Structures for the public storing and charging of e-bikes

Abstract

A structure configured to securely store an electric bicycle and having a charging unit for the electric bicycle (i.e. e-bike) integrated therein. The charging unit includes an electric charging outlet configured to receive a power cord for an electric bicycle by which a battery of the electric bicycle can be charged and provide power to the battery of the electric bicycle and a shut-off timer configured to prevent overcharging of the battery by cutting the flow of electricity to the charging outlet a defined period of time after being activated.

Description

[0001] STRUCTURES FOR THE PUBLIC STORING AND CHARGING OF E-BIKES

[0002] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 618,950, filed on January 9, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] As electric bicycles ( / .e. e-bikes) continue to gain more widespread use, there is a need for public structures configured to simultaneously store and charge electric bicycles. Further, although electric bicycles typically have built-in safety mechanisms, there have been reports of electric bicycles that are left plugged in to a conventional outlet, and thus charging for an extended period, causing the battery of the electric bicycle to catch fire, which can lead to dangerous building fires. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to structures that are configured for the public storing and charging of e-bikes and which limit the amount of time that power flows through an outlet into which the e-bike is plugged, thus providing a standalone safety measure against battery overcharging, thereby reducing potential fire hazards.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a structure configured to securely store and safely charge an electric bicycle. The structure includes a charging unit for the electric bicycle (i.e. e-bike) integrated therein. The charging unit includes (a) an electric charging outlet configured to receive a power cord for an electric bicycle by which a battery of the electric bicycle can be charged and provide power to the battery of the electric bicycle and (b) a shut-off timer configured to prevent overcharging of the battery by cutting the flow of electricity to the charging outlet a defined period of time after being activated. In some embodiments, the structure may be configured to securely store a plurality of electric bicycles and may include multiple of the charging units, thereby allowing each of the plurality of secured e-bikes to be charged. In some embodiments, the defined period of time may be between about 3 hours and about 6 hours, optionally between about 4 hours and about 5 hours, optionally about 4 hours. It has presently been found that a charging time within the above ranges provides a sufficient charge to the battery of the electric bicycle while also acting as an independent safety mechanism that will prevent potentially dangerous overcharging even in a scenario in which all the internal safety mechanisms of an electric bicycle should fail.

[0007] In some embodiments, the charging unit may be configured such that the shut-off timer is automatically activated when the charging outlet receives the power cord for an electric bicycle. Thus, when the plug of the power cord is inserted into the charging outlet, a switch is activated thereby allowing electric current to flow to the outlet, and the defined period of time of the shut-off timer is initiated. At the end of the defined period of time, the switch is reversed such that electric current ceases flowing to the outlet. Thus, though an e-bike may remain plugged into the outlet for an extended period of time, e.g. days or the like, electric current will only flow to the battery for the defined period of time, thereby avoiding a potentially dangerous overcharging scenario.

[0008] In some embodiments, the charging unit may be configured such that the shut-off timer is manually activated. In such an embodiment, after plugging the power cord into the charging outlet, a user would then actuate a manual activator such as by turning a knob, pushing a button, flipping a switch, pulling a lever, or the like. Actuation of the manual activator causes a switch to allow electric current to flow to the outlet and initiates the defined period of time of the shut-off timer. At the end of the defined period of time, the switch is reversed such that electric current ceases flowing to the outlet. Thus, though an e-bike may remain plugged into the outlet for an extended period of time, e.g. days or the like, electric current will only flow to the battery for the defined period of time, thereby avoiding a potentially dangerous overcharging scenario.

[0009] In some embodiments, the manual activator may be actuated as many times as desired. In other words, if the defined period of time is four hours and a user actuates the manual activator three hours into that defined period of time, a new four hour period of time will initiate, resulting in a total seven hour charge time. In this manner, a user may obtain as much charging time as he or she desires, so long as he or she is intermittently present to re-actuate the manual activator.

