Electric Bike Kits

What is an electric bike?
In a nutshell, electric bikes are everyday bicycles with battery-powered electric motors attached. At Dave's Custom Bikes, we've built every kind of electric bike conceivable, from motor-powered recumbents to cruisers to chopper bikes.

Whether you have a favorite bicycle you want converted or are starting from scratch, within a few limitations of safety and legality, we can convert pretty much any bike to an electric motor-powered bike.

As with all bikes in our shop, we start with your needs and create the right bike to fit you. Are you looking for a bike to get you around town and past bad traffic and bad parking or are you a serious commuter? We'll work with you to get the right bike and the right electric bike kit to fit your needs and budget.

Check out the FAQs below for more details.

FAQ
How do you drive an electric bike?
This electric bike kit provides a simple thumb throttle drive system: You press the throttle, and the bike takes off. The system does not require that you pedal your bike, but pedaling in conjunction with the electric assistance will greatly improve your range and make your battery last longer.

How fast and far can I go?
Our electric bike kits will give your bike the capacity to travel at the legal limit of 20 mph on flat ground unassisted (meaning, without you having to pedal). Your speed capacity will vary depending on terrain, battery, and how much you pedal. Some of our more dedicated customers commute from as far away as Watsonville to Santa Cruz on a daily basis. They may need to charge the battery at the end of each leg of the commute, but they get to and from home every day on their bike and, given rush hour conditions in Santa Cruz, we bet their speed is better on their bikes that that of drivers on the highway.

What are the laws? Do I need a special license, insurance, or helmet?
Unlike a scooter, no license or insurance is required for an electric bike. However there are some laws that apply to electric bike riders:
~ Riders must be 16 or older.
~ Helmets are not only a pretty good idea, they are legally required.

What are the components of an electric bike kit?
There are a variety of options for an electric bike, which you'll select based on your specific needs and goals. Below, in order of importance, are the basic components you'll need:
~ battery pack
~ motor
~ throttle
~ controller

Battery Pack
It's all about the battery. This is the singlemost important component of your electric bike kit. The original electric bike batteries were sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, like those used in cars. They are still in use and weigh in the neighborhood of 30 lbs. Now, there are a couple of other more lightweight, more powerful, and more durable options. Which battery you choose will depend on your budget and biking goals. We'll work with you to pick the right battery from the options below. Voltage ranges from 24-48 volts, with the standard at 36 volts.
~ SLA battery
~ lithium polymer battery
~ lithium iron phosphate battery

Motor
Our motors operate on a 36 volt/600 watt system. Our kits enable riders to go up to the legal limit of speed (20 mph unassisted) in California.

Throttle and Controller
Now you're trying to get seriously technical. Most people don't need or want this information, but we use the best options available and if you want to know more, come on into the shop and we'll give you as much, and maybe more, information than you could ever want.

Useful Links

Bike to Work Santa Cruz County

Ecology Action: The green guide for Santa Cruz County