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Power bank rental FAQ

Renting a power bank on Sylt: your questions answered

Here you can find out how renting a NordicPower power bank works, what it costs and how returns work. Our stations are spread across the island of Sylt.

How much does it cost to rent a power bank?

In shortAt NordicPower, renting costs €2 per 30 minutes, with a maximum of €10 per day. You also see the current price on the station display before every rental. You pay by card at the terminal, no app needed.

How the price works:

  • Rental time: starts when you take the power bank and ends when you return it to a NordicPower station.
  • Price: €2 per 30 minutes.
  • Daily maximum: €10 per day.
  • Deposit: €30, released after the return.

Tip: when comparing providers, always check the billing interval, daily cap and deposit.

How does power bank rental work?

In shortRenting takes four steps: find a station, hold your card to the station’s terminal, take the power bank out of its slot and charge on the go. You can return it to any NordicPower station. You don’t need an app or an account.

Step by step:

  1. Find a station: our stations are spread across Sylt, for example in restaurants, bars and hotels. Look for the NordicPower logo.
  2. Start the rental: hold your card to the terminal. You see the price and deposit on the display first.
  3. Take it and charge: remove the released power bank from its slot. USB-C and Lightning cables are built in.
  4. Return it: tuck the cables back in and slide the power bank into a free slot at any NordicPower station.

Billing stops when you return it.

What is a power bank station?

In shortA power bank station, sometimes called a power bank vending machine, is a device where you can rent a charged power bank, a bit like a bike-sharing dock. You pay at the station, take the power bank with you and return it later to any station of the same provider.

The same idea is also called power bank sharing, a power bank rental station or a power bank kiosk. A NordicPower station has:

  • Slots: 12, 24 or 48 power banks depending on size, charged inside the station.
  • Screen: shows price, terms and rental instructions.
  • Card terminal: to pay directly at the station, without an app.

When you return a power bank, the station recharges it automatically. You never have to charge it yourself.

Is there a deposit, and when do I get it back?

In shortYes. NordicPower places a €30 deposit on your card when you rent. As soon as you return the power bank to a NordicPower station, the hold is released and only the actual rental time is charged. How quickly the amount shows up again depends on your bank.

Good to know:

  • Shown upfront: the station displays all terms before you pay.
  • Release: the deposit is released on return. Some banks only show this after a few days.
  • 24-hour rule: if you don’t return the power bank within 24 hours, the €30 are kept and the power bank is yours.

If the deposit is still held several days after your return, email info@nordicpower.app with the date, time and station.

Can I return the power bank to any station?

In shortYes. You can return the power bank to any NordicPower station, not just the one where you rented it. Tuck the cables back in and slide the power bank into a free slot. Billing ends once it has been returned correctly.

This makes renting flexible: pick up a power bank at a restaurant and return it later at a bar or your hotel.

  • Free slot: the power bank goes into an empty slot at the station.
  • Cables in: the built-in cables belong in their recess on the back.
  • Station full? Use another NordicPower station nearby or contact support.

Other rental providers have their own stations. Our power banks can only be returned to NordicPower stations.

How do I know my return was successful?

In shortYour return was successful when the station confirms it on its display. Slide the power bank, with cables tucked in, all the way into a free slot and wait briefly for the message. If you are unsure, take a photo and contact support.

To make sure the return is recorded:

  1. Tuck the cables fully into their recess.
  2. Slide the power bank straight into a free slot until it stops.
  3. Wait briefly until the display confirms the return.

A time-stamped photo of the station helps if billing questions come up later. Support is available at info@nordicpower.app and on +49 160 99549298.

What happens if I lose or don’t return the power bank?

In shortIf you don’t return the power bank within 24 hours, the €30 deposit is kept and the power bank is yours. If you have lost or found it, feel free to contact support.

What you should know:

  • Up to 24 hours: the normal price applies, €2 per 30 minutes, up to €10 per day.
  • After 24 hours: the €30 deposit is kept and the power bank is yours.
  • Damage: you are liable for intentional or negligent damage under our terms (in German).

If you have lost the power bank or found it again, email info@nordicpower.app.

Do I need an app, or can I pay by card?

In shortYou don’t need an app or an account. You start the rental directly at the station’s terminal by holding your card to it. The price and terms are shown on the display first.

Why no app?

  • Faster: no download, no sign-up, no password.
  • Spontaneous: when your battery is almost empty, you don’t want to install an app.
  • Clear: all terms are on the display before you start.

You pay contactless with your card at the terminal. Charges go to the same payment method.

Does the power bank work with my phone?

In shortYes, the NordicPower power bank works with most smartphones. Every power bank has two built-in cables: USB-C for Android phones and newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and later) and Lightning for older iPhones. You don’t need your own cable.

Which cable fits?

  • USB-C: most Android smartphones and iPhone 15 or newer.
  • Lightning: iPhone 5 to iPhone 14.

The cables sit in a recess on the back of the power bank. Pull out the one you need, plug it into your phone and keep charging while you’re out. When you return it, simply tuck the cables back in. The power bank has a capacity of 8,000 mAh.