[0010] The manual activator may be separate from the charging outlet, but may desirably be located in the vicinity of the charging outlet so that a user can easily plug the power cord into the outlet and then immediately actuate the manual activator. In some embodiments, for instance, the manual activator may be adjacent the charging outlet. In some exemplary embodiments, the manual activator may be a button (e.g. similar to an elevator button) and may be positioned immediately above or below the associated charging outlet to which it switches the current on and off.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a bicycle locker that includes one or more of the charging units described herein. The bicycle locker may generally include a storage compartment made up of at least a lower wall, an upper wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The bicycle locker may also generally include a front door hingedly attached to the storage compartment and configured to move between open and closed positions (and to be locked in a closed position by any of a variety of mechanisms). The one or more charging units may be positioned in the interior of the storage compartment, so that the outlet, charging cable, etc. are all enclosed within the locker when the door is shut.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bicycle locker may include a support element positioned in the interior of the storage compartment, which supports the one or more charging units. In some embodiments, the support element may be affixed to one of the first and second side walls. For instance, the support element may run vertically along one of the first and second walls.

[0013] The support element is desirably positioned in the vicinity of the front opening of the storage compartment so that a user either does not need to physically enter or at least does not need to travel deep into the storage compartment in order to access the charging outlet and, if present, manual activator. In some embodiments, for example, the support element may be positioned within three feet, optionally within two feet, optionally within one foot of the front opening to the storage compartment. Further, the support element may be affixed to the side wall that is opposite the side wall to which the front door of the locker is hinged. For instance, the support element may be affixed to the first side wall and the front door hingedly attached to the second side wall. This too allows improved user access to the charging outlet and, if present, manual activator.

[0014] In addition to support the charging outlet and, if present, manual activator, the support element may further include one or more hooks configured to support at least a portion of a power cord for an electric bicycle. The one or more hooks may, for example, be positioned below the charging outlet and, if present, the manual activator. In this way, the support element may be configured so that a user can hang the power cord for the e-bike on the one or more hooks so as to prevent it from laying on the floor of the storage compartment, which may become wet and / or dirty.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support element may be installed into an existing locker for conventional (i.e., non-electric) bicycles in order to convert that locker into one that is configured to secure and charge an electric bicycle. In addition to installing the support element this may, in some embodiments, further involve installation of an additional framework that creates a channel, e.g. between a sidewall and the top wall or between a sidewall and the bottom wall, for the electrical wiring to run to the rear of the locker without being exposed in the storage compartment where it could become snagged, tom, etc.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bicycle locker may further include one or more channels through which the electrical wires run from the charging unit (which may desirably be positioned toward the front of the locker) to an aperture through which they exit the locker, which is desirably positioned at the rear of the locker. The one or more channels may for instance be formed between a sidewall and the top wall or between a sidewall and the bottom wall of the locker and conceal the wires from the interior of the storage compartment.

[0017] Further, in some embodiments, a plurality of bicycle lockers may be placed side- by-side, and optionally secured together, to form an assembly. In such an embodiment, the bicycle lockers may be configured so that the wires exiting a rear channel of a first bicycle locker may be threaded into a rear channel of a second, adjacent bicycle locker, such that all of the wires from a plurality of adjacent lockers can exit the assembly at a single location, thereby reducing the amount of exterior cables that run to the assembly.

[0018] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a two-tiered bicycle parking station that includes one or more of the charging units described herein. The bicycle parking station may generally include a lower tray configured to hold a bicycle or electric bicycle, an upper tray configured to hold a bicycle or electric bicycle, and a vertical beam that supports the upper tray in an elevated position. The upper tray may be slidable and pivotable for loading of the bicycle or electric bicycle.

[0019] Desirably, a plurality of the charging units are incorporated into a structural component of the bicycle parking station, such as the vertical beam. In this way electric bicycles stored on multiple trays can be plugged into electrical outlets and charged. In some embodiments, for instance, the bicycle parking station may include at least a first charging outlet and shut-off timer and a second charging outlet and shut-off timer, the first charging outlet and shut-off timer being positioned vertically above the second charging outlet and shut-off timer. The vertical beam may also include one or more hooks configured to support at least a portion of the power cords for the one or more electric bicycles that are being charged.

