SUBSCRIBE! LIKE if you want to electrify old bikes and SHARE if you think EV conversions are the future Elliot visits SHANGHAI CUSTOMS who have taken one of the biggest selling bikes in the world and electrified it. There are over 100 million Honda Cub bikes in existence, and now it's possible to convert these to electric in a day! The Honda e-Cub is a cross between a scooter and a motorbike and its pretty awesome to drive. In cities with a high density of two-wheeled transport, could EV conversion by the way forward in accelerating transition? What's clear is that converting the Honda Cub has given this bike a new lease of life but begs the question why Honda aren't doing this themselves. Make sure you are subscribed then enter our Great EV Giveaway for your chance to win an EV for a year and lots of other fantastic prizes FullyCharged.Show/EV-Giveaway Fully Charged is 100% independent thanks to RUclips Memberships and Patreons. Without you this channel wouldn’t be possible! If you’d like to help support the Fully Charged channel and its mission: Become a Patreon: www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow Become a RUclips member: use JOIN button above Subscribe to Fully Charged & the Fully Charged PLUS channels Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : buff.ly/2GybGt0 Browse the Fully Charged store: shop.fullycharged.show/ Visit our LIVE exhibitions in the UK, USA & Europe: FullyCharged.Show/events Subscribe for episode alerts and the Fully Charged newsletter: fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/ Visit: FullyCharged.Show Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/fullychargedshw Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/fullychargedshow Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:47 1958 1:08 Easy rider 1:21 Shanghai Customs 1:42 Buzzing bikes 1:57 DIY conversion 2:04 Stripped back 2:28 Comfy seat 2:58 Watch out! 3:18 Really cool 3:26 100 million! 4:07 Nice & chunky 4:24 Boost button 4:39 Done in a day 5:17 Time for a facelift 5:34 Cost? 6:01 Range & speed 6:39 Going global 7:40 What's going on Honda? 8:10 Support & join
I had thought he would do such conversion to show the world how it works instead of talking about it and not showing 1 single step of the conversion process. 15 hours cut down to 20 minutes can not be that complicated considering all the car channels showing their update and upgrades or even conversions like Rich rebuilds a Tesla to a V8 with a lot of fun. That way it is more or less disappointing to see a more or less e-bike not streetlegal in the UK and Europe and even in US I guess.
Like the idea and the look. But it's far to expensive to pay more for just the parts. Than it cost for a Chinese completely built knock off, like the CSC New Monterey Electric Scooter. Even if they do have different specs, but since most ppl do not finish projects like this and it costs a fortune to outsource. The CSC New Monterey Electric Scooter makes far more sense for most ppl IMHO.
@@typxxilps Like it or not e-bikes have limits for a reason. If you want to go above those limits just get a e-motorcycle and pay the extra cost. BTW the USA limits seem pretty reasonable. With top speed of 28MPH for class 3 e-bikes in some states. Good luck getting that across the pond.
I can't believe how far Elliot's come as a presenter in just a few videos! The nerves are all gone and he's nailing it - I admire his talent and wish I had it. I love the China content so much, thank you Fully Charged and Elliot!
He's definitely better but there's still room for improvement. I think he should shoot the on vehicle footage then have a few drinks then do the presentation
I'm a massive petrol head who rides a 20 year old gsxr 1000 which I would never convert, however a commuter type bike would be perfect for the eventual petrol savings
Great video Elliot! Each video you’re definitely more comfortable with your own voice as a presenter, really well done. Can’t wait for more from you out of China! Must resist looking for old Honda Cubs... this seems like a hugely fun project.
Personally I would want to keep the leg guards and not have the feeble looking foot pegs. Where do you put your Shopping or your Fish Supper on your way back from the Chippie?
... hook a bungie around the base of the mirrors. Loosen the left mirror bolt and leave slightly loose so it will swivel back pointing toward you IF you provide just the right angle of torque so the bungie let's it. Hook the plastic shopping bag full of groceries over the right mirror then over the left mirror and let it hang down into the step well. Swivel the left mirror back into position.. no need to tighten with wrench because the bungie pulling on it.
Yea you need the front body to protect you from the rain - which is pretty regular in Asia & quite heavy. - I wish electric would do something a bit more distinctive like those 3 wheel bikes, or something with a proper cover.
It would actually be a greater idea if they used the empty space where the motor was for larger batteries and keep the tank space for the controller and the rest of the electronics. They could also then add another hub motor in the front wheel to make it a 2x2 all wheel drive and thus increase the power and range
(Don’t get me wrong as I’m a massive “all electric” fan....) but I’m not necessarily convinced that someone who maybe bought an old hand me down cub off an older brother or sibling for say, fifty dollars to use to go to work on is then going to decide to spend 2500 dollars to go electric! Also I think some of those brand new Chinese electric bikes are actually cheaper than that?
@@edwyncorteen1527 The front brake is way more important, than the rear brake. If you had ever ride a bike, moped or motorcycle for any period of time, you'd know. Also, many cars still comes with disk brakes on the front, but drum brakes on the rear. This is because adding disk brakes to the rear, helps little in improving the overall braking capacity.
It's trivia, since it's not it's not germane to the story... Also you're all trolling morons, without a life. For thinking he did not know what Vietnam is (it's called "a slip of the tongue") ... Good luck getting a IQ high enough to mention something relevant someday.... FLMAO....
@@nc3826 I didn't realise that finding something funny was moronic trolling. But as you seem to have nominated yourself Chief Policeman Of The Comments I'll take you at your word.
A whole video about a conversion kit but you never showed us the conversion kit to begin with, i.e., the individual components to give us an idea of what’s involved. 😉
Just absolutely love this!! I have wondered why Honda didn’t do this themselves, so much easier than building an electric car and also cheaper for us consumers!
