Can You Charge Favero Assioma with a Power Bank? (Full Guide + Chargin

If you ride with the Favero Assioma power meter pedals, you’ll know they’re a high-end choice: accurate, rechargeable, and easy to transfer between bikes. But when you’re travelling, on a remote ride, or away from a power outlet, you might wonder: Can I charge it with a power bank? What about voltage issues, safety concerns, or best practices? Let’s dive into what the manufacturer says, what users report, and how to stay safe and effective with charging.

How the Favero Assioma charging system works

First, some background on the charging system of the Assioma pedals.

• Favero write that the Assioma uses rechargeable lithium-polymer batteries, designed for at least ~50 hours of operating time for the UNO/DUO line, ~60 hours for the PRO line. 

• The official charger (for example the “Assioma Battery Charger” accessory) accepts input 100-240 V AC 50/60 Hz and provides output via double USB of 5 V, 1.0 A. 

• According to Favero’s blog, you can even use a “common smartphone charger” or “if no power outlet is available nearby, you can even use a power bank.” 

• The user manual for the PRO-MX version clarifies: "To charge … you just need a standard USB-A charger or a common powerbank. Some powerbanks might not charge the battery completely if they have a minimum charging voltage superior than what Assioma needs." 

• Charging time when battery is drained is around ~4 hours.

So from Favero we have direct confirmation: yes, a power bank can be used — subject to certain conditions.

On-the-Go Charging: Power Bank Use

Given the above, here are the practical questions users commonly ask.

Q: Can I charge my Assioma pedals with a power bank?
A: Yes — Favero explicitly states that using a “common power bank” is feasible. 
However, “feasible” doesn’t mean risk-free or without caveats.

Q: What are the caveats or things to check when using a power bank?
Here are some factors to ensure:

• The power bank must output a standard 5 V USB voltage (since the charger output is 5 V, 1.0 A). The Favero charger specs say USB output 5 V 1.0 A. 
• Some power banks have minimum load thresholds or “auto-shutoff” features when the current draw is low. The manual specifically warns: “Some powerbanks might not charge the battery completely if they have a minimum charging voltage superior than what Assioma needs.” In other words: if the power bank senses a very low draw or has odd voltage behaviour, it might shut off before full charge.
• Check current output: While the official charger is 1 A, many power banks can deliver more (e.g., 2 A, 3 A). That’s generally okay because USB devices only draw what they need, but you still want to ensure the power bank is stable, has proper over-voltage/protection.
• Cable and connector quality: Use the supplied magnetic connector/cable or a proper equivalent. Make sure the gold contacts are clean (manual emphasises cleaning the contacts before charging).
• Environmental conditions: The manual for PRO-MX states charge in an environment between +10 °C and +45 °C; outside that range charging may be blocked to preserve battery functionality.
• Do not rely on flimsy “cheap” power banks with poor regulation; they could introduce voltage spikes, dropouts, or interrupt charging.

Q: How many hours of ride can I get after charging?
As per Favero: you’ll get at least ~50 hours for the UNO/DUO models; ~60 hours for PRO versions. 
Also they mention a “low battery” warning appears when about 8 hours of use remain. 
So on a travel or multi-day ride you could rely on a single charge — but still it’s best practice to charge after any extended ride.

Q: Can I ride while charging from a power bank?
Typically no — the Assioma pedals will be stationary while charging (you attach them via the magnetic connector and typically they’re off the crank or removed). The manual recommends charging with the pedals off the bike or stationary. Also riding while connected to a power bank isn’t advisable due to risk of cable snagging or dropping the bank.

Voltage Compatibility & Safety Considerations

Because one major concern among riders is “will I damage my investment if I hook it up incorrectly?” let’s break this down.

Voltage & current compatibility

• The Assioma charger expects 5 V USB. The supplied charger takes 100-240 V AC and outputs 5 V USB. 
• A standard power bank also outputs ~5 V on its USB port. So long as it is well regulated, the assumption is the Assioma pedals will draw the correct current. The device includes its own battery management.
• The manual’s warning about some power banks having minimum charging voltage means: some banks may drop output earlier or require higher draw to stay on — thus the charge may stop prematurely. So choose one that reliably outputs 5 V at ~1A or more, has no weird “load-shutoff” behaviour.
• Over-current or over-voltage: a well-designed power bank should have protection. The Assioma is designed for the 5V bus, so providing more than 5V could harm the electronics. Thus avoid “fast-charge” ports that output 9V, 12V, etc (some newer power banks have USB-C PD that can go 9V/12V/20V). If you use such a port ensure it negotiates down to 5V. Better yet use a standard 5V USB-A port.
• Heat: Charging lithium polymer batteries in hot environments can accelerate wear or risk. The +10°C to +45°C condition is there for a reason. Charging in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or in very cold conditions can impair battery life. The manual states charging may be blocked outside those temps. 

