our install page.

Does PedalCell work with suspensions?

PedalCell works with the majority of bicycle fork suspensions.

In the case of exceptions, riders can mount on the rear seat stays and chainstays. Exceptions primarily include fork suspensions with an outer chassis that moves relative to the rim, such as:

Lauf Suspensions

Trust Performance Suspensions

Cannondale Lefty Suspensions

Inverted Fork Suspensions

Can PedalCell mount with panniers and bags?

PedalCell can install on top and behind most bags, racks, and panniers. See this folder with multiple setup pics.

How much space does my rim need?

PedalCell can work on most rims. Rims do not need to have braking surfaces and can be tapered. The O-Ring needs approximately 4.7mm of contact area on a rim. This is about <1/2 the surface area needed by most rim brake pads. We do not recommend mounting with carbon rims (too delicate).

Can PedalCell be mounted in the rear?

PedalCell supports mounting on the rear rim via the chainstays and seat stays of bicycles and trikes. Install directions can be viewed on our install page

How long do O-Rings last?

PedalCell's O-ring is custom-specced to balance performance with long-term durability. It is recommended to swap every ~2-3,000 miles. Additional O-Rings can be bought separately or included in the Ultimate Bundle on the PedalCell store.

Is PedalCell theft-resistant?

The included hex bolts should deter most thieves from stealing your PedalCell (no more difficult to steal than your caliper brakes or handlebars). However, we do sell a security bolt kit in our store for riders who want extra peace of mind when parking their bicycle outdoors for extended periods. This kit is included with our Ultimate Bundles.

Does my wheel need to spin exactly true?

No, PedalCell's spring adjusts the generator’s position to maintain contact on rims that do not spin exactly true.

Does PedalCell require maintenance?

We recommend the replacement of the O-Ring (sold in-store) every 2-3K miles. Riders should pay attention to PedalCell's mounting on the bicycle rim before and after every ride to ensure that the device is properly aligned. We recommend re-tightening/adjusting the front fork clamp at least once a month (or more if ridden heavily) to maintain ideal performance. We do have repair kits available that can be installed on-the-go. Contact info@pedalcell.com to inquire on these kits.

How can I clean my PedalCell?

We recommend riders use pressurized water to wash off any dirt and grime from PedalCell.

Can PedalCell be used on an electric bicycle (eBike)?

Yes, PedalCell can be used to charge USB devices on any eBike that is compatible with PedalCell's install criteria. PedalCell cannot charge an eBike's battery.

Why do carbon rims not work?

Carbon rims are plainly more delicate than alloy rims. How delicate and to what degree varies. Each carbon manufacturer/rim model uses different quality materials, each with its own chemical properties, reacting to heat and lateral load differently. Two carbon rims can have drastically different reactions to using PedalCell. We stray on the conservative side and don't recommend carbon rims for this reason. 

We've seen some riders try PedalCell with carbon setups with varying success. But we don't track them diligently and cannot advise on how a particular carbon rim will hold up. If you mount on carbon, you should be aware of the risk.

Can PedalCell run off my tire (or tyre)?

PedalCell was not designed to run on a tire’s sidewall. This install placement can have unintended consequences. Tires flex while riding, making the contact patch unstable. Running on the tire can also result in premature wear on your sidewall, noise, and reduced performance. See a rider’s experience below with a competitor.

 

Can PedalCell install on an exercise or stationary bike?

PedalCell can be used on a bike installed in a stationary trainer. See the guide here.

Can PedalCell install alongside a dynamo hub?

Yes, PedalCell can install alongside a dynamo hub. There will not be interference between installs.

Tech + Charging

Is PedalCell waterproof?

PedalCell is validated to survive the outdoors as "weather-resistant" with 11 anti-moisture seals to protect against rain, sleet, snow, etc. We've tested our device under pressurized water and brutal midwestern winters to verify this claim.

Why we don't use the term "water-proof": Riders must prevent liquid from being in the Smart Power Hub's ports while powered on. While water will not enter inside the device, the liquid can corrode the port's pins while the device is powered on. This is a limitation of all USB ports and is not a limitation specific to PedalCell. Our rubber USB-C plugs help prevent this from happening; however, a simple shake of the Power Hub and waiting until it dries can get water to leave. Using the Power Hub in a bag or pointing downward usually makes this a non-issue. As a general rule of thumb, do not allow water to enter the USB port.

We encourage riders to stay mindful while using their electronics (such as smartphones and lights) in poor conditions.

Does PedalCell add drag?

PedalCell has about 1/2 the drag per watt (higher efficiency) vs. dynamo hubs. Meaning that it will have 1/2 the drag for a given amount of power. 3rd party testing here.

The actual drag is dynamic depending on your speed, acceleration, and devices that are being charged. For example, PedalCell offers less resistance at lower speeds. Or if your phone is almost fully charged with the screen off, our product will output a smaller amount of power.
Most riders have a difficult time feeling noticeable drag. Also, PedalCell's lower power USB port locks max output at 3 Watts, if you want to charge with less drag. Or you can always fully disconnect from the rim.

How do PedalCell's USB ports work?

There are two USB-C ports: one prioritized port that's first to turn on and last to turn off and one high-power port (indicated by a small lightning bolt symbol on the power hub lid) that will receive surplus energy when you ride fast enough.

