Charged Up: The Battery Checklist Every Rider Should Know
In this modern world, we are constantly recharging things. From our mobile phones to our cars to our watches, it seems like everything these days has batteries. Even many modern watches that don’t require winding still rely on small batteries that eventually need to be replaced.
Bikes really aren’t much different anymore. From electric bicycles and wireless drivetrains to the growing number of electronic accessories we rely on riding around Bergen County, there’s usually something on your bike that needs charging before you head out for a ride.
Here are some of the most common bike-related items that require charging or battery maintenance:
Electric bike batteries
Wireless drivetrain components including derailleurs and shifters
Cycle computers or GPS units
Headlights and taillights
Electronic mountain bike dropper posts and remotes
Smart suspension systems
Heart rate monitors and power meters
Wireless tire pressure sensors or radar systems
The Pre-Ride Battery Checklist
Before heading out for a ride, race, commute, or adventure, take a minute to run through this quick checklist:
E-Bike Battery
Is the battery fully charged or charged enough for your planned ride?
Is the battery properly locked into the bike?
Did you bring your range extender if needed?
Is your charger packed if you’re traveling?
Wireless Shifting
Check derailleur battery levels
Confirm shifters are responsive
Carry spare coin-cell batteries for longer trips or events
Make sure firmware updates haven’t caused connection issues recently
GPS / Cycle Computer
Fully charge before long rides
Confirm ride routes or maps are downloaded
Make sure mounts are secure
Check sensor connectivity (heart rate, cadence, power)
Lights
Verify front and rear lights are charged
Test brightness modes before leaving
Bring backup lights for night rides or commuting
Don’t assume daytime running lights still have enough battery
Electronic Dropper Posts / Suspension
Confirm the seatpost actuates correctly
Check remote battery levels
Make sure components pair correctly if wireless
Accessories
Heart rate monitor charged?
Power meter awake and functioning?
Phone charged for emergencies and navigation?
Radar or camera systems topped off?
Download a copy of the checklist here.
Don’t Let a Dead Battery End Your Ride
Modern cycling technology is incredible. Wireless shifting is cleaner and more precise. GPS units help us explore. Lights improve safety. E-bikes open the door for more riders to ride farther and more often.
But all of that technology comes with one responsibility: remembering to charge your gear.
There’s nothing worse than:
An e-bike dying miles from home
A derailleur refusing to shift
A GPS shutting off halfway through an unfamiliar route
Realizing your lights are dead right before sunset
A quick pre-ride battery check only takes a few minutes and can save an entire day on the bike.
At the WORKSHOP, we always recommend building a simple habit:
Charge after every ride and check before every ride.
