Nowadays, there are many good reasons to use your smartphone on your ebike or regular bike. The device can be used for navigation, you can run the ebike system app with current ride data as a replacement for a display or simply charge your phone while cycling. But which smartphone mount is best for this? Here you can find out what solutions manufacturers such as Fidlock, SP Connect, Bosch, Busch & Müller and Ergotec offer, what distinguishes the mounts from each other and where you can mount them on your ebike or regular bike.
1. What makes a good mount?
2. What mobile phone mounts are available for ebikes?
3. Universal mobile phone mounts for bikes: Which is the best?
4. What device-specific mobile phone mounts are available for ebikes and regular bikes?
5. Where are the best places to attach a mount?
6. Which waterproof mobile phone mount for bikes is the best?
7. How do you switch between portrait and landscape mode on a smartphone mount for ebikes?
8. Which USB charging cable allows you to use your smartphone and display at the same time?
1. What makes a good mount?
In theory, you can get a cheap mounting system from a no-name supplier for just a few euros. However, if you want to keep your smartphone safe from falling off during your ride, you should take a look at higher-quality and more user-friendly solutions. But how can you tell if a smartphone mount is good? In our opinion, it should above all be user-friendly. The keyword here is ergonomics on the bike. The focus is on ease of use. But other aspects are also crucial:
- good, high-quality workmanship
- easy assembly and disassembly of the holder
- easy attachment and removal of the smartphone
- secure hold of the smartphone in the holder
- durability of the components
- visually appealing appearance
- option to attach smartphones from different manufacturers
Before we delve deeper into the subject, here’s a basic tip: Do you already have an ebike display installed and would like to use a smartphone as well? If so, hold your mobile phone on the handlebars and stem – the two potential mounting locations. This will give you a good idea of whether there is enough space to put your idea into practice.
2. What mobile phone mounts are available for ebikes?
There are basically two types of mobile phone mounts available on the market. One type allows smartphones of various brands and models to be attached to ebikes. In contrast to these universal versions, individual solutions are specifically tailored to a particular model from the respective mobile phone manufacturer.
The products can also be distinguished by how the smartphone is attached to the mount. There are numerous options:
- clamp
- click
- attach with magnets or other technologies
- insert into cases
In addition, mounts can be attached to various places on the bike, which is another distinguishing feature:
- mounting on the handlebars
- mounting on the stem
3. Universal mobile phone mounts for bikes: Which is the best?
Charge or no charge – this feature distinguishes universal smartphone mounts for ebikes from those for regular bikes. The former are connected directly to the ebike battery and thus offer a charging option, either wireless or wired. However, not all of these mounts are as universal as the name suggests. For example, the Bosch SmartphoneGrip is only supported by the Bosch Smart System. So always keep an eye on compatibility with the various ebike drives.
3.1 Universal mobile phone mounts for ebikes
The Bosch SmartphoneGrip is undoubtedly one of the best-selling universal mounts for mobile phones. This is partly due to the large number of ebikes that use a compatible Bosch e-drive and partly to the fact that many ebike riders consider it a very useful accessory. Integrated directly into the Smart System, the Bosch SmartphoneGrip docks precisely onto the display mount used by the Bosch Kiox 300 and Bosch Kiox 500 displays. If you already have one of these installed on your ebike, you can retrofit the Bosch SmartphoneGrip in just a few simple steps. Even without such a setup, installation is relatively easy. You can find a suitable set with all the necessary mounting parts in our shop.
As mentioned, you can charge your mobile phone on this mount while riding. Depending on your device, this can be done inductively or with a micro USB charging cable. An adapter for the Bosch SmartphoneGrip can prove to be similarly helpful. The latter has one major disadvantage: In its original form, it can only be installed in such a way that it holds the smartphone in landscape format. However, portrait format is the better choice for displaying maps for navigation purposes. Fortunately, there are adapters available for switching from landscape to portrait mode. Solutions such as the 90° Adapter with a rotating mechanism allow you to switch back and forth between the two formats. The eBike24 Vertical Adapter, on the other hand, keeps the SmartphoneGrip permanently in portrait mode.
Universal smartphone mounts for ebikes from SP Connect
Ebike-specific universal mounts for smartphones are also available from SP Connect. The first, the E-Cap Charging Phone Clamp, comes standard in portrait format. Similar to the Bosch SmartphoneGrip, a clamp holds the phone in place, which, thanks to a large tolerance, can accommodate devices of various sizes. In this case, the clamp can be secured with a locking screw.
The real highlight of this solution, however, is the fact that you can charge your smartphone wirelessly using inductive charging. To do this, the clamp is connected to a special mount from SP Connect. This, in turn, is connected to the ebike motor. On the mount, you will see the typical SP Connect bracket, which resembles two clips that we are familiar with from computer keyboards, among other things. The two golden pins between the clips are crucial for charging on the ebike. They indicate that this is the E-Cap System.
As an alternative to the E-Cap Charging Phone Clamp, you can also attach the E-Cap Wireless Charging Module to the E-Cap Mount from SP Connect. Your smartphone can then be docked directly to this, provided it is in a suitable SP Connect smartphone case. Regardless of whether you place your smartphone in the clamp without a case or click it onto the charging module using a case, the charging power for inductive charging is always 15 watts. This is well above the maximum 7.5 watts of the Bosch mount.