[0020] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a bicycle rack that includes one or more of the charging units described herein. The bicycle rack may generally include a first element configured to receive any of a U-lock, D-lock, cable lock, or combination lock (e.g., chain and D-lock combination, chain and U-lock combination) to secure an electric bicycle to the rack and a second element that comprises the one or more charging units.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rack may be configured such that two or more electric bicycles may be secured thereto. Relatedly, in such embodiments, the rack may include two or more charging units. In some embodiments, for example, the rack may include two or more first elements or the first element may be configured so that two or more electric bicycles can be secured thereto. Regardless, the rack may have a single base that is mounted to a ground surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] A clear conception of the advantages and features of one or more embodiments will become more readily apparent by reference to the exemplary, and therefore nonlimiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of bicycle racks, each of which is configured to have one or more electric bicycles secured thereto by one or more conventional bicycle locks and to charge the battery of each electric bicycle by way of one or more integrated power outlets.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a parking dock configured to make efficient use of available space to store a plurality of electric bicycles and to charge the batteries of the plurality of electric bicycles by way of integrated power outlets.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bicycle storage locker configured to securely store one or more electric bicycles and to charge the battery of each electric bicycle by way of one or more power outlets positioned inside of the locker.

[0026] Figure 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of a front portion of the bicycle storage locker of Figure 3.

[0027] Figure 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of the bicycle storage locker of Figure 3, with a sample bicycle stored therein.

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the bicycle storage locker of Figure 3, showing how a support element into which the one or more power outlets are integrated can be installed into a bicycle locker.

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the bicycle storage locker of Figure 3, showing how the wiring for the one or more power outlets can be passed through a channel positioned between a sidewall of the locker and a top wall of the locker so as to remain out of view of users.

[0030] Figure 8 is a top view of a plurality of bicycle storage lockers mounted side-by-side, with the top wall of each locker removed to show how the wiring for the one or more power outlets of each locker can be joined together to limit the amount of external cables running to the arrangement of lockers.

[0031] Figure 9A is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle rack, showing the wiring for the charging unit.

[0032] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle rack of Figure 9, showing the wiring for the charging unit.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to structures 100, 200, 300 for the simultaneous storing and charging of electric bicycles. Example embodiments of e-bike compatible charging racks 100 are shown in Figure 1. An example embodiment of an e-bike enabled parking dock 200 is shown in Figure 2. And an example embodiment of a storage locker 300 configured for use with an e-bike is shown in Figures 3-8.

[0035] Any of the structures 100, 200, 300 of the present disclosure may be provided with one or more charging units 10, each of which may be specially configured to provide an independent safeguard against overcharging, which can result in fires. The charging unit 10 may, for instance, comprise an electric charging outlet 11 configured to receive a power cord for an electric bicycle by which a battery of the electric bicycle can be charged and provide power to the battery of the electric bicycle. The charging unit may also comprise a shut-off timer 12 that is configured to prevent overcharging of the battery by cutting the flow of electricity to the charging outlet 11 a defined period of time after being activated. In some embodiments, each charging unit 10 may also comprise a manual activator 13 that is operated to activate the shut-off timer 12. The manual activator 13 may take on any of a variety of forms, including for example a knob, button, switch, lever, any other common component, or combination thereof.

[0036] Because it is desirable to prevent overcharging of electric bicycles, both as a safety measure and for maintaining the life of the battery, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to charging units 10 that are specifically configured to charge an electric bicycle for a limited period of time, as well as e-bike storage structures, e.g. racks 100, docks 200, lockers 300, and the like, that incorporate those specially configured charging units. Turning now to the illustrated examples of e-bicycle charging racks 100, docks 200, and lockers 300.

[0037] Each of the charging racks 100 shown in Figure 1 includes at least first element 101 configured to receive any of a U-lock, D-lock, cable lock, or combination lock (e.g., chain and D-lock combination, chain and U-lock combination) to secure at least one electric bicycle to the rack and a second element 102 that has the charging unit 10 incorporated therein. Although not illustrated, it is also contemplated that in some embodiments, at least one of the first element 101 and the second element 102 may further comprise one or more hooks that are positioned and configured to support the charging cable of an e-bike when the cable is plugged into the outlet 11 of one of the charging units.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as the rack 100 to the far left in Figure 1 , a rack may have multiple first elements 101 , each of which is configured to receive any of a variety of conventional locks to secure one or more e-bikes to the rack. In other embodiments, such as the rack 100 that is second from the left in Figure 1 , a single first element 101 may be configured to receive any of a variety of conventional locks to secure one or more e-bikes to the rack. In each of these illustrated embodiments, multiple charging units 10 are shown on the same side of the second element 102, but it is also contemplated that the second element may include one or more charging units on a first side and / or one or more charging units on a second side. Desirably, the number of charging units 10 may correspond with the number of e-bikes that the rack 100 is configured to have secured thereto and the location of those charging units may be selected to provide accessibility for the user of each of those e-bikes.

