Are you interested in a hand crank generator or pedal crank generator? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Crank generators are a smart prepping investment for both emergencies and convenience. Why? Because they allow you to convert your own energy into useable electricity.
So not only can you generate a bit of usable power anytime anywhere, but you can also do so in a power outage!
Sure, they won’t replace a large solar generator or camping generator but they are still a tool you should add to your prepper gear list or survival gear list.
Today I’m going to share everything I know about crank generators – specifically for emergencies, energy savings, or outdoor adventures.
Here’s an outline of what I’ll be covering today:
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10 Best Crank Generators On The Market Today
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Why You Should Own At Least One Crank Generator
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How A Crank Generator Works
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Best Crank Generator Features To Look For
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[DIY] How To Build A Crank Generator Yourself
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Best Crank Generators On The Market Today
With those features in mind, here are some of the best hand-cranked generators on the market.
Kaito KA500 Solar Power Hand Crank Emergency Weather Radio
Kaito has been making quality radios since 1998.
That’s why the Kaito KA500 Voyager is an excellent choice for your hand crank emergency radio.
Besides the hand-crank, USB, and solar chargers, the KA500 can use standard AA batteries. And the AA battery is practically a worldwide standard.
It features AM/FM, weather and shortwave frequencies, and Alert mode. It also has LED flashlight modes, which provide extra signaling options.
Plus, it’s one of the best emergency radios I’ve ever come across.
Hand Crank Generator High Power Charger
The Huban High Power hand crank generator is a military-inspired device. That’s why it has a practical look and feel.
No extra features or gimmicks, but it does its job efficiently and quickly.
Most users notice the increased torque needed in this model.
If you secure it to a table leg, post, or small tree, you can save yourself a lot of muscle fatigue.
This setup also allows you to alternate arms, which is an excellent idea since I promise you’ll get tired of cranking.
As with a lot of smaller units, the output is variable due to inconsistencies in crank speed. This variability may trigger the “device not supported” warning while charging smartphones.
To get around this, charge a battery pack with the hand crank generator and then use the pack to charge the phone.
The battery pack has a more acceptable range of input voltages. Thus, it can act as a buffer between the generator and the phone.
PROS
- Higher output power
- Durable build
CONS
- No internal battery
- It needs a sturdy attachment point
K-TOR USB 1 Amp Hand Crank Generator
K-TOR makes some of the best-regarded emergency power options available. And this USB 1Amp hand-cranked generator is no exception.
It’s dead simple, as it charges directly via a 1 amp USB outlet. It’s also compatible with nearly all headlamps, cell phones, and battery packs.
It doesn’t have an internal battery, which is a blessing and a curse.
It means you’ll have to charge your device or carry a separate battery pack directly. But it also cuts the weight and size of the unit dramatically.
PROS
- Small
- Lightweight
- Very durable
- Universally accepted USB outlet
CONS
- No internal battery
- The handle could be more comfortable
Emergency Crank Weather Radio
RunningSnail is a new brand to me. But the same overall design appears from multiple sources online.
The RunningSnail is a combination device. It features a hand-cranked generator and a built-in suite of emergency, weather, and AM/FM radios. Plus, it can double as an emergency flashlight and motion sensor light.
It also features a small solar cell to provide a secondary charging source in good weather.
It even has a removable 18650 Li-ion battery. This feature allows you to charge these standard batteries for use in other devices without a mess of cords.
PROS
- Removable 18650 Li-ion battery
- Many add-on features combined into one device
- 4000mAh internal battery capacity
CONS
- A solar panel is slow to charge
- Beware of counterfeits
FosPower 2000mAh NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
The FosPower Emergency hand crank charger is another multiple-use device. It’s one that can perform a lot of emergency tasks in one package.
It features the same solar and hand crank options found elsewhere. But it also comes with the opportunity to power it via 3 AAA batteries.
You can charge these batteries via the hand crank or solar cell and use them elsewhere. It’s a great addition with standard battery size.
A 3-band radio (AM/FM/NOAA), LED flashlight, and reading lamp rounds out the feature set.
PROS
- Small and lightweight
- Charges AAA batteries
- Radio better than others in this size/price range
CONS
- Solar cells are slow to charge
- The handle is not very comfortable and feels a little flimsy
- No “alerts only” option for NOAA weather channels
Multifunction Generator 20W High Power Manual Dynamo Hand Crank Generator
Moving on into a larger and more stationery design is the Ranzhix Hand Crank generator. It’s a robust, tabletop unit that would do best strapped to a table or benchtop.
It has a wide range of output power settings and connections. This feature makes it a versatile option for charging multiple devices.
The large handle and long crank arm allow for a comfortable grip and maximum applied power. This design helps with easier cranking.
PROS
- Easy to crank thanks to the long handle and comfortable grip
- Solid metal construction
CONS
- Not suitable for portable uses
- Needs a solid base/attachment
K-TOR Power Box 50
Remember when I said we’d see more on pedal-powered generators? Well, here’s the first on that list: the K-TOR Power Box 50.
