deus electric custom motorcycle is highlighted with copper

the ‘deus’ is a customized, electric motorcycle by melbourne-based team ryan mischkulnig and joe fischer. they began with a humble honda ‘C90 cub’ and over a period of 5 weeks they created this minimalist, electric motorcycle that would go on to win the 2015 deus bike build off in sydney, australia. 

while electric motorcycles are nothing new, there are companies producing all manners of battery powered two-wheelers. electric vehicles are fascinating as they use highly efficient motors that produce 100% of their torque from 0 rpm, usually negating the need for a gearbox; shedding weight; and the massive reduction in the number of moving parts, meaning that they’re exceedingly reliable; and require almost next to no maintenance.

there has been a huge surge in the number of electric bicycles over the past three years. these allow the rider to pedal-assist if they choose to, but otherwise can offer 50+ kilometers of range running off their oftentimes removable battery packs. ryan and joe decided to use the motor and battery system from an electric MX bike called the ‘H-52 hurricane‘, this was accelerated by the fact that joe is an engineer at stealth electric bikes–the same company that builds them.

 the first order of business was to strip the honda ‘C90’ down to its bare bones, then begin removing the gasoline engine and its ancillaries. the 5.2 kW hub motorcycle from the ‘hurricane’ was then laced into the rear wheel, and the 1.5 kWh ‘LiFePO4’ battery was installed. the original handlebars didn’t cut the mustard, so a pair of ladies bicycle handlebars were acquired and modified to fit. the headlight was replaced with a vintage marshall car spotlight; and a new seat was created from exercise mat foam and the leather from the back of an old jacket.

the ‘deus‘ electric custom motorcycle completed bike is a testament to the deus philosophy of making the most with the least. copper tubing highlights the reimagined mini electric café racer, and the fresh paint job looks extra slick paired with the all black wheels.