@@veracris1161 well I would have to find an old cub first and where I live they are as rare as diamonds! Don’t even know if they sold any before now! So I would applaud A little Honda engagement in building an electric cub!
The millions of Cubs are mainly in APAC and the Indian Subcontinent. So the answer to how many can you convert to electric at $2800? None. There are electric options available currently for $700 which can do 40 miles and up to 45mph.
You can also buy what is basically a brand new Honda Electric Cub today if you don't want to wait on Honda's own model. It's called the CSC Monterey and can be bought for around $2500 complete. I would say projects like this are great, repurposing old vehicles and bikes and making them into something fit for the modern electric era. The problem is the costs, as in this very example where the kit costs $2500, and will likely also be charged import and customs duties and VAT if imported into the EU. Add in the cost of buying and restoring an old Cub frame if you don't have one and it gets expensive very quickly. Even more so if you have to pay someone to do the restoration and fitting of the kit, you probably looking at somewhere around the equivalent of $5000 in the EU in total, over $1000 more than the projected cost of Honda's own EV Cub and double the price of the aforementioned CSC Monterey. It's the same thing with many ebike kits such as the Swytch, where it can sometimes be cheaper to just buy a new complete e-bike than convert an older bike.
Informative and pleasant as always. Thanks When you revealed the price my head popped back a bit. Perhaps next time we could see a layout of all the parts whilst revealing the price. I'm sure the faring could be fitted back along with the rear fender for areas where it rains or gets below 60 degrees.
@@akyhne I'm thinking you could lock the wheels on this rig at any speed. The real challenge of riding this weight bike is keeping the wheels turning and maintaining control. (Confession: I just don't like mopeds or their small wheels.)
@@unclegeorge7845 Disk brakes not only have way better brake performance, but also a way wider break performance. Drum brakes do little, until you reach a certain pressure, then they suddenly bite hard. And they overheat easily.
@Mr Brightside This alone? Well, there a LARGE number of these bikes all over the world (100M since 1958)...they are already doing this in more than 20 countries...the negative is the up-front cost - but the positives are; getting to where you are going without breaking down, safety, less ongoing cost for maintenance and energy, overall performance
@Mr Brightside OK, but why do they call you Mr. Brightside? LOL - Even if there are only 500,000 left, that's still a pretty nice number and there are other bike brands in countries like India that are growing very quickly economically....but...my point wasn't that this was going to be a large company...my point was, that this is but one example of millions where switching to clean energy is going to create jobs - and I would go further to predict that these new jobs will easily offset those lost, that are specifically fossil-based
@Mr Brightside That is a great summary (I sense you are in the oil and gas industry somehow...your wording/predictions give me the impression you are quite concerned about the demise of oil)...as for myself, I became a mechanical engineer 40 years ago, work for a three different fortune 500 manufacturing companies for 26 years and now own my own software company...I have been interested in clean energy since 1973 - I actually have a pretty good idea of how oil is used
@Mr Brightside I don't know how logical that statement is but...the question is, at what rate will oil and gas drop, as a percentage of the energy supply picture...it is already less expensive to use solar for grid power than oil and gas - large molten salt nuclear reactors, small nuclear reactors, hydrogen from clean sources, solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric...all have a close to zero carbon footprint, smaller human health impact and cost less than oil and gas...the change away from oil will increase at an increasing rate moving forward - in 20 years it will be insignificant
Kia Ora from Aotearoa, $2,800 USD per kit shipped anywhere on planet earth? Kool review. ;-) Great to see this kind of innovation to utilise existing bike frames and save them from being wasted in rubbish tips/landfills. Awesome stuff Shanghai customs! Kia Kaha from Aotearoa. ;-)
YES! We have enough vehicles, producing millions of new ones (including EVs) is terrible for the environment - electrify what we have and make it easy and cheap - job done!
This looks amazing and I reckon the price is very reasonable to restore a classic like the eCub. You can pay 3 times that for an overpriced eBike that has no soul at all. Spot on I reckon. Nice work boys.
They have not got rid of the gas (petrol) tank as it was not in the ‘traditional’ place ie between the riders knee’s. The petrol tank on a Cub as always been underneath the seat, exactly where the battery is now located. I think they should have kept to the original style of the Cub and retained the plastic leg shields. It is surprising as to exactly how much rain these things keep off you. I have an immaculate 2003 Honda C90 sat in my garage with only 1500 miles on the odometer. These bikes are increasing in value each year.
honda Cubs are crazy efficient regardless. they run on literally anything i used to own one and if i fed the carb with vodka it would start. they don't need to be electrified necessarily as this would be more damaging regarding production of batteries.
I have an '87 c90 the idea was always to keep it forever and this just helps that dream. My only issues is the range but as I'd keep it stock and not streetcub it I think a few more cells where the engine was could work out. Disc on the back is smarter than on the front for these purist in me would want to move that N switch back to heel toe of the original. 40mph is about the top speed of a 90 standard gearing but unlike the ice one I would think this could maintain that up a hill. Honda currently have a patent for an e-cub based on the new model but it would be awesome to have a retrofit department.
Thank you Full Charged for your China report. A cheap vehicle is normally the first vehicle for most people once they pass their test. Mine was a £500 3 month MOT rust box. Now I live in Peru and drive full electric paid for with the money I saved from not using diesel busses.
That's awesome, and it's great to have reasonable conversion solutions appearing. My only question: With so much of the original being replaced, how much beyond the frame itself is actually kept?
Well done Shanghai Customs! Great idea and the big manufacturers are really dragging their heels. If I could find a good donor I would order a kit! Best of luck to you!
