The present invention provides a recharging apparatus for use with portable electronic user devices such as cell phones, pagers, PDAs, as well as with portable battery powered devices such as flashlights. Charging circuitry is used to charge the user device battery from a battery of the recharging apparatus. The user is able to control the recharging process with a manual on/off switch that is part of the recharging apparatus. Optionally, a manual/automatic mode is provided that allows the user even greater flexibility over charging. Here, the user may select various conditions and options when recharging is permitted.