Individual from California purchases a $2,000 engine for mounted addition onto a $20 bicycle, seeking unconventional modifications for curious exploration.
YouTuber Sur Ronster has taken the world of DIY e-bike builds by storm with his latest project - transforming a humble $20 BMX bike into a high-performance electric vehicle. The experiment involved the most powerful e-bike mid-drive kit available, boasting an impressive 6,000 watts of power - roughly eight times the legal street limit and equivalent to a small dirt bike.
The process began with a unique choice of frame. Sur Ronster opted for a BMX bike, a decision that seemed unconventional, given the power he intended to unleash. However, the BMX bike's frame proved surprisingly capable of handling the monster motor's power, providing a solid foundation for the build.
The transformation was not a plug-and-play affair. A new chain, tension tweaks, and a janky but functional wiring job were necessary to get the Franken-bike functioning. BMX bottom brackets don't fit standard kits, so Sur Ronster had custom-cut steel spacers made by Tim at Mayhem Racing. The motor was connected to the bike's wheel, and a battery, display, and throttle controls were installed for control and monitoring.
To ensure safety and handle the high power demands, electrical connections were reinforced with soldering and duct tape. The result was a ride that looked "badass" and performed impressively, resembling a mini dirt-bike or street rocket.
However, the 6,000 watts of power proved too much for the $20 brakes. The bike skidded, smoked, and resulted in an ankle injury for Sur Ronster. Despite the setback, the BMX bike survived the ordeal, its wobbly frame holding strong against the immense power.
The ride was the sketchiest of Sur Ronster's life, with a few close calls and dodged wipeouts. Yet, the BMX bike, if it could talk, would probably beg for early retirement. However, it didn't retire from the experiment. Instead, Sur Ronster swapped throttles mid-build, replacing the bike with a Throne Dime pedal bike.
This DIY upgrade demonstrates how a high-performance electric motor kit can radically transform even the cheapest bike frames into powerful e-bikes. The experiment serves as a testament to Sur Ronster's creativity and the potential for innovation in the world of DIY e-bike builds.
The BMX bike's transformation into a high-performance electric vehicle, driven by a 6,000-watt e-bike mid-drive kit, showcases the remarkable potential of affordable technology when combined with innovative ideas. The swap of the bike with a Throne Dime pedal bike mid-build highlights the versatility of using various car frames for e-bike builds, similar to the way supercars integrate advanced AI and cutting-edge gadgets. Despite the initial accidents and challenges, this DIY project underscores the exciting realm of possibilities in DIY e-bike builds.