Great review. Impressive individuals in respect of their imagination, spotting the market and hard work in getting it moving. I wish them continued success
I remember hearing about the Shanghai custom ecub a number of years ago. Good to see they are still going and still growing. I am a big fan of custom Cubs in general, there are really creative people doing creative things with those bikes. Shanghai customs also had an electric tracker bike they were developing but I don’t know if anything happened to that! You say it’s great to convert these old bikes to electric, which is true as a project, but you also say that so many of the old components are replaced. It’s basically only the iconic frame that is kept. Looking forward to more videos from China! South China you say?
Good idea, and I agree that manufacturers may be missing a trick here. And what about the hordes of well-made combustion engine cars that, as things stand, will be scrapped years before their time? Is there any sign that car manufacturers will start retro-fitting existing vehicles with all-electric innards? It would be good for everyone I would have thought, not to mention the environment. Any chance of a future episode on this subject?
Big oil company(s) in most countries will pretend they support electrification (alternative energy etc), but they will just do that, only to maintain statust quo and good PR. That's what holding those big motorcycle company like Honda to start mass product these e-motorcycle.
We need conversion kits for newer Honda / Toyota bikes that dominate SE Asia. - I love Asia but bike pollution is killer. - kits need to be cheaper to convince locals, since a new Honda in Bali or Cambodia is not expensive.
Retrospective Scooters in London do electric kits for classic Lambrettas and Vespas. Swops in and out so you can put the original engine back without any devalue of a classic scooter if you sell it. Think they need to be looked at by Fully Charged
I'd hope with a new product, though, Honda would give it 100km or 150km range. My commute is 25km one way, and with 50km being probably the maximum it will ever do, I'd be required to charge it after each way, and I'd rather do that just once per day or maybe even only twice a week... But I agree, the concept is great, and I think it's very important to be able to take the battery out and charge it on a normal outlet - for all of us who live in apartments without being able to "just use your garage".
The CSC Monterey is a brand new Electric honda cub copy from China for less than the price of this conversion kit. Cubs or c90s etc aren't really that cheap in the UK in my opinion. So unless you already have one, and can afford to double it's cost with this, I'm not sure it will get mass adoption at scale.
Absolutely love it. Was waiting to disappointed by the price... and I was. To be fair, it's boutique pricing, they don't have the economies of scale. Pity they can't be awarded govt. funding to convert tens of thousands of these. All said though, still extremely cool.
great video,I would buy one ,but in Canada this is a motorcycle and needs license ,tax, and insurance,It would need to cost less than Honda Grom,about 3500bucks Great work for Shanghai Customs,hopes for a bright future..
Very good initiative.. I suggest you should build a kit for Indian Hero Honda Splendor.. there are millions of these on the road.. and many other similar structure bikes... Indian government is giving a big push for EV and such kits would definitely be welcomed.. this would help replace gas burners to clean driving.. awaiting your views and thoughts..
Cool. I converted a Cub in 1970 into a (gas) dirt bike, fun to drive through the farm woods and creeks. This E-cub is a very cool prototype. But a production E-cub conversion would be cooler, with city smooth tires, and quick conversion process. My BaFang ebike conversion was sold as a 6 hour conversion, it took me a week, I imagine this would take 2 weeks to convert, if all the odd parts were available. Nice story.
I ride a 125 cc with L plates on. I wonder how they would do a 125cc equivalent electric bike and whether you could still ride on with a CBT and Provisional Licence ? I'd hope so !
There are 125 equivalent electric bikes already from supersoco, Niu etc. There are even 250+ equivalents that can do 80mph and 120miles range (claimed) for £5k in the UK. Which is way more affordable than 'real' bikes like the ZeroSR etc that are still massively overpriced
@@ChrisBaileyMusic My current petrol bike is a Zontes Tiger 125 that I bought brand new for £1,500 and for that price it's a tank. I needed a new engine after nearly 30,000 miles but we just bought a second hand (engine) which had only done 1000 miles for £200. Cant really complain.
The price is probably a lot compared to that of the bike but probably not when compared to the value of what you end up with once you are finished. You are going to want to keep the fairing in most countries though.
Hopefully these same fellows will do conversion kits for other Honda small bikes. Trail 90 conversion ... Or maybe a bigger one? Anything with a pressed frame (lightness) might be cool. Do they offer a "universal kit" as in motor and swing arm with controls?
I REALLY like this idea. Personally I would got full DIY and buy the parts and assemble a custom bike, maybe weld the frame even, but this is a awesome easy way to get a decent city e-scooter.
Hi, great review. Please advise how much for the whole bike if you don’t have a frame. Australian market. The price for the kit is in US dollars? Many thanks.
@@mostlymessingabout that level of retro fits always expensive. And setting this price point is for a ninche hard core cub owner. So they expect very low volume sale.
I converted An Early 2000's Downhill mountain bike to electric and its absolutely as good or better than anything I could have bought. All told it cost $2000 Canadian and thats with 2 batteries. The plentiful 750W Bafang motors have all the power you would want on a bicycle and are easy to install.
@@akyhne For god's sake ... how many times do you need to say this!! The brakes are upgraded as part of the kit or you can do it yourself .... sheesh ...
Very nice video, and I love the idea of one of these conversions in an otherwise rusty and crusty Cub. But, I must say... all those show notes, and not one link to Shanghai Customs? For shame.
Interesting, but a Ride1Up 500 series e-bike can go up to 45 miles and costs $1,300 us dollars for a new bike. Granted is top speed is much less at 28mph, but I wonder how many people need 40mph through a city.
I’d be really interested in registration in the UK; how would that work? And insurance? Is it a ‘special vehicle’ under DVLA categorisation? Definitely well worth a go though!!!