[0039] The first element 101 and the second element 102 may be integrally formed or may be coupled together to form the rack 100. Regardless, as shown in each of the illustrated embodiments, the rack 100 may have a single base 103 that is mounted to a ground surface. For instance, the base 103 may comprise a plate having apertures for securement to a ground surface by one or more of a variety of different types of fasteners, as would generally be understood by a person of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the second element 102 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the first element 101 . This is because the charging outlet 11 requires the second element 102 to have certain minimum dimensions whereas in order to facilitate the use of various conventional bicycle locks, the first element 101 desirably has certain maximum dimension. In some embodiments, such as the two racks 100 shown on the right in Figure 1 , the first element 101 and the second element 102 may be essentially visually indistinguishable from one another apart from the different cross-sectional areas.

[0040] While a variety of different racks 100 are shown in Figure 1 , the specific shape of a rack may be selected in order to suit a specific location due to space constraints, themes, etc. As such, racks 100 having different designs and shapes, but which follow the general teachings of the present disclosure are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, while each of the racks 100 shown in Figure 1 has one or more charging units 10, each of which comprises an outlet 11 but no manual activator 13 by which power to the outlet can be switched on and a shut-off timer activated, it is contemplated that any of the illustrated racks (or racks having different designs) can be provided with a charging unit that includes both an outlet 11 and a manual activator 13 positioned on the second element, e.g. with the manual activator 13 located directly above or directly below the outlet 11 to which it is associated.

[0041] The charging dock 200 shown in Figure 2 is a two-tiered bicycle parking station that includes one or more lower trays 201 , each of which is configured to hold a bicycle or electric bicycle, and one or more upper trays 202, each of which is configured to hold a bicycle or electric bicycle. Each of the upper trays 202 is slidable and pivotable to facilitate loading of the bicycle or electric bicycle. Moreover, each of the lower trays 201 and each of the upper trays 202 may include one or more sidewalls 203 that are configured to receive any of a variety of conventional locks in order to secure an e-bike that is placed within the tray to the dock 200. The dock 200 also comprises one or more vertical beams 204, in the illustrated embodiment a single vertical beam, that supports each of the upper trays 202 in an elevated position above the lower trays 201 .

[0042] One or more charging units 10 may be incorporated into the vertical beam 204. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, for example, a plurality of charging units 10 may be positioned vertically along a front face of the beam 204. In other (nonillustrated) embodiments, one or more charging units may additionally or alternatively be positioned on the side faces of the beam 204. In the illustrated embodiment, each charging unit 10 includes an outlet 11 and a manual activator 13 by which power to the outlet can be switched on and a shut-off timer that switches power to the outlet off after a defined period activated. However, in other embodiments the charging units may be configured so that the shut-off timer is automatically activated when the plug of an e- bike charging cable is inserted into the outlet 11 rather than by a manual activator 13. Moreover, though the manual activator 13 of the illustrated embodiment is shown as a knob, various other designs, e.g. buttons, switches, and the like, may be used in its place.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vertical beam 204 may further include one or more hooks configured to support at least a portion of the power cord for an electric bicycle, which may keep the cords stored in an organized manner so as to prevent them interfering with movement of the upper trays 202, which could cause the cable to be unintentionally damaged or yanked out of the charging outlet 11 . Where the charging outlets 11 are positioned on the front face of the vertical beam 204 for instance, the hooks could be positioned on the side faces of the beam.

[0044] The bicycle locker 300 shown in Figures 3-8 comprises a storage compartment 301 made up of at least a lower wall 302, an upper wall 303, a rear wall 304, a first side wall 305, and a second side wall 306. The storage compartment 301 is configured to hold one or more electric bicycles. A front opening of the storage compartment 301 is alternatively opened and closed by way of a front door 307 that is hingedly attached to the storage compartment and configured to move between open and closed positions. The interior of the storage compartment 301 includes one or more charging units 10, such as those of the sort described herein. The incorporation of the one or more charging units 10 into the interior of the storage compartment 301 may be achieved in any of a variety of manners.