The K-TOR is a simple device that easily fits under a desk or table. It allows the user to crank the pedals and generate electricity while doing other tasks.
I’ve even seen them used in the office as cycle trainers, even without powering anything.
The standard 12V “cigarette lighter” outlet is easy to use and widely supported. And the 50W output power is higher than anything you’re likely to find in a hand-cranked generator.
This option makes perfect sense given that your leg muscles are far larger and stronger than your arms.
PROS
- High power
- Uses more powerful leg muscles
CONS
- Expensive compared to hand-cranked generators
HPG-75 Human Power Generator Permanent Magnet DC Dynamo Emergency Backup
A more permanent installation is the HPG-75 generator. It’s a straightforward and efficient pedal-powered generator. This pedal generator can produce up to 75 watts of output power.
With standard bike crank arms and gears, you can customize the fit for you. Plus, you can use spare parts from any standard bicycle.
There are few moving parts outside the chain drive and the generator, so maintenance is a breeze.
You may even find an HPG-75 pedal generator at some science museums. So it’s ready for near-constant use (and abuse) by children.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with standard output connectors. So you’ll need to wire it into a battery bank or other distribution system.
PROS
- High output power
- Robust design
CONS
- Need to wire into battery bank or distribution system
Pedal Power Bicycle Generator Emergency Backup Power System
A step up in several ways from the HPG-75, the 500W Charging System is a real workhorse. It uses your regular bike as a standard gym trainer.
It’s capable of 500 watts of peak power and uses a sophisticated power management system. So most users will comfortably generate 100-150 watts of continuous power.
That’s enough power to charge a couple of phones, lights, and small devices at once. And it’s also enough to power laptop chargers, desktop computers, a toaster, or even a small blender!
Unfortunately, there’s no integrated battery. So you’ll still have to connect this system to a battery bank or portable power pack.
This pedal generator is also a bit pricey. But the fact you can use the same bike for both transport and power is an excellent option for cycle enthusiasts!
PROS
- High power output
- Sophisticated charge management
- Uses standard bike on “trainer” stand
CONS
- EXPENSIVE
- It needs a separate battery bank or power pack
Exercise Bike DC Generator Dynamo
Finally, you might choose to build a crank generator. If so, this pedal-powered roller generator is a great place to start!
It’s well built and designed for long-term use.
It relies on contact between the roller and your bike tire to rotate the generator. So proper mounting and alignment are critical for success.
You’ll want to be somewhat comfortable with minor fabrication tasks. If so, this is a great option to build a system tailored to your exact needs.
PROS
- Great for DIY generator builds
- Sturdy and low maintenance
CONS
- Need to have some fabrication skills to create a mounting system
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Why You Should Own At Least One Crank Generator
In modern times, access to electrical power has become commonplace. And that’s why most of us take it for granted.
For example, we rarely find ourselves without the ability to charge our phones. Airport terminals, coffee shops, and public spaces of all kinds are sprouting outlets.
Most people don’t even think twice about it in their daily lives. But what about places where a standard 110v outlet isn’t so easy to find?
Camping trips are one thing – you can plan and charge your devices ahead of time. You can also use them sparingly to conserve battery power. Or find alternatives for power-hungry electronics.
But emergencies that arise suddenly and without warning can leave you without power.
Powerful storms can happen at any time of the year. Strong winds often knock out power lines. Ice buildup and falling branches can equate to days or even weeks without power.
Recently, some utility companies have even started shutting off electricity for preventative reasons. In times of extreme wildfire danger and high winds, a spark could turn into a massive wildfire.
Larger natural disasters like major earthquakes and tsunamis can destroy electrical infrastructure. AND hamstrung power generation facilities, causing outages that last for weeks.
Even solar flares or an EMP can play havoc with the entire electrical grid. Widespread damage from a large solar flare could cripple the national power grids. Maybe for months!
With that in mind, how long would your batteries last? A few days? A week?
You need a better plan!
Ideally, your backup plan should have several ways to generate and store electricity.
Solar, hydro, and wind power generation is quickly becoming more common. Heck, even large utility companies have gotten on board with these sources.
Smaller versions of these systems are readily adapted to the single-family home. But what if you don’t have access to free-flowing water, steady wind, or regular sunshine?
There’s one way to generate power that doesn’t rely on any of these outside sources – though you DO have to fuel it!
By fuel, I’m talking about muscle power, in the form of a hand-cranked generator or pedal crank generator!
You can find all sorts of model types and size, for example:
There are pocket-sized USB chargers for cell phones. Or there are sizeable permanent generator installations. Ones that wouldn’t look out of place in a professional gym.
But before recommending specific makes and models, it’s worth learning HOW a crank generator works.
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How A Crank Generator Works
How A Crank Generator WorksYes, they seem complicated. For some people, it’s like a black magic box.
But the components inside a hand-cranked generator are pretty simple. This simplicity is especially true compared to other forms of power generation.