Chances are you can do the conversion and retain the reg etc, due to only changing the "engine" and retaining the frame etc , just send in pics and details of what you have done to dvla requesting a change from petrol to electricity, they will then let you know if an inspection is required. As to insurance i would say it would be like insuring a kit car, specialist brokers needed as most insurers will not have it on their data base. so will either not quote or quote silly figures. In theory the category would not change as its still a "moped/scooter", its not like your turning it into a quadricycle or trike. For example when I did an engine swap from a 1.6 diesel astra to a 2ltr petrol all i had to do was send in parts used list with engine numbers, pics of work done and copy of mot/emissions test, The only grey area i can think of is that your effectively removing the engine number ( dont know if the emotor has a serial no engraved onto it they might accept)
The reason the Cub was so popular was because it was Practical Transport. This 'Fashion Accessory' version has taken that practicality and removed almost every trace of it. Yes, there is a Market for this sort of thing, but surely there is also a far larger Market for an EV'd 'Original' version with the leg guards, a rack on the back for your Shopping - and additional Batteries, to provide extra range for those of us 'Cursed' with journeys longer than to our local 'Artisan' Coffee Shop ... ?
Is it true , in UK you can can change the engine of a bike, but if you change the axles as well you will need to re-register? Would love it better if it looked stock, with LED lightbulbs
I really like the idea of a small lightweight electric scooter. Are they looking to sell a complete scooter? Looks like they're only a frame and front forks off of being able to assemble a complete unit..
3 года назад+1
Really nice project until you hear the price tag attached to it. For that price you can buy a new e-scooter shipped to your house with 1 year insurance, helmet and beginner's bike wear. ;) Price is still THE factor for buying vehicles. [edit] Ah, forgot, in my county you also have to pay the TÜV to make it legal to drive it on public roads.
The reason why the bike has been stripped back is weight saving and to increase in aerodynamics. If they did not do that is would need a 50% (approx) increase in battery size with no where to put it. Same applies to cars. No spare wheels etc. In the EV world range is priority and sells the product. Good reporting Elliot.
This would be so much better with a befang ultra mid drive and a gates belt driven 5 speed gear hub. Just dont fit the peddles. I would also keep the leg shields, they go faster with them. The direct drive hub is such a cop out.
![BRASIL vs. PERÚ [4-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 10](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tbyOJKXfQnI/mqdefault.jpg)
SUBSCRIBE! LIKE if you want to electrify old bikes and SHARE if you think EV conversions are the future
Elliot visits SHANGHAI CUSTOMS who have taken one of the biggest selling bikes in the world and electrified it. There are over 100 million Honda Cub bikes in existence, and now it's possible to convert these to electric in a day!
The Honda e-Cub is a cross between a scooter and a motorbike and its pretty awesome to drive. In cities with a high density of two-wheeled transport, could EV conversion by the way forward in accelerating transition? What's clear is that converting the Honda Cub has given this bike a new lease of life but begs the question why Honda aren't doing this themselves.
Make sure you are subscribed then enter our Great EV Giveaway for your chance to win an EV for a year and lots of other fantastic prizes FullyCharged.Show/EV-Giveaway
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Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:47 1958
1:08 Easy rider
1:21 Shanghai Customs
1:42 Buzzing bikes
1:57 DIY conversion
2:04 Stripped back
2:28 Comfy seat
2:58 Watch out!
3:18 Really cool
3:26 100 million!
4:07 Nice & chunky
4:24 Boost button
4:39 Done in a day
5:17 Time for a facelift
5:34 Cost?
6:01 Range & speed
6:39 Going global
7:40 What's going on Honda?
8:10 Support & join
I had thought he would do such conversion to show the world how it works instead of talking about it and not showing 1 single step of the conversion process. 15 hours cut down to 20 minutes can not be that complicated considering all the car channels showing their update and upgrades or even conversions like Rich rebuilds a Tesla to a V8 with a lot of fun.
That way it is more or less disappointing to see a more or less e-bike not streetlegal in the UK and Europe and even in US I guess.
Like the idea and the look. But it's far to expensive to pay more for just the parts. Than it cost for a Chinese completely built knock off, like the CSC New Monterey Electric Scooter.
Even if they do have different specs, but since most ppl do not finish projects like this and it costs a fortune to outsource. The CSC New Monterey Electric Scooter makes far more sense for most ppl IMHO.
@@typxxilps Like it or not e-bikes have limits for a reason. If you want to go above those limits just get a e-motorcycle and pay the extra cost.
BTW the USA limits seem pretty reasonable. With top speed of 28MPH for class 3 e-bikes in some states. Good luck getting that across the pond.
No one was talking about conspiracies, so there is no need for a BitChute channel...
1:57 - 'Now, if you've been to a city like *Vietnam* '...?!
I can't believe how far Elliot's come as a presenter in just a few videos! The nerves are all gone and he's nailing it - I admire his talent and wish I had it. I love the China content so much, thank you Fully Charged and Elliot!
Yup, I've avoided watching his videos after the 1st few, seems like a totally different presenter now, great video
He's definitely better but there's still room for improvement. I think he should shoot the on vehicle footage then have a few drinks then do the presentation
@@errcoche Agreed. He should do it as a voiceover after filming.
It's refreshing to watch a Fully Charged video without being assaulted by Robert's histrionics.
Next step is to begin using different sentence starters other than "Now..what.."
In my day, E-Honda was a fast slapping sumo streetfighter.
That is a joke Honda shall capitalized on.
Whatever you say grandpa
Gold. LMAO
I have a mobylette motobecane 1977,
Tire size is 17 inch size tires.. is that motor hub kit compatible with my moped?
@@gerardogama120769 can't see why not, as long as the hub motor will fit in the swingarm
This is great news! Finally a way of keep older stuff on the road! Got to be better for the planet to retro fit rather than new everything!
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
But many like the smell of rotten dinosaurs 🤣 and wouldn't convert it to clean ev
I'm a massive petrol head who rides a 20 year old gsxr 1000 which I would never convert, however a commuter type bike would be perfect for the eventual petrol savings
Converting a 1958 moped with 1958 brakes, isn't particularly brilliant.
