eBike Beach Cruiser History...

Summer 2017 - Version 1

The first version was a total experiment on my part to see if I could convert my basic orange beach bike and get it to work at all.

I wasn't riding the bike much because I lived in a hilly area and it weighed a ton... So I decided to install a basic eBit kit and use some less expensive lead acid batteries at first.

These batteries weighed a ton and made the whole bike quite heavy and unsteady when going slow... However, once you got going a little... It was a very smooth ride and had some kick too.

Once I proved that the system would work, I just had fun with it for a while... Building a custom wood box to contain the 3 12v lead acid batteries on a makeshift rear rack... And another box for up front to contain the eBike controller and wiring.

It was a fun design and I learned a great deal about wiring and batteries, but it was too heavy for any practical riding and the batteries were only good for a few miles of distance before pooping out.

Spring 2018 - Version 2

While the lead acid batteries only provided about 3-5 miles of range... It actually turned out pretty well for my small town needs and since I had such a blast riding it as is, I decided to continue to use them for a while, but added a groovy beach coaster rear rack to help hold the weight better and give it a spiffy look.

I also added a couple of neat 360 swivel flashlight holders on both sides of the front fork... Down low to keep the light out of my eyes... Along with a spring seat post, a mirror and bell for safety, and finally a coffee cup holder!

Summer 2018 - Version 3

Having proven the eBike's design worthiness and continuing to enjoy my short rides around town so much... I decided to make the official leap to a legit eBike battery and so I replaced my rear custom wood box with a nifty one that I ordered online... A 36v/14.5AH version.

It was a huge improvement over the lead batteries and immediately changed my entire riding experience... Going farther and faster than ever before...Less than 1/3rd the weight and could 20+ miles now... But glad I started with those lead ones in any regard as they helped me both learn an appreciate the newer eBike batteries.

Mine was built with solid Samsung 18650 batteries, and so it's still working well for me even after 4 years later... That's more than 5000 miles and many hundreds of charges.

Fall 2019 - Version 4

Minor updates like a more comfortable spring saddle along with the addition of a custom rear carrier bag really topped off the design! Keeping with the white accent, I went ahead and painted the plastic battery base to match the rear rack... Which really gave the bike a standout unique look.

The addition of a makeshift center headlight was nice in really dark situations, however, it ran out of power more quickly than my lower "side fork 360 swivel" lights and I found it to be in the way after a while and not so useful.

Summer 2022 - Version 5

The updates on this version were on removing some clunky elements and updating the main power wire as well as using a smaller plastic component box (hold the controller box and wiring) which I painted white.

I also updated the rear-rack battery bracket holder following the newer design set forth in these instructions and installed a new front basket... With a final sprucing up of the paint all around... Looks good for now!