The Douglas Pidcock 1922/1942 Electric Motorcycle -- a very early EV Motorcycle

The following information about an early early early electric motorcycle, in Great Britain, was found on eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Douglas-Pidcock-1922-1942-Electric-EV-Motorcycle-18v-Veteran-Vintage-Historic-/231786664320?&afsrc=1&r...) and retrieved with a hat tip to Ted Dillard's blog post (https://evmc2.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/the-douglas-pidcock-19221942-electric-ev-motorcycle/)

It's an 18 volt motorcycle, with 3 6 volt lead acid batteries. The speed controller is a switch that selects 6v, 12v and 18v.

According to the eBay listing, it was originally built from a Douglas 2 3/4 frame then modified with Mr Pidcocks own parts, some of which were from BSA. Mr Pidock converted the motorcycle using for a daily commute to work at a engineering company in Peterborough during the time of petrol rationing. (1942/3 === WW 2)

Max speed is 18 miles/hr. Riding is quiet with just tire and chain noise. Speed is selected by a lever 3 positions 6v, 12v and 18v and the clutch lever operating a Lucas solenoid switch to bring in the motor. The motor is a Morris lorry starter motor. I've had a new industrial charger made and the bike is fitted with 3 x 6v heavy duty rubber batteries.

The PDF attached below has the eBay listing with full details.