@@akyhne I think it would be even better as most evs have regen braking. Also if you look it has a rear disk brake setup which isnt 1958.
Great video Elliot! Each video you’re definitely more comfortable with your own voice as a presenter, really well done. Can’t wait for more from you out of China!
Must resist looking for old Honda Cubs... this seems like a hugely fun project.
Personally I would want to keep the leg guards and not have the feeble looking foot pegs. Where do you put your Shopping or your Fish Supper on your way back from the Chippie?
...a backpack? That's what I use on my e-bike.
What’s a Chippie? Ha
@@naps3386 it's a takeaway meal from a chip shop (serves chipped potatoes and fish/pies etc...)
@@loums52 But why remove a perfectly serviceable rear rack ?
... hook a bungie around the base of the mirrors. Loosen the left mirror bolt and leave slightly loose so it will swivel back pointing toward you IF you provide just the right angle of torque so the bungie let's it. Hook the plastic shopping bag full of groceries over the right mirror then over the left mirror and let it hang down into the step well. Swivel the left mirror back into position.. no need to tighten with wrench because the bungie pulling on it.
I would really love a version of this which kept the original body, even it meant losing a little range. Basically more of a classic conversion.
Yea you need the front body to protect you from the rain - which is pretty regular in Asia & quite heavy. - I wish electric would do something a bit more distinctive like those 3 wheel bikes, or something with a proper cover.
There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to keep the original legshields!
It would actually be a greater idea if they used the empty space where the motor was for larger batteries and keep the tank space for the controller and the rest of the electronics. They could also then add another hub motor in the front wheel to make it a 2x2 all wheel drive and thus increase the power and range
Finally an electric motorcycle review, more please we are not all car drivers!
I second that!
1/2 my electric vehicles have 2 wheels
Yeah, i like lightweight personal transport more than a cars, i feel more safe driving a bicycle than a wide car
(Don’t get me wrong as I’m a massive “all electric” fan....) but I’m not necessarily convinced that someone who maybe bought an old hand me down cub off an older brother or sibling for say, fifty dollars to use to go to work on is then going to decide to spend 2500 dollars to go electric! Also I think some of those brand new Chinese electric bikes are actually cheaper than that?
I spent $6,000 on a Stromer electric bicycle.
Converting a 1958 moped with 1958 brakes, isn't particularly brilliant.
U have point there mate. I love the honda bike but with that money i can easily get a NIU electric bike.
@@akyhne 3:50 2021 disc brake on the rear hub motor.
@@edwyncorteen1527 The front brake is way more important, than the rear brake.
If you had ever ride a bike, moped or motorcycle for any period of time, you'd know.
Also, many cars still comes with disk brakes on the front, but drum brakes on the rear.
This is because adding disk brakes to the rear, helps little in improving the overall braking capacity.
"A city like Vietnam" lol
Well many think Africa is a continent... sooooo 🤔
ok my pedantic trolling friend, who just fixates on trivia :)
@@nc3826 yeah who gives a shit about tiny things like details :)
It's trivia, since it's not it's not germane to the story...
Also you're all trolling morons, without a life. For thinking he did not know what Vietnam is (it's called "a slip of the tongue") ...
Good luck getting a IQ high enough to mention something relevant someday.... FLMAO....
@@nc3826 I didn't realise that finding something funny was moronic trolling. But as you seem to have nominated yourself Chief Policeman Of The Comments I'll take you at your word.
A whole video about a conversion kit but you never showed us the conversion kit to begin with, i.e., the individual components to give us an idea of what’s involved. 😉
@Åke Åkesson There's no bottom bracket on these motorbikes for those kits to attach to, so nope.
Just absolutely love this!! I have wondered why Honda didn’t do this themselves, so much easier than building an electric car and also cheaper for us consumers!
@@veracris1161 well I would have to find an old cub first and where I live they are as rare as diamonds! Don’t even know if they sold any before now! So I would applaud A little Honda engagement in building an electric cub!
The millions of Cubs are mainly in APAC and the Indian Subcontinent. So the answer to how many can you convert to electric at $2800? None. There are electric options available currently for $700 which can do 40 miles and up to 45mph.
It’s meant for hipsters in the west at that price
Thought exactly the same. cool project bad business, with your customers in the USA but no bikes in the USA it's a slim slim market
You can get a lifan electric scooter for less than that in NZ.
What goes 40 miles and 45mph for $700?
Converting a 1958 moped with 1958 brakes, isn't particularly brilliant.
I really like the roadgoing Elliott 😊 Keep it up FullyCharged⚡
You can also buy what is basically a brand new Honda Electric Cub today if you don't want to wait on Honda's own model. It's called the CSC Monterey and can be bought for around $2500 complete.
I would say projects like this are great, repurposing old vehicles and bikes and making them into something fit for the modern electric era. The problem is the costs, as in this very example where the kit costs $2500, and will likely also be charged import and customs duties and VAT if imported into the EU. Add in the cost of buying and restoring an old Cub frame if you don't have one and it gets expensive very quickly. Even more so if you have to pay someone to do the restoration and fitting of the kit, you probably looking at somewhere around the equivalent of $5000 in the EU in total, over $1000 more than the projected cost of Honda's own EV Cub and double the price of the aforementioned CSC Monterey. It's the same thing with many ebike kits such as the Swytch, where it can sometimes be cheaper to just buy a new complete e-bike than convert an older bike.
Informative and pleasant as always. Thanks
When you revealed the price my head popped back a bit. Perhaps next time we could see a layout of all the parts whilst revealing the price. I'm sure the faring could be fitted back along with the rear fender for areas where it rains or gets below 60 degrees.
It's a moped, not a bike. So the price is pretty fair.
But...
Converting a 1958 moped with 1958 brakes, isn't particularly brilliant.
