When I first rolled up to a public Level 2 EV charger with the Can-Am Pulse, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Let me start by clearing up one important detail — this is not an e-bike. The Pulse is a full-fledged electric motorcycle, and what I discovered during my first public charging session applies to any EV motorcycle rider — whether you’re on a Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson LiveWire, or another electric motorcycle. This is what riders can realistically expect the first time they plug into a Level 2 station.
I decided to try out my first Level 2 public charging session using two apps: Flo and the Toronto Green P App. Both make it incredibly simple to find nearby charging stations. Within minutes, I had a list of locations. What I liked was that I could see on-street and off-street options, and for this first time, I wanted something off-street where I could park without the distraction of traffic or excessive attention.
Defining the Ride in the App
One thing I noticed right away: when setting up the app, I had to define my EV motorcycle. The Can-Am Pulse wasn’t listed yet, so I selected the Harley-Davidson Livewire as the closest option. Not a big deal, but worth noting for anyone else riding a newer model.
Choosing Where to Charge — And Wait
But here’s where things got interesting: I realised the choice wasn’t just about proximity — it was about where I wanted to wait. Because here’s the thing: charging takes time. In my case, I was sitting at about 50% battery, so I needed a 30-minute session to top up (50 minutes if full charge needed). That half-hour gave me a new perspective. Suddenly, I wasn’t just looking for a charger — I was looking for a spot that was comfortable, interesting, or useful to spend time at. Would I rather sip a coffee? Sit in a park? Knock out an errand? It reframes the whole ride.
The Level 2 Charging Process
Here’s how the charging process works with a Green P Level 2 station — and this is essentially the same for any EV motorcycle:
- Park and plug in – Pull the connector from its holster and plug it into your motorcycle’s charging port.
- Open the app – Use either the Flo app or the Toronto Green P app to activate the charger.
- Scan or enter the station ID – Each station has a unique number you’ll find on the charging unit.
- Follow the prompts – The app and charger display guide you step by step.
- Charging starts – You’ll see confirmation on the display, and you can monitor progress in the app.
That’s it — no cash, no cards at the machine. Just park, plug, scan, and go.
On a security note, I experimented with this and discovered that if you walk away and someone disconnects the unit, your billing and session stops immediately. That was reassuring, because it means you’re only charged for the power you actually use—no surprises.
The cost for my session came to $6.82 for 1.4kWh — clear, simple, and predictable. The process itself couldn’t have been easier. Honestly, the hardest part was deciding where I wanted to wait.
Rethinking the Mid-Ride Stop
On a perfect sunny day, my first charge couldn’t have gone more smoothly. But what struck me most wasn’t just how easy it was — it’s how charging reshapes the rhythm of riding. With gas, we’re used to a quick stop-and-go. With electric, the pause becomes part of the experience. You start thinking strategically: where do I want to spend that half hour? A café, a park bench, or outside a shop I’ve been meaning to visit. It’s not downtime wasted — it’s downtime redefined.
For me personally, I’ve never been the kind of rider who enjoys stopping mid-ride unless I absolutely must — whether it’s for gas or a quick bathroom break. So yes, I’ll admit, I felt a bit impatient during that first 30-minute charge. But I can see how, with the right mindset, this is something I could adapt to.
Home vs. Public Charging
Of course, the most natural and convenient way to charge is at home overnight, plugging into a standard household outlet with the provided Level 1 charger. That’s the simplest setup — you start every day with a full battery. But realistically, once you’re out riding, it’s important to have access to public stations so you can extend your range and keep the day rolling.
Final Thoughts
And that’s really the shift. For riders considering an electric motorcycle — no matter the manufacturer — here’s what I’d say: the process is simple, the cost is reasonable, and the convenience is better than you might expect, if you’re ready to rethink how you use your downtime.
My first public Level 2 charge proved one thing: the future of riding is here, and it plugs in as easily as it thrills!
