- Caleb’s custom JackRabbit XG electric mini bike won Best Micro Bike at Electrify Showoff Denver.
- Features custom parts like Cult x Vans tires, Brooks B17 saddle, and a double fork adapter.
- Plans to upgrade performance to surpass Super73 in speed and acceleration.
When it comes to building something truly unique, it’s not just about flashy colors or the latest tech. It’s about passion, creativity, and the desire to create something that’s truly your own. For Caleb Lower, the owner of Jack’D Bike Mods based in Gainesville, Florida, his story into the electric mini bike world began with a simple, yet daring idea: customize a lightweight JackRabbit XG ebike into a beast of a bike that doesn’t just turn heads—it wins hearts.
“I bought my red JackRabbit XG at the Orlando 2024 Electrify Expo, which was the first event my company Jack’D Bike Mods went to. I was there with my custom OG JackRabbit called Pink Lemonade rocking the OG wheelie bar I just finished developing,” Caleb shared. His enthusiasm for electric bikes creates something that’s both fun and practical, while pushing the boundaries of what an electric mini bike can be.
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Custom JackRabbit XG
The JackRabbit XG is no ordinary mini electric bike. At just 32 pounds, it’s built to be lightweight and agile, making it ideal for riders who prefer a more compact option over traditional electric bikes. It’s easy to carry and perfect for riding in the city or weekend getaways. But Caleb saw even more possibilities in this ultra-light frame.
Inspired by the clean, minimalist design of old café racer motorcycles and custom Super73 builds, Caleb wanted to build a bike that was more than just a pretty face. “I decided I wanted what was essentially a baby Super73 style-wise,” he explained. The result? A low-slung, aggressive-looking mini electric bike that’s as much about aesthetics as it is about performance.
The refresh didn’t happen overnight. Caleb patiently collected parts, waiting until everything was in before starting the build. “I didn’t put anything on until everything was in, that way I could get a cool photo for Instagram and record the build sessions,” he shared. His attention to detail paid off, with each component carefully selected to not only improve the bike’s visual appeal but also improve its functionality.
Custom Mods Give a Vintage Motorcycle Vibe
Caleb installed Cult x Vans 20×2.4 white wall tires with a red stripe to match the frame, giving the bike a distinctive look. For the seat, he opted for a Brooks B17 saddle to achieve that vintage leather feel. “The main challenge with the seat was getting it low enough to look more like a motorcycle and less like a bicycle,” Caleb explained. He used an old-style seat clamp, flipped it upside down, and secured it with a bolt-on seat post clamp, allowing the seat to go even lower.
The handlebars were another carefully considered modification. Caleb chose Surly bars and Cult x Vans grips to match the tires, cutting the bars down to fit the bike’s clean look. To give the electric bike a more aggressive look, he chose a shorter stem, bringing the handlebars closer to the rider.
Custom Suspension, Lighting, and Brakes
The suspension setup features an SR Suntour suspension fork kit from Jack’D Bike Mods, designed to handle rougher terrains while maintaining a smooth ride. Caleb also created a custom double fork adapter to give the bike a sturdy, vintage motorcycle look with a dual-fork design. “Making it was a challenge, but it saved my butt last minute with the lighting solution,” he said. The double fork adapter allowed him to mount an alternate headlight after his initial custom design didn’t work out.
Speaking of the lighting, Caleb’s first attempt at a custom headlight, which he spent weeks designing, couldn’t be used due to voltage incompatibility. “In my infinite wisdom, I never checked the output on the light ports for the XG—it was 6V.” Instead, he quickly pivoted to using an old headlight from another e-bike, rewiring it to run off 6V, and mounting it onto the new double fork adapter just in time for the event.
For braking, Caleb installed an Amazon special floating disk with cooling fins and an anodized red hub, not only improving the bike’s braking performance but also adding a pop of color to match the overall design.
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Award-Winning JackRabbit XG Electric Mini Bike
Despite the challenges, including a “Frontier Airlines special” mishap that left his throttle broken and frame scuffed, Caleb’s build was a hit in Denver at the Electrify Showoff, Driven by Yokohama Tires, winning the “Best Scooter / Micro Bike” award presented by JackRabbit.
The JackRabbit e-bike features two batteries, giving it a claimed range of 20 miles while powering the impressive 500W motor. By breaking it down into two smaller batteries, these ebikes comply with FAA regulations, making it one of the few e-bikes you can carry on a plane—a clever solution that sets it apart from most e-bikes limited by the 160Wh restriction.
“The end goal is to not only be a cool-looking bike but to be a beast of a bike that will beat a Super73 in both a drag race and a track race,” Caleb said. It’s a big goal that truly captures his innovative and determined nature.
Caleb’s Next Move: Power Upgrades and Inspire DIY Builders
So what’s next for this electric mini bike enthusiast? Caleb has some big plans in store. He’s already working on power upgrade kits that will boost the JackRabbit XG’s performance even further. “The goal is to be faster than a Super73 in both acceleration and top speed,” he mentioned. With future competitions in mind, Caleb is pushing the limits of what a mini electric bike can do, while also planning to share his build process and parts list on his website, JackDBikeMods.com, to inspire other builders.
For those looking to create their own custom electric bike, Caleb’s advice is simple: “Take risks and have fun. Chances are it will not turn out exactly how you want, so be okay with that.” His story shows how creativity and perseverance can turn a small, lightweight electric bike into something truly amazing.
For more information on Electrify Showoff Driven by Yokohama Tire, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff and follow on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.
2024 Electrify Expo Schedule
| Date | Location |
| March 16-17 | Orlando, FL (new location for 2024) |
| May 4-5 | Phoenix, AZ (new location for 2024) |
| May 31-June 2 | Long Beach, CA |
| July 13-14 | Denver, CO (new location for 2024) |
| August 24-25 | San Francisco, CA |
| September 14-15 | Seattle, WA |
| October 12-13 | Long Island, NY |
| November 8-10 | Austin, TX |
OWNER/VEHICLE DETAILS
Owner: Caleb Lower
Location: Gainesville, Florida, USA
Vehicle: JackRabbit XG
Club: RUINED EV
Instagram: jackd_bike_mods
ELECTRIFY SHOWOFF AWARDS
| Show | Category |
| Electrify Showoff Denver, CO 2024 | Best Scooter / Micro Bike presented by JackRabbit |
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
| Category | Description |
| Wheels & Tires | Cult x Vans 20×2.4 White Wall tires with red stripe |
| Brakes | Amazon special floating disk with cooling fins and anodized red hub |
| Chassis & Suspension | SR Suntour Suspension Kit with cosmetic double fork extension |
| Exterior | Brooks B17 Saddle, Surly Bars, Cult x Vans grips |
| Lighting | Rewired headlight to run off 6V instead of 36V |
| Sponsors | Jack’D Bike Mods, JackRabbit, Gainesville Electric Bike Garage |
| Shops & Mechanics | Caleb Lower at Gainesville Electric Bike Garage |
JackRabbit XG Photo Gallery
IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO, CALEB LOWER
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