# Motors for EV Motorcycles
**URL:** https://community.electricforum.com/t/motors-for-ev-motorcycles/699
**Category:** Scooters, Bikes, Sagways
**Created:** [May 30, 2008, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/motors-for-ev-motorcycles/699 "2008-05-30T16:08:04Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@BigJohnT](https://community.electricforum.com/u/BigJohnT)
#### Post date: [May 30, 2008, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/motors-for-ev-motorcycles/699/1 "2008-05-30T16:08:04Z")
I’m trying to determine what motors might make good candidates for converting a small motorcycle to electric. Will 36v or 48v golf cart motors/controllers work? What is a good source for them? I have a 185 dirt bike as a donor bike. Eventually I’d like to make a bike to go back and forth to town about 10 miles each way…
I have the tools to do this (I own a small fab shop and machine shop) but am new as a shiny dime to EV stuff. I’ve built a CNC plasma cutter using EMC so once pointed in the correct direction I’m usually off to the races. I just need a reality check here.
Thanks
John
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### Author:  [@A\_Schmuck](https://community.electricforum.com/u/A_Schmuck)
#### Post date: [June 2, 2008, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/motors-for-ev-motorcycles/699/2 "2008-06-02T20:09:53Z")
Hi John. I posted right next to ya with the same questions. I live just about 10 miles away from work and would love to built a very efficient way to get there and home. I’m still looking for some information on controllers and such. If I find any I will let ya know.
I saw a motor and controller on Ebay for about 50 bucks each, but someone snatched them up. Good luck hunting.
A Schmuck ( yeah I know )
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### Author:  [@drewjet](https://community.electricforum.com/u/drewjet)
#### Post date: [June 2, 2008, 9:47pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/motors-for-ev-motorcycles/699/3 "2008-06-02T21:47:46Z")
I converted a Suzuki 200 dirt bike. A very easy thing to do.
Check with your destination such as work to see if they will ley you charge. if so than you only need a 10 mile range.
For motors look at the Etek/ Etek R/ or Etek RT. Plan on about 72 volts and 25 amphours. i highly suggest lithium as a small bike would get overly heavy if done with lead acid. Mty bike is only 25 lbs or so over stock weight. Top speed around 50 MPH and a range of 15 to 20 miles depending on how hard I ride.