Chilled Squirrel - E-Bikes and E-Bike Conversions in South Africa

Why Chilled Squirrel Exists

A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Power

Our Foundational Story

Our journey began not in a factory, but on a mountain in Taiwan. Our founder, Matt, got hopelessly lost on a challenging trail, only to be rescued by a stranger on an electric mountain bike. That ride, a seamless blend of natural beauty and effortless power, was an epiphany.

It sparked a singular mission: to bring this exhilarating experience to South Africa. We wanted to empower cyclists to go further, explore more, and rediscover the sheer joy of a ride—without being limited by age, fitness, or terrain.

Our Core Belief: Your Ride, Your Rules

What truly sets us apart is our philosophy. We believe that an e-bike should be a perfect extension of you, not a one-size-fits-all solution. This is why we specialize in two things:

Crafting Custom E-Bikes

We don't just sell bikes; we build them. We meticulously select and assemble every component to create a machine that is perfectly suited to your body, your riding style, and the unique South African landscape.

Transforming Your Ride

We are pioneers of e-bike conversions. We believe your trusty bicycle—the one you already love—deserves a second life. Our team of experts will integrate a state-of-the-art electric drive system, giving your bike new life and you a new reason to ride.

The Chilled Squirrel Promise

Unrivaled Expertise

From motor selection to battery optimization, we have the technical knowledge to build a bike that is safe, reliable, and performs exactly how you need it to.

A Personal Touch

Every e-bike we build or convert starts with a personal consultation. We listen to your needs, assess your goals, and design a solution tailored just for you.

Guaranteed Quality

We stand behind our work. Our components are sourced for their quality, and every build is rigorously tested to ensure it meets our exacting standards.

Riding Towards a Greener Future

Placeholder image of a tree being planted through the Greenpop partnership

The "Two Trees" Initiative

We are proud to partner with Greenpop, a leading South African non-profit dedicated to reforestation and environmental awareness. For every e-bike we sell or convert, we plant a tree in your name. You'll receive a certificate of appreciation and the GPS coordinates for your tree, connecting your new adventure to a lasting impact on our planet.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

This is why Chilled Squirrel exists: to provide you with the perfect e-bike for your life. Let us help you transform your ride and join our community of riders.

Get Your E-Bike Evaluation

Built for South Africa, by South Africans

Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all import. Our e-bikes are built right here, using components and expertise that are optimized for local conditions, from the unique terrain to our specific laws.

The Chilled Squirrel Difference

  • Locally Sourced Parts

    We build our bikes with components that are readily available in South Africa, ensuring easy and affordable replacements or upgrades.

  • Expert Local Knowledge

    Our team understands the local roads, mountain trails, and urban landscapes to build a bike that is perfectly suited for your environment.

  • Optimized for Our Climate

    Components are selected to handle the heat, dust, and humidity of South African conditions, extending the life of your e-bike.

The Imported Bike Risk

  • Expensive, Hard-to-Find Parts

    A broken component can mean a long wait and a high price tag to import a replacement from overseas.

  • Incompatible with Local Conditions

    Bikes designed for European or Asian roads may not handle the ruggedness of South African terrain.

  • Legal and Technical Ambiguity

    Foreign-made e-bikes may not comply with South African wattage and speed regulations, leading to potential legal issues.

Nationwide Service and Reliable After-Sales

Peace of mind is priceless. Chilled Squirrel provides a nationwide service and repair network, ensuring that you’re never stranded. Our commitment to after-sales service is what sets us apart.

Our Service Promise

Easy Communication

Our customer support team is just a call away, ready to assist with any questions or issues you may have.

Convenient Repairs

For service, you simply courier your wheel or battery to our workshop. We handle the rest and ship it back to you, anywhere in SA.

Quick Turnaround

Our local workshop ensures fast, efficient service, minimizing your downtime and getting you back on the road sooner.

Long-Term Support

We keep a full stock of spare parts, so you never have to worry about a critical component being out of stock or discontinued.

Safety and Compliance Made Easy

We handle the complexity of South African e-bike laws so you don't have to. Our builds are designed with safety and legal compliance at the forefront.

  • Motor Wattage

    Our standard kits are compliant with SA laws (250W) for road-legal use. We also guide you on the regulations for more powerful, off-road builds.

  • 📝

    Proper Documentation

    We provide all necessary information to ensure you understand and comply with national and local traffic laws regarding e-bikes.

What Our Customers Say

Hear directly from riders who chose the local advantage.

"The service from Chilled Squirrel has been outstanding. When a part needed replacing, I had a new one delivered the next day. Can't imagine dealing with an overseas company."

- John S., Johannesburg

"I love that my bike was built right here in South Africa. The team knew exactly what I needed for my commute, and the performance on our city's hills is incredible."

- Sarah L., Cape Town

I

SAFM INTERVIEW WITH CHILLED SQUIRREL ABOUT ELECTRIC BIKES IN 2015.