@@akyhne Top speed is somewhat forgiving.
@@unclegeorge7845 A modern moped will still brake much better.
@@akyhne I'm thinking you could lock the wheels on this rig at any speed. The real challenge of riding this weight bike is keeping the wheels turning and maintaining control. (Confession: I just don't like mopeds or their small wheels.)
@@unclegeorge7845 Disk brakes not only have way better brake performance, but also a way wider break performance.
Drum brakes do little, until you reach a certain pressure, then they suddenly bite hard. And they overheat easily.
Wow, you guys are amazing - so well done! This is just one example of the millions of new jobs that are going to be created as we move away from oil.
@Mr Brightside This alone? Well, there a LARGE number of these bikes all over the world (100M since 1958)...they are already doing this in more than 20 countries...the negative is the up-front cost - but the positives are; getting to where you are going without breaking down, safety, less ongoing cost for maintenance and energy, overall performance
@Mr Brightside OK, but why do they call you Mr. Brightside? LOL - Even if there are only 500,000 left, that's still a pretty nice number and there are other bike brands in countries like India that are growing very quickly economically....but...my point wasn't that this was going to be a large company...my point was, that this is but one example of millions where switching to clean energy is going to create jobs - and I would go further to predict that these new jobs will easily offset those lost, that are specifically fossil-based
@Mr Brightside That is a great summary (I sense you are in the oil and gas industry somehow...your wording/predictions give me the impression you are quite concerned about the demise of oil)...as for myself, I became a mechanical engineer 40 years ago, work for a three different fortune 500 manufacturing companies for 26 years and now own my own software company...I have been interested in clean energy since 1973 - I actually have a pretty good idea of how oil is used
@Mr Brightside I don't know how logical that statement is but...the question is, at what rate will oil and gas drop, as a percentage of the energy supply picture...it is already less expensive to use solar for grid power than oil and gas - large molten salt nuclear reactors, small nuclear reactors, hydrogen from clean sources, solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric...all have a close to zero carbon footprint, smaller human health impact and cost less than oil and gas...the change away from oil will increase at an increasing rate moving forward - in 20 years it will be insignificant
@Mr Brightside Thank you Mr. Darkside
The production quality. STUNNING!
Really interesting and well presented Elliot - thanks.
Kia Ora from Aotearoa, $2,800 USD per kit shipped anywhere on planet earth? Kool review. ;-) Great to see this kind of innovation to utilise existing bike frames and save them from being wasted in rubbish tips/landfills. Awesome stuff Shanghai customs! Kia Kaha from Aotearoa. ;-)
YES! We have enough vehicles, producing millions of new ones (including EVs) is terrible for the environment - electrify what we have and make it easy and cheap - job done!
This looks amazing and I reckon the price is very reasonable to restore a classic like the eCub. You can pay 3 times that for an overpriced eBike that has no soul at all. Spot on I reckon. Nice work boys.
They have not got rid of the gas (petrol) tank as it was not in the ‘traditional’ place ie between the riders knee’s. The petrol tank on a Cub as always been underneath the seat, exactly where the battery is now located. I think they should have kept to the original style of the Cub and retained the plastic leg shields. It is surprising as to exactly how much rain these things keep off you. I have an immaculate 2003 Honda C90 sat in my garage with only 1500 miles on the odometer. These bikes are increasing in value each year.
@michael johnson Would you convert your C90 to Electric? Why or why not?
Yes yes YES. I have 3 old modified stripped back Cubs and and would love a modified EV Cub like this here in NZ
I wonder what it would how much, including shipping it here, would cost though.
This is so much better than the mostly charged channel.
honda Cubs are crazy efficient regardless. they run on literally anything i used to own one and if i fed the carb with vodka it would start.
they don't need to be electrified necessarily as this would be more damaging regarding production of batteries.
I love it! I need to get my hands on a bike and this kit.
I have an '87 c90 the idea was always to keep it forever and this just helps that dream. My only issues is the range but as I'd keep it stock and not streetcub it I think a few more cells where the engine was could work out.
Disc on the back is smarter than on the front for these purist in me would want to move that N switch back to heel toe of the original. 40mph is about the top speed of a 90 standard gearing but unlike the ice one I would think this could maintain that up a hill.
Honda currently have a patent for an e-cub based on the new model but it would be awesome to have a retrofit department.
What a brilliant idea. I don't like motor bikes but I would love one of these.
Thank you Full Charged for your China report. A cheap vehicle is normally the first vehicle for most people once they pass their test. Mine was a £500 3 month MOT rust box. Now I live in Peru and drive full electric paid for with the money I saved from not using diesel busses.
Elliot what a wonderful video, thank you (and the whole team) It's so great to have such a talented presenter in china. :)
That's awesome, and it's great to have reasonable conversion solutions appearing. My only question: With so much of the original being replaced, how much beyond the frame itself is actually kept?
Elliot, absolutely fantastic vid!!! Why don't you do one of these conversions and make a vid. Your challenge from Seattle. Thanks.
Well done Shanghai Customs! Great idea and the big manufacturers are really dragging their heels. If I could find a good donor I would order a kit! Best of luck to you!
Great review. Impressive individuals in respect of their imagination, spotting the market and hard work in getting it moving. I wish them continued success
These are great bikes, I have two original petrol models from 1964. One of my favorite bikes to ride.:)
I remember hearing about the Shanghai custom ecub a number of years ago. Good to see they are still going and still growing. I am a big fan of custom Cubs in general, there are really creative people doing creative things with those bikes. Shanghai customs also had an electric tracker bike they were developing but I don’t know if anything happened to that! You say it’s great to convert these old bikes to electric, which is true as a project, but you also say that so many of the old components are replaced. It’s basically only the iconic frame that is kept. Looking forward to more videos from China! South China you say?
