Electric conversions are a good idea for classic conversions: electric motors are much more reliable and often provide more power for less weight and size. I think this is especially true for classic motorcycles and scooters: small but powerful electric motors can easily replace ancient 2-strokes and batteries don't need to be enormous Tesla (or other) packs. I think an excellent conversion would be for a classic Vespa: they look good, they're readily available, and they came underpowered so an E-conversion will only improve things. What's more, the bodywork and fairings give lots of space to cram in batteries and other required electronics. I am not, however, the only person to have had this idea: - A company named Retrospective Scooters sells a vespa E-conversion kit on their website for £3500. - This guy in California making up swingarms in his garage. - Another forum post about a 5Kw conversion. - Some good examples in this thread. These are helpful in planning: the Retrospective kit seems to comprise of an electric hub motor, a motor controller, a battery and some wires - easy!
So, The Plan:
- Build an electric vespa for less money than the kits you can buy off the internet!