Ampler heralds standardised USB-C charging for e-bikes
April 2, 2025
Ampler Bikes is shaking up the e-bike market by ditching proprietary chargers in favor of a standard USB-C port on its new Nova and Nova Pro models. Riders can now top up their battery using any 140W laptop charger - a game-changer for convenience. Better still, it works both ways – the bike’s USB-C charging port can be used to power smaller devices, like your phone, too.
A new EU directive mandates that all electronic devices must switch to USB-C by January 2026. The goal is to reduce the 11,000 tonnes of e-waste generated every year from mismatched cables and plugs. With one universal charging standard, the hope is to cut down on all that waste.
Universal chargers and e-bike fire risk
The shift to USB-C charging for e-bikes challenges long-standing safety advice, which warns against using third-party chargers due to fire risks - even those touted as being 'universal'.
In common with e-bike-specific chargers, those aimed at laptop chargers convert mains AC power to DC power and they usually have some ability to handle voltage fluctuations, but they are not designed to handle significant power surges. We've contacted Ampler to ask about how they have mitigated against any risks associated with the move to non-proprietary chargers and we'll update this page when we know more.
Insurance for e-bikes
We cover all road-legal electric bicycles as standard. If the output of your electric bicycle does not exceed 250 W/15.5 mph, we’ll cover it and also include Cycle Rescue as standard. If your e-bike develops a mechanical fault, puncture, or even a flat battery, you can call on our breakdown team 24/7.
Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:
• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
Read a full list of everything we include as standard.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.
Information correct at time of publication.
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