Good idea, and I agree that manufacturers may be missing a trick here. And what about the hordes of well-made combustion engine cars that, as things stand, will be scrapped years before their time? Is there any sign that car manufacturers will start retro-fitting existing vehicles with all-electric innards? It would be good for everyone I would have thought, not to mention the environment. Any chance of a future episode on this subject?
Honda has a prototypes electric cub hopefully they will come out soon.
the prototype was a long time ago.. so good luck finding one to buy....
@@nc3826 2019? When the new supercub came out
Big oil company(s) in most countries will pretend they support electrification (alternative energy etc), but they will just do that, only to maintain statust quo and good PR. That's what holding those big motorcycle company like Honda to start mass product these e-motorcycle.
We need conversion kits for newer Honda / Toyota bikes that dominate SE Asia. - I love Asia but bike pollution is killer. - kits need to be cheaper to convince locals, since a new Honda in Bali or Cambodia is not expensive.
Missed opportunity - convert the petrol tank into a cubbie for storage.
Another very interesting episode. Thanks, Elliot.
Cut straight to ebay looking for cubs to convert. Wonder if you could still Mot it with that big a change. Great vid guys, thanks.
You've just got to notify the DVLA that it's been converted to electric. The bike already has a VIN and no modifications have been made to the frame.
@@th3d3wd3r that does make it tempting.
Retrospective Scooters in London do electric kits for classic Lambrettas and Vespas. Swops in and out so you can put the original engine back without any devalue of a classic scooter if you sell it. Think they need to be looked at by Fully Charged
Love the bikes added to the channel! Thank you!
I like the street camouflage scheme too!
This is a brilliant idea. I'm looking for someone to do the same with the most common dirtbikes. crf250r and yz250f.
I'd hope with a new product, though, Honda would give it 100km or 150km range. My commute is 25km one way, and with 50km being probably the maximum it will ever do, I'd be required to charge it after each way, and I'd rather do that just once per day or maybe even only twice a week... But I agree, the concept is great, and I think it's very important to be able to take the battery out and charge it on a normal outlet - for all of us who live in apartments without being able to "just use your garage".
I mean, it's cool, but 2800$ for the kit, it's kind of pricy and a bit off from affordable, unfortunately.
The CSC Monterey is a brand new Electric honda cub copy from China for less than the price of this conversion kit. Cubs or c90s etc aren't really that cheap in the UK in my opinion. So unless you already have one, and can afford to double it's cost with this, I'm not sure it will get mass adoption at scale.
Thinking of doing something similar but with an old cafe racer this summer :)
Absolutely love it. Was waiting to disappointed by the price... and I was. To be fair, it's boutique pricing, they don't have the economies of scale. Pity they can't be awarded govt. funding to convert tens of thousands of these. All said though, still extremely cool.
A decent sized battery can run you a thousand alone if you build it your self...
Ok now put the splash guard back on. Make the tank a storage location and it's a good one
great video,I would buy one ,but in Canada this is a motorcycle and needs license ,tax, and insurance,It would need to cost less than Honda Grom,about 3500bucks Great work for Shanghai Customs,hopes for a bright future..
Great idea. I wish them well.
I’m just wondering if $2k price point is doable for most people.
Very good initiative.. I suggest you should build a kit for Indian Hero Honda Splendor.. there are millions of these on the road.. and many other similar structure bikes... Indian government is giving a big push for EV and such kits would definitely be welcomed.. this would help replace gas burners to clean driving.. awaiting your views and thoughts..
Couldn't they find two the same tires?
I’d sure buy one of these pre-built, if they were available in my area.
Thanks for the excellent review, and for the inspiration.
Looks like a beautiful area of Shanghai! Great project
Cool. I converted a Cub in 1970 into a (gas) dirt bike, fun to drive through the farm woods and creeks. This E-cub is a very cool prototype. But a production E-cub conversion would be cooler, with city smooth tires, and quick conversion process. My BaFang ebike conversion was sold as a 6 hour conversion, it took me a week, I imagine this would take 2 weeks to convert, if all the odd parts were available. Nice story.
always great to see elliot
I ride a 125 cc with L plates on. I wonder how they would do a 125cc equivalent electric bike and whether you could still ride on with a CBT and Provisional Licence ? I'd hope so !
Have a look at the lexmoto range of ebikes, the G5 looks interesting
There are 125 equivalent electric bikes already from supersoco, Niu etc. There are even 250+ equivalents that can do 80mph and 120miles range (claimed) for £5k in the UK. Which is way more affordable than 'real' bikes like the ZeroSR etc that are still massively overpriced
@@ChrisBaileyMusic My current petrol bike is a Zontes Tiger 125 that I bought brand new for £1,500 and for that price it's a tank. I needed a new engine after nearly 30,000 miles but we just bought a second hand (engine) which had only done 1000 miles for £200. Cant really complain.
@Ross Bourne 11kw constant, it mentions nothing about peak power thats how the zero is so fast
The price is probably a lot compared to that of the bike but probably not when compared to the value of what you end up with once you are finished. You are going to want to keep the fairing in most countries though.
Hopefully these same fellows will do conversion kits for other Honda small bikes. Trail 90 conversion ... Or maybe a bigger one? Anything with a pressed frame (lightness) might be cool.
Do they offer a "universal kit" as in motor and swing arm with controls?
The Shanghai Customs Logo looks a lot like the Fully Charged Logo...
I REALLY like this idea. Personally I would got full DIY and buy the parts and assemble a custom bike, maybe weld the frame even, but this is a awesome easy way to get a decent city e-scooter.
Great idea! I think the rear mudguard could be longer, it would stop the rain spinning off the rear whell onto your back!
Very cool idea and one that looks like it's time has some.... now if we can find some policy frameworks to encourage a higher rate of conversion.
