 |
 |
 |
|
El Chopper combines the latest electric vehicle technology with a totally new approach to lightweight transportation. El Chopper combines rugged off-road bicycle wheels, brakes, and suspension with a high-power electric vehicle motor, controller and inexpensive, readily available batteries to achieve a very long-range, high-performance, 30-mph-class machine. El Chopper is designed to accommodate Harley-Davidson seats, tanks, and other accessories to personalize your machine with off-the-shelf parts. The unique, single-shock rear suspension, Harley seat, and off-the-shelf front forks provide pure comfort for around-town cruising. An assortment of battery, gearing, and cargo-carrying options are possible to adjust to your individual needs.
This class of vehicle typically does not require a motorcycle drivers license, and is easy to register, insure, and ride (check your local state regulations).
El Chopper’s design evolved from several generations of electric scooter predecessors that were tested and improved through extensive electric vehicle racing.
Technical information is included in this Builder's Guide to give the reader a sense of why El Chopper was built the way it was, and how to customize El Chopper for a variety of uses. An introduction to vehicle dynamics and electric vehicle technology is also included, so that the reader will have a basic understanding of electric vehicles, and how to apply electric vehicle components.
Building El Chopper is primarily a frame building and assembly project. If you have done simple steel welding, you’ll find that the frame is very easy to build using materials from your local hardware store. If you do not have welding skills or access to welding equipment, you can have the frame built by taking the frame drawings and Builder’s Guide to a local welding shop.
Most of the components for El Chopper are available at local hardware, discount, auto, and bicycle stores, and your local Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealer. The motor, controller, throttle, chain, and sprockets are available from mail-order/web electric vehicle component suppliers and go-cart suppliers.
The design accommodates a variety of motor, controller, and battery options. Sources for hard-to-find and critical parts are listed in the Vendor List section of the plans.
Harley-Davidson parts may be purchased from your local H-D dealer or after-market parts dealers. Many of these parts (tanks, seats, pegs, mirrors, etc.) will bolt right onto El Chopper. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
