the honda eCUB electric scooter by shanghai customs

shanghai customs modifies the classic honda cub into a stylish electric scooter dubbed the eCUB. created by china-based custom bikeshop shanghai customs, it successfully combines the scooter’s minimalist design cues with electric performance. suchlike deus’s take on the humble ‘cub’, this custom build lets the 1950’s bike create zero emissions while carrying an understated elegance. 

all images © shanghai customs

with the honda ‘eCUB’, shanghai customs wanted to challenge existing conditions in the electric bike scene — which is dominated by tech-orientated builders who put less emphasis on style. the china-based studio wanted to create a minimalist scooter that looks worthy of a place in an art museum, just as much as it deserves to be ridden. it needed enough battery range and speed to be used as a daily commuter vehicle in the most populous city in the world.

the custom bike studio starts by welding a cover over the frame where the engine originally was, then crafts custom mounts and fixtures to secure the stainless-steel box that holds the battery management system, and battery pack. the holders for the rear foot pegs are left in place, as the electric scooter comes with a dual-seat option for a passenger. the brushed aluminum and black variable suspension, is a bespoke piece made by a suspension specialist in zhe jiang. the swing arm is modified to fit-in the new electric motor, which is laced with an 18-inch black aluminum rim.  this rides on chunky ‘3.25 × 18’ tires from chinese tire-brand CST. 

the ‘eCUB’ is controlled via a three-wire motorcycle-styled throttle that gives a nice snapping carburetor experience, while all wiring is hidden within its classic framework discreetely. the custom ‘cub’ features three kinds of regenerative braking: switch; throttle; and variable. releasing the bike’s throttle also triggers motor braking, which can slow the bike like a traditional gasoline motor, while recharging the battery cells. the scooter’s power comes from 1.2 kW panasonic sanyo li-ion cells, paired with a 2000 W hub motor. despite the ‘eCUB’s’ svelte aesthetic, it’s connected with a front headlamp, a LED rear brake, plus flashing LED blinkers.

shanghai custom’s hit its target 50:50 mark — a 50 km driving range, at 50 km/h — while the controller limits the power current to 35%. the studio has had ‘cub’ conversion up to 80 km/h, and it believes it could reach the 100 barrier — however pushing it this far could be harmful to the expensive battery unit.