All electrical generators work by:
- Spinning a coil of wire (rotor) inside a fixed array of magnets (stator).
- The magnetic field interacts with the coiled wire.
- This setup causes electrons to flow through the wire.
Heck, building a small electrical generator is a typical middle school science experiment.
Fun fact:
An electrical generator and an electric motor are nearly the same construction. In one case, you spin the rotor to make electricity. On the other, you apply electricity to make the rotor spin.
This phenomenon means you can turn a generator into a motor and vice versa. But only if you understand how to wire each one for the best efficiency.
With generators, you connect them to some form of mechanical power. Ideally, it’s continuous power. That way, it can spin the rotor and create a constant, reliable, and stable electrical current.
In many cases, including coal, gas, oil, and nuclear-fueled power plants, the heat produced by combustion or nuclear fission is harnessed to create high-pressure steam.
This high-pressure steam then spins a steam turbine that directly drives the rotor.
Similarly, wind and hydropower systems use flowing air or water to spin a turbine and drive the rotor.
Taking this example, we can replace the “thing that spins the rotor” with another power source.
In the case of a crank generator, a lever and rotating handle (or pedal) allow you to spin the rotor manually. Thus, generate power as long as you continue cranking.
Some also have the addition of a heavy flywheel. A flywheel helps by adding momentum to generate some power even if you stop cranking.
Now, flywheels take more energy to get up to speed. But it will help even out the power output once it’s spinning at full speed.
All the electronics inside a crank generator regulate and store the electricity generated. To turn muscle power via cranking a handle into electricity.
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
Best Crank Generator Features To Look For
Most hand-crank generators are geared toward camping and emergency markets. But these are relatively broad categories. This means there are many functions and features to look for – depending on your needs.
Understanding these options helps to narrow down the selection process. Thus making choosing the right hand-cranked generator easier.
Power Output
We measure generator output in watts. This output measure allows you to judge what you can and can’t power while using it.
Make a list of the items you plan to power. Then pick a generator that powers the LARGEST power need with some energy to spare.
Size
Hand crank generators come in a wide range of sizes and capacities.
For example, if mobility is important to you, you’re better off with a pocket-sized model. A portable one where you can charge a simple flashlight and cellphones via USB.
Now, if you plan to be in one place (home, camper, cabin, boat, etc.), it may be worth looking into larger models.
Large crank generators are more efficient at powering larger battery banks and appliances.
Weight
Weight goes hand in hand with size.
A lightweight hand crank generator is easier to carry, but that usually comes at a cost.
Costs such as having:
- a less durable construction
- smaller (or no) internal batteries
- no flywheel to help stabilize power output
Power Storage
Most small hand-cranked generators feature a small internal battery pack.
That way, the energy can be stored and then accessed via USB or other connections.
This setup makes for a more streamlined device and a smaller overall package. But make sure the internal battery is of sufficient size to power your devices. Otherwise, consider moving up to a larger portable power station model.
Most larger permanent crank generators come with large external batteries. So this issue is less of a concern.
Add-On Features
Many hand-cranked generators also feature some built-in functions. These “add-ons” help make them better overall emergency tools.
For example:
- LED lights
- solar cells
- emergency radios
They are all common additions to pocket-sized hand-cranked generators.
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
DIY | How To Build A Crank Generator Yourself
Here’s a quick rundown of a few more DIY Crank Generator options, including a bicycle generator.
So for complete instructions on how to build a DIY bike generator, check out the video below. It includes details everything from:
- Building the bike stand
- How to fine-tune the charge controller
- How to maintain the health of your expensive batteries
NOTE: I can’t stress how much I prefer the bicycle generator option to hand-crank generators.
If you want to build or buy a compact bike generator, check out these dynamo chargers. They’re perfect for small USB electronics:
These allow you to charge your batteries and devices WHILE YOU MOVE ABOUT! This feature is a massive time and energy savings!
It also allows you to reach your destination at a full charge. And it takes full advantage of your larger leg muscles!
Final Thoughts
At some point, usually, when you least expect it, you’ll be faced with a lack of power.
From a passing storm to something more drastic, having a backup power source is critical. One that doesn’t depend on water, wind, or sun is a great option to keep in your backup resiliency plans.
There are a lot of hand crank generators and pedal-powered generators on the market. And even more, designs to build them if you’re mechanically inclined.
First, take time to figure out your electrical needs. Then narrow down the field from there before purchasing the first one you find.
There’s a place for both hand crank generators and pedal generators. But I think it’s clear you can better use your time spent cranking doing something else instead.
I much prefer a pedal-powered generator. If you agree, you can choose an “under the table” design like the Power Box 50 or HPG-75 or a “full bike” solution like the 500W charging system.
Or you may even go with a DIY alternative.
The bottom line is:
A pedal crank generator allows you to work on something else while pedaling your way to a full battery.
Now, go rest up; your turn on the crank is next!
Article By Jason K.
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