How long does it take to charge a phone with a power bank?

In shortCharging time mainly depends on your phone, its battery size and its current charge level. For a night out, a partial charge is often enough to stay reachable.

What affects charging time:

  • Your phone’s battery size: larger batteries take longer.
  • Charging power: what both power bank and phone support.
  • Use while charging: navigating or streaming slows charging down.
  • Temperature: many phones charge more slowly in heat or cold.

Tip: charge right after renting while you’re seated, then take the power bank with you. That way you’re covered for the rest of the evening.

How many charges does a 10,000 mAh power bank give?

In shortHow often a power bank charges your phone depends mostly on your phone’s battery size. A 10,000 mAh power bank charges a typical smartphone about two to three times. The NordicPower power bank has 8,000 mAh, enough for about two full phone charges.

Why not the full capacity? The mAh rating refers to the power bank’s battery cells. Voltage conversion and heat always cost some energy while charging.

The number of charges also depends on your phone: smaller or older phones get more charges, devices with very large batteries a little fewer.

With the NordicPower power bank (8,000 mAh) you get about two full phone charges. That easily covers a long day or evening out.

What is the difference between a power bank and a power station?

In shortA power bank is a small battery that fits in your pocket and charges your phone, earbuds or tablet via USB. A power station is a large, heavy battery with AC outlets, used for camping or tools. At NordicPower you rent power banks, not power stations.

The key differences:

  • Size and weight: a power bank weighs a few hundred grams, a power station often several kilos.
  • Outputs: power banks charge via USB or built-in cables. Power stations also have AC sockets for devices with a plug.
  • Use: power banks are for on the go, power stations for camping, festivals with a tent or backup power.

For your phone, a power bank is all you need. The NordicPower power bank already has USB-C and Lightning cables built in.

How long does it take to charge a power bank?

In shortAn empty power bank usually takes several hours to recharge, depending on its capacity and the charger. With NordicPower you don’t have to think about it: returned power banks recharge automatically inside the station before the next person rents them.

What affects recharge time:

  • Capacity: more mAh means longer charging.
  • Charging power: fast charging is much quicker than a basic USB adapter.
  • Charge level: a half-full power bank fills up faster than an empty one.

That is the advantage of renting: you take a power bank from the station and start charging your phone straight away.

How long does a power bank hold its charge?

In shortA charged power bank loses energy only slowly when not in use, usually a few percent per month, so it holds its charge for weeks. How long it keeps your phone going depends on its capacity and your phone, not on how long it has been sitting around.

Two things are often confused:

Heat damages batteries, so don’t leave a power bank in direct sun or a hot car. For a NordicPower rental, self-discharge doesn’t matter, because the power banks are charged in the station.

Where can I find a power bank station near me?

In shortNordicPower stations are spread across Sylt, for example in restaurants, bars, hotels and at events. Look for the NordicPower logo and the station’s screen. We will publish the full list of locations on our website soon. Until then, our team can help by email.

How to find the nearest station:

  • Ask on site: in many restaurants, bars and hotels the staff know where the next station is.
  • Look for the logo: stations are white or black with a screen and the NordicPower logo.
  • By email: tell us where you are at info@nordicpower.app.

The list with addresses will follow once it is approved.

Can I take a power bank to a concert or festival?

In shortMany concerts and festivals allow power banks, but each organiser sets its own rules, so check the venue policy first. If there is a NordicPower station on site, you can rent a power bank right there and don’t need to bring your own.

What to look out for:

  • Read the venue rules: some organisers limit the size or number of power banks.
  • Rent on site: at events with a NordicPower station, pick up a power bank directly on the grounds.
  • Return: drop it at a station on site before you leave, or later at another NordicPower station.

Organising an event yourself? The 48-slot station is made for large events.

Can I take a power bank on a plane?

In shortYes, usually in your carry-on, but never in checked baggage. Power banks up to 100 watt-hours are generally allowed without approval; between 100 and 160 Wh you need the airline’s permission. Many airlines have extra rules, for example on charging during the flight, so check before you fly.

The key rules:

  • Carry-on only: power banks must not go in checked luggage.
  • Capacity: up to 100 Wh usually allowed, above that only with approval.
  • Conversion: mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1,000 = Wh. 20,000 mAh is about 74 Wh.
  • On board: some airlines ban charging with power banks during the flight.

It’s best to return a rented NordicPower power bank at a station before you fly.

What if no power bank is released?

In shortIf no power bank comes out after payment, usually nothing is charged. If you are charged, just email info@nordicpower.app with the station and time, and you will get the amount back. Don’t try again several times in a row at the same station.

How to help us sort it out quickly:

  1. Note or photograph the station and what the display shows.
  2. Email info@nordicpower.app or call +49 160 99549298.
  3. Give the date, time and the last four digits of the card you used.

If you urgently need power, try another NordicPower station nearby.

Battery running low?

Look for the NordicPower logo. Our stations are spread across Sylt.

Find a station near you