[0045] In some embodiments, a support element 310 that incorporates the one or more charging units 10 is positioned in the interior of the storage compartment 301 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the support element 310 may be mounted to one of the first and second sidewalls 305, 306. More particularly, the support element 310 may desirably be mounted to the sidewall that is opposite the hinge of the front door 307 so that it is more easily accessed with the door open. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, the support element 310 is mounted to the first sidewall 305 whereas the front door 307 is hinged to the second sidewall 306. Additionally, the support element 310 may desirably be positioned in the vicinity of the front opening of the storage compartment 301 , for instance within three feet, optionally within two feet, optionally within one foot of a front opening to the storage compartment. This too improves accessibility to a user.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 310 is shown as a vertically extending column that spans from at or near the top of the lower wall 302 to at or near the underside of the top wall 303. Although other configurations are contemplated, there are some benefits with the support element being arranged in this manner. First, the wiring from the one or more charging units 10 can be run either between the sidewall 305 to which the support element 310 is mounted and the top wall 303 or between the sidewall and the bottom wall 302 and, if necessary, similarly between the rear wall 304 and either the top wall 303 or bottom wall 302. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, this provides one or more channels 313 for the wiring to span from the charging unit 10 to the rear of the storage compartment 301 , from which it can exit the locker 300 without being visible within the interior of the storage compartment where it would be more likely to interfere with bicycle storage and / or get damaged. As shown in Figure 6 It also allows for the support element 310 to easily be mounted to a sidewall 305 of a structure that, without the support element being mounted therein serves as a bicycle locker for one or more conventional bicycles. In such an instance, and particularly where the bicycle locker may be a preexisting structure, an additional framework 312 may also be installed to create the one or more channels 313 if necessary.

[0047] Further, having the support element 310 span vertically along one of the sidewalls 305, 306 provides the support element with positions for one or more hooks 311 that are configured to support the power cord when an electric bicycle is charging. For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the one or more hooks 311 may be positioned below the charging outlet 11 and, where present, the manual activator 13 of the shut-off timer. It is, however, contemplated that such hook(s) could be included regardless of the exact configuration of the support element 310.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment of the locker 300, there is only a single charging unit 10. However, in other embodiments, the locker 300 may have multiple charging units 10. For instance, the support element 310 may comprise multiple charging units 10 incorporated therein. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment the charging unit 10 includes an outlet 11 and a manual activator 13 by which power to the outlet can be switched on and a shut-off timer that switches power to the outlet off after a defined period manually activated. However, in other embodiments the charging units 10 may be configured so that the shut-off timer is automatically activated when the plug of an e- bike charging cable is inserted into the outlet 11 rather than by a manual activator 13. Moreover, though the manual activator 13 of the illustrated embodiment is shown as a knob, various other designs, e.g. buttons, switches, and the like, may be used in its place.

[0049] Finally, the charging locker 300 may be configured so that a plurality of the lockers can be arranged side-by-side, and optionally secured together to create an assembly 350, as shown for example in Figure 8. Each locker 300 may be configured so that the wires from the one or more charging units 10 positioned therein span from the support element 310 positioned at the front of the unit to the rear of the unit, e.g. in a channel 313 that runs between the first sidewall 305 and the top wall 303. The wires may then extend through a channel 313 running between the rear wall 304 and the top wall 303 to an exit point near the intersection of the rear wall 304 and the second sidewall 306.

[0050] The lockers may also be configured so that the wires exiting a first unit 351 run into a second, adjacent unit 352 (e.g. through an aperture in the first sidewall 305) whereby they run, with the wiring in the second unit, through a channel (e.g. the channel running between the rear wall 304 and the top wall 303) to the exit point of the second unit (e.g. an aperture in the second sidewall 306). As shown in Figure 8, therefore, the wiring for each of the plurality of units in the assembly 350 can be combined so as to exit the assembly 350 at a single location 360. In this way, a single cable may run from a power source to the assembly 350 rather than a separate cable being required for each unit.

[0051] The charging units 10 incorporated into each of the structures 100, 200, 300 shown and described herein may be electrically wired to the electrical supply of a building or the like, e.g. by a licensed electrician. An example of the wiring in one of the illustrated racks 100 is shown in Figures 9A and 9B. As shown in Figure 9B, a lead wire 21 may extend through an outlet 104 in the structure - positioned near the base 103 of the rack in the illustrated embodiment - and a grounding wire 22 may be operably connected to a portion of the rack, e.g. a grounding element 105 positioned in the interior of the second element 102, to ground the circuit.