As attractive as this option sounds, there is a catch. SP Connect has developed the solution exclusively with a few partners. That’s why this mobile phone mount with inductive charging option is only available on certain ebikes from Bulls, Canyon and Pegasus.
Alternative to SP Connect E-Cap
Fortunately, SP Connect has a suitable consolation prize. This includes the Universal Charging Phone Clamp universal mobile phone mount and a cable leading to the motor. The cable is available in a version with open cable ends and also with a special plug for the Bosch Smart System for connection to the Low Power Port (LPP). With this system, you can install the charging option yourself on most ebikes from all other brands. How easy it is to route the cable to the motor depends mainly on how close to the stem or directly on the stem it can be led out of the frame. A little patience and dexterity may be required.
According to the manufacturer, both the SP Connect Plus Universal Charging Phone Clamp and the SP Connect E-Cap Universal Charging Phone Clamp are 100% waterproof. Incidentally, both mounts only support inductive charging of smartphones.
3.2 Universal mobile phone mounts for regular bikes: clamp or case?
From the outside, some universal smartphone mounts for regular bikes hardly differ from their counterparts for ebikes. However, they are not connected to the ebike drive and do not have a charging function.
Once again, most of the holders we encountered feature a clamping mechanism. You can attach them either to the handlebars or the stem. The clamp allows you to adjust the holder to fit different phone sizes. Some manufacturers include silicone straps to secure the smartphone in the holder.
Cases such as the Fidlock Vacuum Uni Phone Case or the SP Connect Plus Universal Case take a different approach. You insert your smartphone completely into these cases. This provides optimum protection from the weather and keeps it clean at all times. Such cases are either made entirely of transparent material or have a large viewing window through which you can easily see all the information on your smartphone. An adapter is integrated into the back of the cases, allowing them to be clicked or attached to the respective system.
You don’t have to compromise on usability. Although the mobile phone is in the case, you can use the touchscreen as usual. Cleverly thought out.
4. What device-specific mobile phone mounts are available for ebikes and regular bikes?
The big advantage of device-specific mobile phone mounts over universal ones is their appearance. All you need to attach them to your ebike is a slim, compact mount and a case for your smartphone. The latter is more stable than many standard protective cases. In addition, the mount for the respective system is integrated into the case. This often makes it appear more bulky. However, when mounted on a bicycle, this combination offers the most elegant solution you can expect if you want to attach your smartphone so that it can be easily read while riding.
Smartphone cases from Fidlock
The case from Fidlock makes a very high-quality impression on us. It appears to be well made. The interior is lined with a kind of felt. The fabric is neatly glued in place. There are no visible adhesive residues or sharp edges. The harder plastic and the resulting thinner walls make it very similar to a classic smartphone case.
Observations during testing of the Fidlock case:
- secure hold in the Fidlock mount thanks to magnet and large suction cup
- easy insertion and removal of the smartphone
- smartphone can be rotated 360 degrees in the mount with a fine grid
- made of TPU and polycarbonate plastics
- slightly heavier than conventional smartphone cases
The Fidlock mounting system combines the suction force of a suction cup with a powerful magnet. When you place your smartphone in the mount, the two parts fit together as if by magic. A short, dull click gives you acoustic feedback. The smartphone is now securely held in the mount. The suction cup then pulls the case even more tightly against the mount. With this double security, even major shocks from roots or tree stumps won’t budge the mount.
Smartphone cases from SP Connect
If you prefer a purist look and don’t like large adapter structures, we recommend the mounting systems from SP Connect. The corresponding case proves to be almost equivalent to that of Fidlock. Once again, the inside is lined with a textile material. The edges are slightly unevenly cut, with small adhesive residues visible. However, there are no sharp edges here either. The plastic used for the case is slightly softer. However, the SP Connect cases are slightly more solid due to their greater wall thickness.
Observations during testing of the SP Connect case:
- The locking mechanism requires the smartphone to be placed precisely and flat on the mount.
- Secure hold after rotating 90 degrees.
- Switching between portrait and landscape mode requires the SP Connect Stand Tool.
- Extensive combination options for the case with mounts for cars and motorcycles as well as arm mounts for jogging, walking and mountain climbing.
Right at the start of assembly, you need to decide whether you want to use your smartphone in portrait or landscape format. If the aluminium struts of the mount point in the direction of travel, your smartphone will be in portrait mode after a 90° rotation. If you prefer to drive in landscape mode, align the aluminium struts horizontally with the direction of travel.
General compatibility of individual smartphone mounts
Both providers only have cases for a handful of smartphones in their repertoire. Fidlock covers all current iPhones as well as the top Samsung models. SP Connect’s portfolio also includes mobile phones from Google, Huawei and Xiaomi. A wider range would really be desirable here. We had previously assumed that this would also pay off for the providers. This does not seem to be the case. For years, both market leaders have only served the smartphone manufacturers mentioned above.
