Vintage Schwinn Bicycles Converted to Gnarly Electric Lowriders
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In 1962, Schwinn launched its Fleet bicycle - opens in new window or tab., billed as “fine Schwinn quality at a budget price.” The Fleet featured an iconic slimline tank, built-in kickstand, big wheels, and cool accoutrements like headlights and luggage racks. Fleets flooded the streets of America during the ‘60s, helping the bicycle manufacturer become an industry icon.
The custom Schwinn electric bike conversions listed on eBay resurrect the old-school cool of a vintage Schwinn. Alex Ulitsky of Big Boy Diesels - opens in new window or tab.—a seller of cars, two-wheeled vehicles, and farm equipment in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—picked up a collection of five custom pedal bikes and four electric ones at a car show. He’s offering three of those wild electric vintage bicycles on eBay.
Ulitsky said:
The bikes are built from various bicycle parts. A lot of those parts have been customized like on a rat rod. They tried to make it look old school.
Boardwalk Cruisers
One example, a 1964 custom-built electric Schwinn lowrider, has a stretched and slammed steel frame. It’s powered by a 48-volt, 1,000-watt electric bike motor - opens in new window or tab. mounted in the 26-inch front wheel - opens in new window or tab.. The hub motor - opens in new window or tab. is capable of reaching 30 miles per hour. Its battery, mounted on top of the lower frame tube, should be good for 25 or more miles, based on the state-of-the-art energy storage.
These Schwinn e-bike conversions aren’t about top speed. They’re more about cruising the boardwalk with waves crashing into the shoreline and a hot sun blazing overhead.
The bicycle is both pedal and electric. Just flip the on/off switch, twist the throttle, and go. The twist throttle isn’t the only thing on this bike that’s reminiscent of motorcycle culture. The tall ape hanger handlebars - opens in new window or tab., fork, and triple trees - opens in new window or tab. are motorcycle-like. Stretching frames and chopping front ends are also common practices.
Undoubtedly, the bicycle’s signature piece is its art deco Schwinn tank - opens in new window or tab. with styling similar to a 1964 Fleet.
Ulitsky said:
It is a real Schwinn, so it’s super rare.
Venice Beach and Beyond
Another custom Schwinn e-bike offered by Big Boy Diesels uses bobber motorcycle - opens in new window or tab. styling and a fighter pilot paint job. Its muscular frame, which wears a pleasing patina - opens in new window or tab., is balanced by big whitewall bicycle tires - opens in new window or tab. and red rims. It, too, is powered by a 1,000-watt hub motor, although this one is mounted on the rear.
A third electric custom Schwinn bike is a lowrider electric cruiser. The builders fabbed up a custom fork to mount the tall front wheel and steer the bicycle. Between its stance and handlebars, this bike feels the most like a rat rod.
An electric bicycle craze is underway in America. There are ons of e-bikes on the market, ranging from around $1,000 to $5,000. But these custom battery-powered lowriders stand out from that crowd. They blend bicycle and motorcycle cultures and add a big dollop of cruiser cool. These babies would be at home in Venice Beach or any bustling boardwalk where DIY creativity and street style are enjoyed.
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