[0052] Although some embodiments are shown having an automatic shut-off timer, such as the e-bike compatible racks illustrated in Figure 1 , and other embodiments are shown having a manually-activated shut-off timer, such as the e-bike compatible dock illustrated in Figure 2 and the e-bike compatible locker illustrated in Figure 3, it should be recognized that any type of charging unit may be utilized with any of the structures shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the e-bike compatible dock illustrated in Figure 2 and the e-bike compatible locker illustrated in Figure 3 show a knob for manually activating the shut-off timer, any sort of actuator (e.g. button, knob, switch, lever, or combination thereof) may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be seen that the described embodiments provide unique and novel charging units 10 and structures 100, 200, 300 for the storing and charging of electric bicycles that have a number of advantages over those in the art. While there is shown and described herein certain specific structures embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed:1 . A structure configured to securely store an electric bicycle and having a charging unit for the electric bicycle ( / .e. e-bike) integrated therein, the charging unit comprising an electric charging outlet configured to receive a power cord for an electric bicycle by which a battery of the electric bicycle can be charged and provide power to the battery of the electric bicycle; a shut-off timer configured to prevent overcharging of the battery by cutting the flow of electricity to the charging outlet a defined period of time after being activated.

2. The structure of any preceding claim, in which defined period of time is between about 3 hours and about 6 hours, optionally between about 4 hours and about 5 hours, optionally about 4 hours.

3. The structure of any preceding claim, in which the charging unit is configured such that the shut-off timer is automatically activated when the charging outlet receives the power cord for an electric bicycle.

4. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the charging unit is configured such that the shut-off timer is manually activated.

5. The structure of claim 4, wherein the shut-off timer comprises a manual activator, optionally a knob, button, switch, lever, or combination thereof; optionally wherein the manual activator comprises a button.

6. The structure of claim 5, wherein the manual activator is separate from and adjacent to the charging outlet.

7. The structure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging unit is configured such that electricity does not flow to the charging outlet until the shut-off timer is activated.

8. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of charging units integrated therein.

9. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein the structure is a bicycle locker comprising a storage compartment made up of at least a lower wall, an upper wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, the storage compartment being configured to hold one or more electric bicycles, a front door hingedly attached to the storage compartment and configured to move between open and closed positions.

10. The structure of claim 9, further comprising a support element positioned in the interior of the storage compartment, the charging unit being mounted to the support element.11 . The bicycle locker of claim 10, wherein the support element runs vertically along one of the first and second side walls12. The structure of any one of claims 10 to 11 , wherein the support element further comprises one or more hooks configured to support at least a portion of a power cord for an electric bicycle.

13. The bicycle locker of claim 12, wherein the one or more hooks are positioned below the charging outlet, and optionally the manual activator of the shut-off timer.

14. The structure of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the support element is positioned on the first side wall and the front door is hingedly attached to the second side wall.

15. The structure of any one of claims 9 to 1 , wherein the support element is positioned within three feet, optionally within two feet, optionally within one foot of a front opening to the storage compartment.

16. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the structure is a two-tiered bicycle parking station comprising a lower tray configured to hold a bicycle or electric bicycle; an upper tray configured to hold a bicycle or electric bicycle, the upper tray being slidable and pivotable for loading of the bicycle or electric bicycle; a vertical beam that supports the upper tray in an elevated position.

17. The structure of claim 16, wherein a plurality of the charging units are mounted to the vertical beam.

18. The structure of any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein the plurality of charging units include a first charging outlet and shut-off timer and a second charging outlet and shut-off timer, the first charging outlet and shut-off timer being positioned vertically above the second charging outlet and shut-off timer.

119. The structure of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the vertical beam comprises one or more hooks configured to support at least a portion of the power cord for an electric bicycle.

20. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the structure is a bicycle rack comprising: a first element configured to receive any of a U-lock, D-lock, cable lock, or combination lock (e.g., chain and D-lock combination, chain and U-lock combination) to secure an electric bicycle to the rack; a second element comprising the charging unit.21 . The structure of claim 20, in which the rack is configured such that two or more electric bicycles may be secured thereto and in which the structure comprises a plurality of charging units.

22. The structure of any one of claims 20 to 21 , wherein the rack has a single base for mounting to a ground surface.

23. The structure of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the second element has a larger cross-sectional area than the first element, optionally wherein the first element and the second element are visually indistinguishable apart from the different cross- sectional areas.

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