Table of Contents
Planning charging management for electric bikes
This article describes the installation planning. For on-site implementation and equipment configuration on the Climkit platform, please refer to the links at the end of the article.
1. Electric Bike Charging Management
Climkit offers a turnkey solution for charging light electric vehicles (electric bikes, scooters, light electric vehicles such as postal tricycles, etc.).
The system combines an RFID reader with a numeric keypad and one or more relay meters. Each relay meter measures the consumed energy and controls the power supply to a dedicated electrical socket.
Operation:
- The user identifies themselves with their badge and enters the desired socket number on the keypad.
- If the badge is valid, the corresponding relay activates, supplying power to the socket. A transaction is created, and the meter takes an initial reading.
- To finish, the user badges again and enters the socket number. The meter takes a second reading, and the consumed energy is recorded in their account.
- Via the online platform, Climkit directly bills users for consumption based on a rate per kWh that accounts for both electricity costs and machine maintenance and depreciation fees.
Wiring Diagram
Surface-mounted socket installation
Surface-mounted socket installation
Using a socket with an LED indicates when the relay is engaged.
Climkit Offering
The standard Climkit offering groups the necessary elements for the system's operation: hardware, software functionalities, as well as setting-up services.
All hardware is supplied pre-configured to simplify installation and ensure correct meter communication.
- Equipment:
- LAN router or 4G router
- Climkit Gateway
- PoE Switch
- Wi-Fi Access Point
- Wi-Fi Access Point Controller
- RFID reader with keypad
- Wi-Fi single-phase relay meter
- Software functionalities:
- Management of RFID readers and relay meters for electric bikes
- Setting-up services:
- Technical coordination and verification of meter readings
- Administrative commissioning
All products are ordered directly from Climkit.
In most cases, the installation can be carried out by the installer without on-site intervention from a Climkit technician.
Telephone support is available if necessary during commissioning.
Equipment Details
4G Router
An internet connection is essential for the system to function. If no connection is available, Climkit can provide one via a 4G router equipped with an active multi-operator SIM card.
Using the Climkit TRB140 4G router offers several advantages:
- Simplified installation: the router easily installs inside the electrical cabinet, directly on the DIN rail
- Complete delivery: supplied with its DIN rail mount and 24V DC power supply
- Ready to use: delivered pre-configured with an activated SIM card
- Economical 4G subscription: low-cost internet connection
Climkit Gateway
Gateway between the solution and the web platform, the Gateway uses its RS485 port to connect directly to the relay meters and RFID readers.
PoE Switch
When multiple devices need to be connected via Ethernet, a switch is required.
Model supplied: Teltonika TSW200 (or equivalent) - 8 PoE Ethernet ports + 2 SFP fiber optic ports.
PoE ports directly power the Wi-Fi access points and RFID readers.
SFP ports allow interconnecting several buildings on a site (see Microgrid diagram) via fiber optics using a single internet router.
The switch is supplied with a DIN rail mount and its 48V DC 150W DIN power supply.
Wi-Fi Access Points
Wi-Fi access points create a wireless network covering the entire parking area, allowing charging stations to be connected without additional wiring.
The recommended coverage radius per access point is about 15 m, or approximately two rows of 10 spaces facing each other. In practice, obstacles (walls, materials, vehicles) significantly reduce the range. To ensure a stable and redundant connection, a minimum of 2 access points is always provided. As an indication, a parking lot of 80 to 100 spaces requires 4 to 6 access points, depending on the configuration and obstacles present.
Wi-Fi Access Point Controller
The Omada OC200 controller optimizes the Wi-Fi network and manages device connection across the different access points.
It easily installs on the DIN rail inside the electrical cabinet and is exclusively powered via PoE from the PoE Ethernet switch.
It also generates alerts in case of access point failure or areas insufficiently covered by the Wi-Fi signal.
RFID reader with numeric keypad
The RFID reader with numeric keypad allows selecting and engaging distinct loads, such as sockets for electric bike charging.
The RFID reader connects to the same IT network as the Gateway via Ethernet and is powered by PoE (through the same Ethernet cable).
Wi-Fi single-phase relay meter
The Shelly 1PM is a single-phase relay meter (max 16A).
It is generally used to control the engagement and disengagement of a T13 or T23 socket into which it easily plugs in.
It connects via WLAN (Wi-Fi).