I was expecting it to still look like 2:12. Much more practical with a bit of weather protection.
Maybe a dumb question, but is it possible to have a pedal assembly & sprocket that'll work with the swingarm?
Really cool bike. Do you not require licence plates/registration in the UK?
Please invite Tony Seba from Rethinx !!!!
Yes! Knows his stuff, good alliance.
Great video Elliot and such a sensible approach.
Hi, great review. Please advise how much for the whole bike if you don’t have a frame. Australian market. The price for the kit is in US dollars? Many thanks.
7:32 reasonable price lol lol 2800 USD
RIP off really. For collectors only. That model shown is a classic. Hasn't been made for decades.
@@mostlymessingabout that level of retro fits always expensive. And setting this price point is for a ninche hard core cub owner. So they expect very low volume sale.
And you can buy a new electric bike there for going around the city for a hundred quid or so
You can buy an electric car for not much more than that in China!
You don't get a lot of ebike for $2800. Also your average e-scooter is more likely to be lower quality than this cool kit.
I converted An Early 2000's Downhill mountain bike to electric and its absolutely as good or better than anything I could have bought. All told it cost $2000 Canadian and thats with 2 batteries. The plentiful 750W Bafang motors have all the power you would want on a bicycle and are easy to install.
Elliot just 1 thing....You ride a motorcycle not drive it. I like the work of Shanghai customs. Well done.
Wow Shanghai is beautiful
Nobby tires are silly, especially mis-matched. They'll just decrease the range, which with a 1.3 kWh battery will be 20-25 miles realistically.
I have to agree. They will not only affect your range but that front tire is actually not safe for use on asphalt.
thats right , imagine in the rain
And converting a 1958 moped with 1958 brakes, isn't particularly brilliant.
@@akyhne For god's sake ... how many times do you need to say this!! The brakes are upgraded as part of the kit or you can do it yourself .... sheesh ...
@@MrAdopado Not the front brake, the important one...
Over & out.
Check out old Honda cub prices in the UK ... unfortunately their classic status has already made them expensive so not a cheap starting point.
Very nice video, and I love the idea of one of these conversions in an otherwise rusty and crusty Cub. But, I must say... all those show notes, and not one link to Shanghai Customs? For shame.
I'm contemplating one if these Honda C50 e-bike conversions. Will be sufficient to commute to work
Interesting, but a Ride1Up 500 series e-bike can go up to 45 miles and costs $1,300 us dollars for a new bike. Granted is top speed is much less at 28mph, but I wonder how many people need 40mph through a city.
Beautiful Video really interesting
I’d be really interested in registration in the UK; how would that work? And insurance? Is it a ‘special vehicle’ under DVLA categorisation? Definitely well worth a go though!!!
I was hoping someone would have an answer to that.
Chances are you can do the conversion and retain the reg etc, due to only changing the "engine" and retaining the frame etc , just send in pics and details of what you have done to dvla requesting a change from petrol to electricity, they will then let you know if an inspection is required.
As to insurance i would say it would be like insuring a kit car, specialist brokers needed as most insurers will not have it on their data base. so will either not quote or quote silly figures.
In theory the category would not change as its still a "moped/scooter", its not like your turning it into a quadricycle or trike.
For example when I did an engine swap from a 1.6 diesel astra to a 2ltr petrol all i had to do was send in parts used list with engine numbers, pics of work done and copy of mot/emissions test,
The only grey area i can think of is that your effectively removing the engine number ( dont know if the emotor has a serial no engraved onto it they might accept)
The reason the Cub was so popular was because it was Practical Transport.
This 'Fashion Accessory' version has taken that practicality and removed almost every trace of it.
Yes, there is a Market for this sort of thing, but surely there is also a far larger Market for an EV'd 'Original' version with the leg guards, a rack on the back for your Shopping - and additional Batteries, to provide extra range for those of us 'Cursed' with journeys longer than to our local 'Artisan' Coffee Shop ... ?
I would like to see a video of the complete conversion from normal to stripped to rebuild. If you can.
Good job on the video however the product is very expensive for what it is - for that price i'd expect the entire bike and not just part of it!
I have two Honda Rucks scooters. The Ruckus would be a great platform for a project like this.
E-Ruckus
Great idea but legally still a moped in the UK, good luck getting any insurance for it. If you don't, it's points on your car licence!
What a great innovation. Hats off to these guys. Shame on Honda and shame on other motorbike manufacturers.
Is it true , in UK you can can change the engine of a bike, but if you change the axles as well you will need to re-register?
Would love it better if it looked stock, with LED lightbulbs
I really like the idea of a small lightweight electric scooter. Are they looking to sell a complete scooter? Looks like they're only a frame and front forks off of being able to assemble a complete unit..
Really nice project until you hear the price tag attached to it.
For that price you can buy a new e-scooter shipped to your house with 1 year insurance, helmet and beginner's bike wear. ;)
Price is still THE factor for buying vehicles.
[edit]
Ah, forgot, in my county you also have to pay the TÜV to make it legal to drive it on public roads.
The reason why the bike has been stripped back is weight saving and to increase in aerodynamics. If they did not do that is would need a 50% (approx) increase in battery size with no where to put it. Same applies to cars. No spare wheels etc. In the EV world range is priority and sells the product.
Good reporting Elliot.
Great idea and the Guys have nailed it good luck to them
Yep! Hit the nail on the head, I want one, well done
Nice review Elliot.
This would be so much better with a befang ultra mid drive and a gates belt driven 5 speed gear hub. Just dont fit the peddles. I would also keep the leg shields, they go faster with them. The direct drive hub is such a cop out.
Great video!! Love it! 🙂
Nice. Now, let's have a conversion kit for the old school mini, or the Nissan Micra.
Reckon you might want to pump up the rear tyre a little?