Jean Turner | 9 August 2024

When shopping for a motorcycle phone mount, it’s easy to come across many familiar options, including many good ones, but one standout feature of the new Peak Design charging phone mount might help you narrow down your search. This is the first locked-down motorcycle mount system with Qi2 (pronounced “chee-chee”) charging capability. What is it and why is it important?

Photos by Jean Turner

In the ever-evolving world of electronic devices, the great and powerful Wireless Power Consortium (yes, it really does exist) recently introduced the new Qi2 standard. The original Qi standard limited charging to 5W, but Qi2-branded devices can now deliver up to 15W of power. They also feature a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP), basically a ring of magnets not unlike Apple’s MagSafe technology. This MPP ensures that the magnetic coils are aligned for optimal efficiency and, in the case of a motorcycle phone mount, also adds a second layer of strong grip to your device.

Wireless charging means you don’t have to mess around with cables or connect your phone to the bike mount before you ride – just place it on the mount and it will lock securely into place. And it’s charging. Peak Design offers a complete “ecosystem” of phone mounts that you can use from your handlebars to your car, to your office, to your bed, or anywhere you want to attach a mount. The fairly small and streamlined mounting square on the back of the case is about the width and depth of a nickel, and you’d be forgiven for doubting that it would provide a secure mount in such a sensitive location as your motorcycle handlebars. Luckily for you, I’ve done the legwork and thoroughly tested their latest system. More on that in a moment. First, let me tell you a little about Peak Design.

In case you’re not familiar with the small San Francisco-based company, Peak Design started making photography accessories in 2010, and not long after, the cheeky, inventive minds at Peak Design, who are also motorcycle enthusiasts, started making motorcycle mounts. You’ll find a whole collection of incredibly well-thought-out photography and smartphone accessories here, and if you’re anything like me, you might quickly find yourself drawn into the “ecosystem.” One very unique and notable aspect of Peak Design, however, is that it’s entirely crowdfunded. That means there are no corporate investors, no outside influence, but it’s funded, operated, and staffed entirely by enthusiasts like you and me.

Peak Design is currently in the middle of another crowdfunding campaign, this time for the Charging Phone Mount. If this looks interesting to you, head over to Peak Design Kickstarter Link to learn more and pre-order the phone charging mount at a discounted price. Once available on the website in October 2024, the full price ($169.95) will apply.

Details | Peak Design – Phone holder with charging function

List price: 169,95 €

Only lockable motorcycle phone mount with Qi2 wireless charging

The optimized mount is extremely safe

Easy to attach and remove the phone, even with gloves

Orders will not be shipped until December 2024

Driver analysis | Peak Design – Phone holder with charging function

I was lucky enough to get one of the first units to try out Peak Design’s latest. The new phone charging mount comes in four different styles: Handlebar Mount V2, Stem Mount, Brake/Clutch Mount and Mirror Mount. I decided to try out the Brake/Clutch Mount. This unique system has a universal design that attaches to your bike’s existing clutch or brake mount. The beauty of it is that it doesn’t take up any extra space on the handlebars, so for riders who want to keep their handlebars tidy or have particularly thick handlebars, this is a great option. The other options cover all sorts of bases too. The mirror mount can be clamped onto a slim mirror stem, so even scooter riders without handlebars or dashboards can mount a phone. Like I said, pretty clever kids at Peak Design.

The beauty of the Peak Design mount (with or without the charging option) is that you can just attach it and go. There’s no need to crane your neck to line up the base with the mount and twist it into position. It literally grips itself, guided by magnets, and secures your phone with a small click when it’s in place. Compared to something like the Quad Lock mount and its firm, tactile twist and lock mechanism, I have to admit that the design of the Peak Design “SlimLink” system is… less confidence-inspiring. It might seem like your lifeline to civilization is hanging on by your fingernails, but like I said, I’ve tested it for you.

How secure is it? Peak Design calls it “bombproof,” and I’m not going to give up on that claim, but I can tell you that I attached my iPhone 12 to this mount on a KLR300 and “raced” down a tough mountain road riddled with sharp edges, with the goal of intentionally hitting as many bumps as possible. Honestly, I tried to get my phone off as quickly as possible to get my test over with, but to no avail. The thing didn’t budge. I even took one fall, and even though I damaged my phone with a rock on the screen, the mount did NOT budge. From that point on, I had no doubt whatsoever that the SlimLink mount was up to the task. So, there you have it—crash tested and approved. You’re welcome.

The charging mount makes it even more attractive as it provides power to your phone. This is especially useful on longer adventure rides where I want to keep maps and music running for long periods of time. A constant 15W burst of power means my screen stays on so the maps stay visible and my phone stays charged all day. The vibration isolator behind the mounting plate is some of the best you can find, so that’s another plus point for the Peak Design mounts.

Removing the phone is almost as easy, even with gloves on. Pressing one of the buttons on the back quickly detaches the phone. Again, it’s hard to believe that something that attaches and detaches so easily can be so secure, but just think of my little KLX300 tumbling down a slippery, dusty trail in Big Bear after I punctured the front end with the phone still attached and it’ll help you remember.

Go to Kickstarter link for more information on Peak Design phone mounts and the discounts available during the crowdfunding period, which ends August 13th.

For more information visit www.peakdesign.com

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