Divvy goes electric: Retired engineer cooks up battery-powered bike with some help from the internet

If you’ve ever fancied building your own electric bike, why not take inspiration from 77-year-old Cumbrian Peter Hope who recently completed this battery-powered Yamaha Diversion 600 with the help of only a few friends and the internet.

The retired chartered electrical engineer bought the Diversion rolling chassis 18 months ago and has since spent £4000 turning it into the electric motorcycle you see here.

“I’ve always been into electronics and spent my working life designing systems for submarines, but I’m a biker as well so it seemed a fairly natural thing to do,” he said. “I found this website in Lithuania – Miromax. They specialise in eco transport and offer a range of motors for converting motorcycles, push bikes and even cars.”

Two secondhand 22volt batteries came from a specialist EV breaker and are connected in series to give 44v. The motor and twist grip came from Miromax, along with the controller which is by American company Kelly Controls.

“I’m not particularly breaking new ground here,” says Peter. “This kit is available and there’s quite a bit of stuff on YouTube.”

Packaging it, however, took a bit more creativity… “I mocked up the motor and batteries in wood then got a friend who’s an expert welder to fit additional frame cross members,” he continued. “The aluminium side panels were made with the help of a sheet metalworker.”

From here, the next step was to make it road legal, which is easier said than done. Peter explained: “First, they sent a chap around to take some photos. Then they deemed it sufficiently modified to require a Q plate.”

These plates are issued by the DVLA and identify vehicles that have been heavily modified, have unknown history, and more. 

“Then I had to take it to the DVSA inspection centre in Oldham! But it passed off without any trouble. It’s very simple to ride – and near-silent. It’s only a 10kW motor so probably equivalent to 150cc. It does about 60mph, range is 50-55 miles and of course it delivers torque very differently – there’s lots right from the off so it’s nippy.

”Recharging the batteries to around 90% takes around three hours via either an integral cable with a three-pin plug or EV Type two connector.

“I’m in the local bike club and it’s generated a bit of interest,” Peter added. “But most people enjoy the noise and feel of ‘proper’ bikes, so I’ve had my fair share of disparaging comments. But I’m very pleased with it. It’s just something I’ve done as a technical challenge!”