We Charge Review: Unlimited Smart Lock Power

Introduction

Smart locks are convenient until the battery dies at the worst possible moment. We Charge aims to eliminate that problem entirely by using infrared light to keep a rechargeable battery topped up at 100% around the clock. This retrofit system works with compatible Schlage locks and promises that you will never have to swap out batteries again.

How We Charge Works

The concept is straightforward. A transmitter beams infrared light over to a receiver on the lock, which includes a rechargeable battery. The infrared light keeps that battery topped up at 100% 24/7, so the lock never runs out of power. The infrared beam itself is subtle, appearing as a small blinking dot on a security camera rather than a dramatic laser beam. This is by design, as the system is safe and includes a built-in safety feature.

If you stand in front of the transmitter, the infrared light temporarily turns off until it has a clear line of sight to the lock again. Once the path is clear, it resumes charging. This means there is nothing to worry about in terms of safety or interference with daily movement around the lock.

Setup Is Surprisingly Simple

Setting up We Charge is one of the easiest smart home installations available, comparable to installing a smart light bulb. The first step is choosing the correct style for your lock, as the system comes in three different versions. Once you have the right one, you slide off the cover for the Schlage Encode or Encode Plus, pull out the existing battery pack, and replace it with the rechargeable battery and cover that come as a single piece.

The final step is plugging in the transmitter. Placement matters, but the requirements are flexible. The transmitter needs to be between 3 and 33 feet away from the lock, and it should have a clear line of sight within an 80-degree field of view. Height is not a concern, as long as the transmitter can see the lock. In practice, you can simply eyeball the angle and the system locks on automatically. A light on the transmitter changes from white to blue once it is actively beaming infrared to the lock. There is no app to configure and no ongoing setup required.

The One Big Issue: Price

The main hesitation with We Charge comes down to cost. The early bird price is $150, which is close to the price of a brand new smart lock. That is a tough pill to swallow for what is essentially an accessory. However, the value becomes clearer when you consider the alternative. Even if you bought a new lock or a set of rechargeable batteries for the same price, you would still face the problem of swapping batteries and the risk of the lock dying when you need it most.

We Charge completely eliminates that concern. Once installed, the lock keeps working indefinitely as long as your home has power to run the transmitter. For people who rely on their smart lock working every single day, this peace of mind can justify the price.

Who Should Consider We Charge

This system makes the most sense for specific use cases. If you need your smart lock to work reliably for children coming home from school, for a remote Airbnb property, or for a grandparents’ home where no one will remember to swap batteries, We Charge is worth the investment. The same applies if you have caretakers visiting periodically and need the door to work without fail.

On the other hand, if you do not mind the occasional dead battery and can simply use the garage or another entrance, this accessory is not necessary. It solves a problem that only matters if uninterrupted lock operation is a priority for you.

Buying Advice

We Charge is a retrofit solution, which is a major advantage if you already own a Schlage Encode or Encode Plus that you like. Instead of replacing a lock you are happy with, you can add this system and make it better. The installation is genuinely simple, the safety features are thoughtful, and the concept of never touching the battery again is appealing. The price is the only real barrier, so consider whether your situation demands 24/7 lock reliability before committing.

Conclusion

We Charge is an impressive piece of technology that solves a real problem for smart lock owners. It is easy to install, safe to use, and completely removes the hassle of battery maintenance. The price is steep, but for anyone who needs their lock to work without exception, it is a compelling upgrade. The same infrared charging concept could easily find a home in other battery-powered smart home devices, making this a technology worth watching.