In this video you see me building a DIY electric mini bike inspired by the Volkswagen Beetle, also know as the Volkspod. I welded 4 fenders together to create the body with the classic Volkswagen aircooled bug look.
I saw pictures of similar projects floating around on the internet and always wanted to build one myself, so when a friend of mine offered 4 old fenders in bad shape (thanks JB!) I could go to work. Luckily I did not need the parts that were heavily rusted, so I cut them off.
I painted it Marrakesh brown (BMW color). I know it's a bit unusual but I chose this color because I own a 1973 beetle which is also brown. In the future I will build a custom roof rack so I can take the volkspod with me to meetings.
It is powered by 2 hoverboard motors and 2 36v lithium batteries. The wheels are from a child size ATV. I used those parts from the first electric scooter I built since I don't drive it anymore.
Please note that I am not a professional bodywork guy or welder. I know some things can be done different or better. Overall I am very happy with the result.
Please also note that this project is not for sale ;).
Technical details:
- front and rear hoverboard motor 350w 36v
- dual brushless controllers 350w 48v (BLDC) from Aliexpress
- dual hooverboard batteries 36v 4.4Ah
- weight incl batteries approximately 39kg
- topspeed 32 km/h
- range: 13km (medium load)
- tire size 145/70 - 6
- frame built out of 35mm tube 2mm wall thickness
Chapters:
0:00 - intro
0:14 - making the body
6:54 - making the frame
15:37 - spray painting
17:58 - presentation of the finished project
19:19 - testdrive
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Thanks for watching.
Check out some of my other hoverboard powered electric projects here:
- Electric fat bike with car tires:
• How to build a DIY ele...
- 3 wheeled electric tilting scooter:
• How to build a DIY til...