From Junk to Electric Dream

A talented Motor Vehicle student from East Sussex College Eastbourne, showcases a working e-bike built from old bike parts and an e-scooter.

Matthew John Beal, known as MJ, has created a fantastic and unique e-bike in the Motor Vehicle Body Repair workshop at the Eastbourne campus. The 18-year-old Body Repair student from Eastbourne was tasked with the practical project by his tutor. MJ used disused bike parts, taking two old frames, along with the electronics from his e-scooter, and used them to create the unique e-bike.

The project took MJ around five weeks (part time) to complete, with the help of his classmate, Dexter Marshall. MJ’s talent for body repair work and welding comes from the training on his course and being self-taught at home when it comes to soldering.

“This comes naturally to me,” MJ says. “I started at ESC three years ago, but only joined the Body Repair course this [academic] year. Before, I did the Engine Repair course. This sort of thing is what I’d like to do [in the future]. I’d ideally like to weld instead of body repair, but this course teaches me both! When I finish this course I’m hoping to get a job, start my career and start earning money.”

Alongside his course, he achieved his English and Maths GCSEs. The workplace beckons for MJ and he is excited to be finishing College with a qualification and a bank of practical work, including the e-bike. As for the future of the bike?

“My tutors want to paint the bike, but I’d personally keep it how it is because I prefer the rustic look,” MJ continues. “We’ve still got to decide if I can take it home or if it stays at the College! If I’m allowed, I'd love to take it home with me.”

Find all our Motor Vehicle courses at East Sussex College here.