If you are looking for a mobile phone mount for a device from another brand, it is best to opt for a universal mount – either in the form of a clamp or a large, lockable case.
5. Where are the best places to attach a mount?
When riding an ebike, your gaze is usually directed forward. This means you need your smartphone in a place where you can see it quickly without having to take your eyes off the trail or road in front of you for too long. This severely limits where a suitable mount can be installed. Basically, this leaves only two logical places: the handlebars and the stem.
Attaching the mobile phone mount to the handlebars
Mounts can usually be attached to the handlebars using clamps for the appropriate handlebar diameter. The most common handlebar sizes are 22.2 millimetres, 25.4 millimetres, 31.8 millimetres and 35 millimetres. If the handlebar mount faces forward and its arm is relatively long, the smartphone will be in the best position for you to see it. Thanks to the curved arm of the mounts, the mobile phone can be aligned perfectly in the centre of your field of vision.
Advantages of mounting on the handlebars:
- smartphone can usually be mounted in a good position for viewing
- often a wider choice when looking for the optimal position
Disadvantages of mounting on the handlebars:
- space is sometimes severely limited by components such as front lights and displays
- smartphone is quite exposed in the event of a fall
Attaching the mobile phone mount to the stem
Mounting on the stem usually means choosing an Ahead cap mount. This replaces the Ahead cap originally mounted on the ebike. It is usually compatible with 1 1/8″ Ahead headsets and is made of plastic or metal. The Ahead cap can be replaced with the smartphone mount in a matter of minutes. A hex key or Torx key is usually sufficient for installation.
There is also the option of mounts that can be screwed directly onto the stem, glued or attached using rubber straps. Especially on mountain bikes with stems of 50 millimetres or less, such an attempt can quickly fail because there is simply too little space to attach the mount.
Advantages of mounting on the stem:
- solution keeps the cockpit tidy
- smartphone is slightly better protected in the event of a fall
Disadvantages of mounting on the stem:
- smartphone is not completely in your field of vision when looking straight ahead
- sometimes not compatible with angle-adjustable stems or stems with a steep angle for a particularly upright sitting position
6. Which waterproof mobile phone mount for bikes is the best?
Most of you probably ride your ebike outdoors. 😉 When it comes to electronic devices such as smartphones, the weather and general outdoor conditions are always an issue. This is especially true when it comes to moisture and dirt. Both of these can quickly render a mobile phone useless. Luckily, there are solutions like the SP Connect Weather Cover rain cover. This plastic cover reliably keeps moisture, wetness and dirt out. However, it doesn’t do this from the bottom. The cover can’t go around that because that’s where the actual smartphone case connects to the mount.
This does not pose a real problem. Nowadays, mobile phones typically have protection class IP67 or IP68. This means they are dustproof, protected against strong water jets and, in some cases, even against prolonged immersion. As long as no stone kicked up from the ground accidentally hits the camera while riding, such a cover should provide reliable protection.
Universal smartphone mounts in the form of a completely sealable case, such as the Fidlock Vacuum Uni Phone Case and the SP Connect Plus Universal Case, protect your device even more effectively from damage caused by wind and weather. These are also certified by the manufacturers as 100% waterproof. If you expect more extreme conditions, this could be an alternative.
7. How do you switch between portrait and landscape mode on a smartphone holder for an e-bike?
In the section on the Bosch SmartphoneGrip, we have already mentioned the 90° Adapter and the eBike24 Vertical Adapter as accessories that allow you to change the orientation of your smartphone on your bike permanently or repeatedly. Fidlock and SP Connect offer similar solutions for their systems. The Fidlock Vacuum Turn Base allows you to rotate your smartphone a full 360 degrees. Of course, it must be placed in the manufacturer’s vacuum sleeve. You can attach the Fidlock Vacuum Turn Base to any standard bayonet mount for bike computers from Garmin, Wahoo and Sigma.
Your smartphone can also be rotated a full 360 degrees on an SP Connect Rotation Module for SP Connect and SP Connect Plus. A handlebar mount from SP Connect is required for installation. The Rotation Module is inserted between the handlebar mount and the SPC bracket or SPC-PLUS bracket for the smartphone.
8. Which USB charging cable can you use to charge your smartphone and display at the same time?
Some of you may find the combination of a smartphone and display on an ebike somewhat impractical. Others swear by it. Of course, if your mobile phone is securely mounted on your bike, this solution makes perfect sense. However, if you want to use your smartphone and display simultaneously on longer trips, the question arises as to where the smartphone will get the power it needs. The easiest way to do this is if the display has a charging port, as is the case with the new Bosch Kiox 400C, for example. Then all you need is a suitable USB charging cable. This must meet the following two important requirements:
- USB plug compatible with the charging port of the ebike display
- sufficient cable length
However, please note the charging capacity of an ebike display. This is significantly lower than that of a conventional charger. If apps that consume a relatively large amount of power are running on the smartphone, charging via the display will only slow down the power loss. The smartphone will only be truly charged if you have switched it off.
Pictures: Bosch eBike Systems; Busch & Müller KG; Fidlock GmbH; SP United Vertriebs GmbH; Wilhelm Humpert GmbH & Co. KG