Each USB port contains "power available" profiles. The prioritized port has one profile that outputs a maximum of 3W (meaning that it can output less than 3W if devices don't require all available current). The high-power port has power profiles ranging from 3W to 12W. The high-power port profiles change depending on ride speed, time, and device power needs. When changing between profiles, the high-power port renegotiates with USB devices to ensure they get the fastest charge speeds safely. A renegotiation may resemble a brief loss of power on some devices. But in actuality, what you're seeing is PedalCell communicating a new power profile with your device (completely normal and safe). A whitepaper here explains how our technology works in greater depth.

You'll need to be going at a minimum of approximately 10 MPH to power both ports continuously. If you aren't going that fast, then we recommend you use the high port alone for the fastest charging.

 

What lights are recommended?

PedalCell can power nearly any light that is USB powered. For the best experience, we recommend that riders use USB battery-powered lights with "pass-through" charging, the ability to use the light while it's being charged. We compiled a list of 30+ light options at: pedalcell.com/lights

USB lights without an integrated battery can be used as well. These lights are typically made to be powered by a battery pack. Thus, we advise riders use an intermediary battery pack between these lights and PedalCell. A battery pack with "pass-through" charging capability is recommended.

What powerbanks are recommended?

PedalCell can charge nearly any USB battery pack. For the best experience, we recommend that riders use batteries with "pass-through" charging, the ability to use the battery while it's being charged. We wrote a blog post on the pros and cons of pass-through batteries here.

Here are a few other tips:

1) We recommend you keep the battery size <= 10,000mah if possible. Larger batteries can be less efficient and get quite bulky.
2) Battery should accept a 3A, 5V charging input for maximum charge speed with PedalCell

What is the charge time/power at different speeds?

A graph and calculator are available at pedalcell.com/data.

Does PedalCell use a battery?

PedalCell does not use a battery. Batteries are great for storing power long-term but are not the best solution for extended outdoor use and real-time power generation. Our patented CadenceX technology uses supercapacitors over batteries due to their advantages of:

1) 10-20% Higher charge/discharge efficiency

2) 20X longer lifespan

3) Wider outdoor temperature ranges

4) Safety for volatile power

CadenceX technology can provide charge while stopped for up to 30 secs- 1 minute. Users who need to store power when stopped can also use PedalCell to charge a battery pack.

Can PedalCell power devices while stopped?

PedalCell can power USB devices for up to 30 seconds when stopped. It is worth noting that most USB devices have built-in rechargeable batteries, allowing them to stay powered for many hours when stopped. We recommend riders who need long-term charging when stopped/off their bike use PedalCell to charge a small external battery (~5000 mAh).

Does PedalCell work in the rain and mud?

Power dropouts from rim debris are rare and go unnoticed. Our Generator's spring and o-ring are spec'd to maintain grip in wet conditions as well as operate around debris. In the case of lost power, PedalCell's CadenceX technology operates as a backup to supplement the charge until contact is made. Also, chances are, if there is sufficient mud to clog up your rim, you wouldn't be moving fast enough to generate power anyways.

TLDR; You should be a-okay in gravel, mud, and rain. There's a full video here: https://youtu.be/Zm4HSKGfke4

What cables should I use?

Use the original cable provided with your USB device for the best performance. PedalCell includes a USB A-C adapter in the box for devices that do not have a Type-C cable. We also sell low-profile USB cables with UV/splash resistance on our store for a more tangle-free experience.

Is PedalCell noisy?

PedalCell is inaudible during use and is further drowned out by the surrounding wind and drivetrain noise from a bicycle. 

What is PedalCell's top speed?

PedalCell will not overcharge or damage your devices at higher speeds. That said, our top speed is 40mph (64 km/h) for O-ring longevity. O-Ring stretching can occur at higher speeds, reducing its operating life. Riders can clearly see when this occurs. We recommend that riders decouple from the rim if high speeds are expected for continuous periods. 

Is there a whitepaper published on PedalCell?

Yes! We have a technical whitepaper with relevant performance data here.

Can PedalCell damage my devices?

PedalCell includes advanced built-in protection to prevent overcharging or damaging your USB devices. We consistently renegotiate over both USB ports to ensure your devices get the fastest charge whilst staying within the safety guidelines outlined by the USB-IF.

Which USB Charging Standards are supported?

PedalCell implements the following standards for its high power port:

USB-C CC 5V, 3A*

Dedicated Downstream Port: 500mA + 900mA

USB Battery Charging Specification BC1.2 + YD/T 1591-2009: up to 1.5A

1.2-V mode: up to 2A

2.7-V Apple device profile: up to 2.4A

A high-quality cable must be used for best performance. PedalCell's CadenceX technology constantly re-negotiates any time there is a speed change to ensure devices are kept in their highest charge state while maintaining a safe output.

*PedalCell consciously limits the USB-C CC profile 5V, 3A to a maximum of 2.4A. Device compatibility is not affected by this limit.

Can PedalCell charge an eBike battery?

PedalCell cannot charge eBike batteries.

How can PedalCell charge my 12V, 48V non-USB battery?

PedalCell supports charging solely over 5V USB. If your device has a USB power input (compatible with 5V), chances are we will work. If not, contact your device's manufacturer to see if any adapters are available for USB input.

Can PedalCell charge my large portable devices (laptop, CPAP, etc.)?

PedalCell can charge nearly any device that accepts a USB input at 5V. Check your device manufacturer's information for charging compatibility. Of course, also understand that a large battery will take longer to charge (see here for calculator).