Bike Talk v.005 🚲
I’ve expressed my disappointment toward the US for not having a bigger hand in the evolution of electric bicycle technology. It just seems like such a waste of influence to not have had the opportunity to lead the world toward sustainability.
In the US, the days of yesteryear are all that seem to move the economy. Archaic technology continues to power our way of life as if there are no other alternatives or free energy to tap into. It’s really quite shameful, however; I digress.
Available In The States
To produce this blog, I had to do a lot of digging and poking around on the internet to find e-Bike manufactures in North America that build Cruisers or Racers. Let me tell you, the list is noticeably short.
Unfortunate for the enthusiast who looks to own a collection of the custom electric bike such as I do, but, extremely fortunate for anyone looking to enter into the market. The custom electric bike industry is wide open for the creator, designers, builders and so much more.
In North America, I’m sure there are more than a handful of electric bike manufactures but, there aren’t very many that build cruisers or racers. For the businesses that do build the bikes that I look for, only one is favorably noteworthy. Allow me to start with that company first, the company that I want to feature first is base out of Irvin California, Super73.
Super73 Irvin, CA
Super73 was founded in 2016 with a mission to pioneer a new approach to the electric motorbike industry while highlighting motorcycle heritage and connecting with youth culture. This in turn gives Super73 a unique edge that combines an old machine with new technology.
The 2020 model, for example, has an advanced drive system paired with smart electronics. Super73 has six models to choose from, the Super73 ZI has a 500W / 900WP motor, with a 418Wh battery. It has a range of 15-25 miles, full-throttle no pedal assist and this is considered to be one of the lesser-powered motorbikes.
The most powerful bike is the Super73 R with a 1200W / 2000WP motor, 960Wh battery, and 40-75 miles range. This does have pedal assist which contributes to the long-range, also has a Bluetooth Smart Display, and is compatible with the Super73 App. It also has an optional GPS/Anti-Theft system, three class unlimited ride modes, four gear pedal assist, and it is passenger ready.
Their web site is transparent and has a ton of information, I’d feel comfortable buying an e-bike from Super73. Not only are the bikes cool in appearance, but the power
is also why it qualifies as an electric motorbike. This is no ordinary e-bike!
PLUMM Huntington Beach, CA
http://plummotorbikes.com/scummy621/
The electric chopper born in Huntington Beach, California. I love how simple this bike is, low saddle, center frame battery mount, 20” x 4.25” fatty tires. Speeds up to 25 Mph, powered by a 500W motor, 48V 14Ah Samsung Cell battery. That battery will get a range of 20-40 miles with the throttle and 3 levels pedal assist.
I am genuinely excited about the PLUMM Chopper! Although I know Harley Davidson is close to releasing an all-electric motorcycle, I can clearly see the effort that the US electric motorbike designers are pioneering the way toward. Could this be a shift toward a two-wheel revolution in the US?!
Wicked Thumb Denton, TX
Ron Leverock
Out of Denton, Texas, this electric cruiser checks all the boxes. This cruiser screams Rock ‘N’ Roll at me, this is one sweet bike and it comes in five different designs. All of which have the same specs, the 48V 17.5Ah battery with a 750W motor. Riding range of 35-45, and speeds up to 28 Mph or more when pedaling the class 3 Electro Cycle assist.
That motor power alone has me salivating at the mouth to get my hands on the throttle and my ass on the vintage spring seat. I mean the big round bright LED headlight is just so sexy! I WANNA RIDE IT !!
May I make you all aware, especially those of you who are new to the e-bike game? You see, the electric motor can get ridiculously fast in speed. Most countries with a high population of bike riders know this because they have had many years of experience with the bicycle evolution. Because of what they know about the speeds that e-bikes can reach there are bands on motors over 250W, which is only around 10-15 Mph. That’s still an okay speed, but not for hills, in the US the max is 750W for an e-bike motor, F.Y.I.
Wicked Thumb offering a kick-ass electric motorbike with a 750W motor is just badass! You won’t find many manufactures that offer more than 500W. My hats off to Wicked Thumb and Ron Leverock for designing such a stunning bike, I look forward to piecing the McQueen BLVD into my collection.
Custom Electric Bikes North Vancouver, BC
https://www.customelectricbikes.com/
Admitting in advance that I have a bit of an affection for this builder. This is exactly how I got started and grew my love and admiration for two-wheel electric vehicles. Building my first cruiser with my bare hands, that’s what Danu is going out of Vancouver British Columbia.
This genius finds old Schwinn and gives them a dazzle of his custom artistry incorporated with a modern electric motor. I remember first seeing a classic 1950s Schwinn with the Phantom headlight on Peewee’s Big Adventure when I was about six or seven. Danu must have seen it too because many of his designs are from that exact frame and others closely resembling it.
The thing is, you can’t go wrong with a bike built by a person who has the passion and drive to build handcrafts.
Worldwide Manufactures
https://bikerumor.com/links/bike-frame-manufacturers/
My whole eye-opening experience with alternative transportation was introduced to me by my own will to want to build my very own e-bike. Because of that drive, I found a whole new world of cycling that I never knew existed. I continue to enjoy my D.I.Y. handcrafted electric cruiser, I look forward to my next build.
Should you be looking to build or have an interest in building your own e-bike, please check out the resources on Cruiser * Racer App for resources on how to source your parts. To get you started here is a link to frame manufactures around the world.
Happy Hunting!
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