Safety & wear-and-tear

• Charger removal: The Assioma uses a sealed housing (especially PRO versions) with magnetic connectors; good for water and dust ingress protection (IP67 for PRO MX) 
• Clean contacts: The manual emphasises cleaning the gold contacts before charging. Dirty or corroded contacts may cause higher resistance, more heat, incomplete charge. 
• Battery cycles: The FAQ notes after ~500 full charge-discharge cycles (roughly 25,000 h of training) the battery may lose up to 20% of capacity. So while occasional power bank use is fine, habitual charging in bad conditions (heat, over-voltage, etc) may accelerate wear.
• Disconnection: Make sure the power bank or charger is removed once charging is complete; leaving something plugged in indefinitely might cause trickle or parasitic draw. The LED behaviour: when charging the LED is steady; when full the LED starts blinking every 0.5 
• Travel mode: For air travel, the Assioma supports “travel mode” in the app to shut off the sensors completely so the internal battery doesn’t drain. The manual mentions this. 

FAQs: Real-User Questions & Answers

Q: “I only have a small capacity power bank, will that suffice?”
A: Yes — as long as it outputs stable 5 V and at least ~1A, you should be fine. For example, if your power bank has 10,000 mAh at ~3.7V nominal internal, the actual usable 5V output might be ~6,000 mAh (due to conversion losses). Given the Assioma needs ~4 hours to charge from empty and draws maybe ~1 A (or less) during charging, a modest bank should suffice for at least one full charge. But if the bank has auto-shutoff when current draw is too low, it might stop early — test it beforehand.

Q: “Will I damage the pedals if my power bank outputs 2 A or 2.4 A instead of 1 A?”
A: Unlikely. The pedals will draw only what they need (current is determined by the load and internal electronics). The important thing is voltage is correct (5 V) and the current supply capability is sufficient. A 2 A capable port is fine, so long as it stays at 5 V and is stable.

Q: “What about fast-charge USB-C ports (9 V/12 V)?”
A: Avoid using those ports unless they also support standard 5 V output mode (USB BC or USB-A standard). If the port automatically negotiates to 9 V or 12 V without fallback to 5 V, that could damage the pedals. Using a standard USB-A 5 V port is safest.

Q: “I’m out on a group ride and my pedals show low battery (8 h remaining) — I have a power bank in my jersey. Can I hook up and continue riding?”
A: You could — but some practical issues apply: you’ll have to stop and attach the magnetic charger (pedals must be stationary or at least out of load). You cannot realistically pedal with the charger cord attached. So best practice: charge between rides or overnight. The low-battery warning gives you ~8 hours remaining according to Favero. So you have time to finish the ride and then recharge.

Q: “Will using a power bank instead of the supplied charger void warranty?”
A: Not according to the manufacturer — they explicitly mention power bank use in both FAQ and blog. So long as you follow voltage/current guidelines, charging is authorized. However, always follow the general warranty terms (e.g., no misuse, correct connectors, etc).

Q: “Can I leave the pedals connected to the power bank overnight indefinitely?”
A: Not ideal. Once the LED indicates full (blinking every 0.5 s), you should disconnect. Leaving them constantly on charge may subject the internal battery to floating charge, slight heat, or trickle currents which over time can reduce lifespan. Also best to store the pedals in a moderate temperature environment.

Best Practice Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist you can follow to ensure safe and optimal charging of your Assioma pedals while on the go:

• Use a reputable power bank with USB output rated at 5 V (preferably USB-A) and capable of supplying at least ~1 A.
• Confirm the power bank doesn’t have an auto-shutoff at low current draws (on some banks current draw under ~100-150 mA triggers shutdown).
• Use the supplied magnetic cable/connector or a quality equivalent; inspect and clean the gold contacts on the pedals and connector before charging.
• Charge in a temperate environment (+10 °C to +45 °C) if possible. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
• Monitor the LED: steady = charging; blinking every 0.5 seconds = charge complete. Disconnect when full.
• For rides: if you get the low-battery warning (~8 h remaining), finish your ride and plan to charge soon.
• Avoid using fast-charge USB-C PD ports unless you know the port also supports 5 V standard output.
• Store the pedals for long periods with partial charge (not fully drained) to maintain battery health. If you’re not using them for months, charge every ~3 months. 
• Upgrade firmware and pair via the Favero Assioma app to keep the system supported (firmware updates may improve battery management).