E-Core: An Affordable Retrofit Kit for Small Motorcycles

The E-Core kit is still in development, but the goal is certainly to market it someday.

In the automotive world as well as in the two-wheelers sector, retrofitting remains quite marginal today, probably due to cost reasons. Currently, the operation is indeed too expensive to have an obvious financial benefit. But things may be changing, with the gradual emergence of more affordable kits.

The “E-Core” kit that interests us today exemplifies this trend, even though it is not yet on the market. Developed by the Belgian company “ON”, it was designed to be cost-effective and easy to install.

The setup includes a 3 kW electric motor (8 kW peak), a removable 1,800 Wh battery, and parts made through 3D printing. Intended for 50 cc vehicles, it can easily be installed on dirt bikes or small motorcycles like Honda Dax, Cub, Chally, or Monkey.

A retrofit kit in testing phase

Ben Surain, the person behind the project, has already built a functional prototype and is currently conducting tests. Along with his partner Guy Salens, he is seeking investors to enable large-scale commercialization of the E-Core kit.

The two are not yet able to specify a price, but their ambition is to offer a truly affordable alternative. They are especially targeting Asian countries, where many two-wheeler users may not afford to buy an electric scooter or motorcycle.

In France, individuals wishing to retrofit their two-wheelers can benefit from a government aid of €1,100. A significant sum that helps bring the cost of a retrofitted vehicle to reasonable levels. For example, the conversion of the Noil electric 103 we tested costs €899 after the bonus is deducted.

Also read: Retrofit: the BMW R swaps its boxer engine for an electric motor