Homebrew Electric Motorcycle

Benjamin Nelson built his own electric motorcycle from parts he got on Craigslist and from a local farm store. It only has a 15 mile range, but it gets the equivalent of 300MPG (based on current prices of gas and electricity).

"Then I mounted the motor to the frame using the existing engine mounting holes and a piece of scrap aluminum plate. I found a sprocket and chain in the tractor repair isle of the farm store."

And Mr. Nelson even admits that he doesn't own any power tools other than a drill, doesn't know how to weld and only took one metal shop class in high school.

DIY Electric Kawasaki Motorcycle [Treehugger] (Thanks, Chris T.!)

[#1 posted by Pixel , April 7, 2008 10:35 AM]

Hmmm, I wonder if you need a motorcycle license for that or not? It is under 49cc.

[#2 posted by The Lizardman , April 7, 2008 11:20 AM]

Varies by locale - many places that have the under 49cc exception still stipulate that if it can do more than 30mph it requires a license regardless

[#3 posted by strider_mt2k , April 7, 2008 2:29 PM]

...so you can't get it wet...

In all seriousness, it's great!
Have fun and be safe.

[#4 posted by Thinkerer , April 7, 2008 7:31 PM]

A better page on his bike at http://www.evalbum.com/1133 -- he's also retrofitting a Geo Metro!