Short answer: The TRB Apex E100 Pro can be used in a high-performance Sur-Ron Light Bee conversion project, but it is not a universal plug-and-play replacement for the stock controller. A correct installation requires the controller, battery, BMS, motor, wiring harness, connectors, sensors, mounting space and calibration to work as one system.
The E100 Pro operates across a 48-84V rated range and supports up to 250A maximum battery input current, 800A peak motor phase current, 18kW rated output and a 35kW peak system configuration. Reaching that level requires more than replacing the controller on an otherwise stock bike.
E100 Pro facts at a glance
| Target application | High-performance electric motorcycles and conversion bikes |
|---|---|
| Rated operating voltage | 48-84V |
| Maximum battery input current | 250A |
| Maximum motor output current | 800A peak phase current |
| Rated output power | 18kW |
| Advertised peak system power | 35kW peak |
| Motor control | FOC + MTPA + field weakening |
| Communication | CAN + RS485 + Bluetooth |
| Tuning | Bluetooth app, configuration dependent |
| Regenerative braking | Supported when the complete system permits it |
Why a Light Bee controller upgrade changes the whole power system
A motor controller converts battery power into controlled three-phase current for the motor. It also shapes throttle response, limits current, manages motor speed, detects faults and controls regenerative braking. Changing the controller therefore changes the electrical demands placed on almost every major powertrain component.
Official Sur-Ron parts information lists a 60V/32Ah battery for a Light Bee X configuration, while the official Light Bee charger is specified at 67.2V maximum output. These figures establish an important baseline: many existing Light Bee builds use a 60V-class battery system. A controller capable of operating at 72V or 84V does not automatically convert a stock 60V bike into a 72V or 84V system.
Before an E100 Pro installation, confirm:
- The actual battery nominal and full-charge voltage.
- The battery and BMS continuous and peak current limits.
- The motor voltage, speed and thermal limits.
- Cable, connector, fuse and contactor capacity.
- Harness pinout, Hall sensors and temperature-sensor compatibility.
- Controller dimensions, mounting points and cable clearance.
- DC-DC converter, display, lighting and accessory-voltage requirements.
- Brake, suspension, drivetrain and chassis suitability for the target output.
Can the E100 Pro work with the stock Light Bee battery?
Voltage range alone does not prove compatibility.
The E100 Pro's 48-84V range includes a 60V-class system, but the available output will still be limited by the stock battery, BMS, connectors, cabling and motor. A controller cannot safely draw current that the battery system is not designed to supply. It also cannot create 35kW from a battery that cannot provide the required voltage and current under load.
For riders keeping the original battery, the correct approach is to configure conservative battery-current and phase-current limits around the verified battery and motor specifications. For a higher-power build, a matched 72V or 84V battery, suitable BMS, upgraded conductors and a compatible motor may be required.
Never select current limits from a headline power target alone.
18kW rated, 35kW peak and 800A phase current are different measurements
- 18kW rated output describes the controller's documented rated-power class.
- 35kW peak system power describes a short-duration high-output configuration when the complete battery, motor and calibration support it.
- 250A maximum input current is the maximum documented battery-side current.
- 800A peak output current is motor phase current, not battery current.
Battery current and phase current should not be compared as if they were the same measurement. At low motor speed, a controller can deliver phase current substantially higher than battery current by converting voltage into current through PWM control. That phase current produces strong torque, while battery-side power remains constrained by pack voltage, battery current and efficiency.
An 800A phase-current figure does not mean the battery must continuously deliver 800A, and a 35kW peak claim must not be presented as 35kW continuous output.
What the E100 Pro changes in a Light Bee build
Stronger and more adjustable torque delivery
The E100 Pro uses field-oriented control, maximum-torque-per-ampere control and field weakening in a dual closed-loop architecture. In a properly matched system, this can provide smoother startup, more precise torque control and better high-speed motor operation than a basic controller strategy.
Throttle response should still be calibrated progressively. Maximum current at minimal throttle movement can reduce traction and increase stress on the chain, belt, sprockets, motor and frame.
Higher-voltage upgrade flexibility
The 48-84V operating range allows the controller to support several battery-voltage classes. This is useful for staged Light Bee builds, but each voltage change requires a system review. A higher-voltage battery may also affect the motor's maximum electrical speed, DC-DC converter, display, charger, contactor and insulation requirements.
Bluetooth tuning and system communication
The controller supports Bluetooth app configuration together with CAN and RS485 communication. Depending on the final harness and software configuration, these interfaces can support speed-limit adjustment, parameter setup and vehicle-level communication.
Do not assume that every stock Light Bee display or communication function will work without interface mapping. Confirm the exact model year, regional version and harness before ordering.
Regenerative braking control
Regenerative braking can return energy to the battery and add adjustable deceleration. The battery and BMS must be able to accept charge current at the current state of charge and temperature. Regen should be reduced or disabled when the pack is full or when the final battery specification does not support the requested level.
Light Bee upgrade compatibility checklist
Vehicle identification
- Exact Sur-Ron Light Bee model
- Model year and country version
- Current controller, motor and display part numbers
- Existing modifications
Battery system
- Nominal voltage and measured full-charge voltage
- Cell configuration and chemistry
- BMS continuous, peak and regenerative-charge current limits
- Main fuse, contactor and pre-charge arrangement
- Discharge connector and cable size
Motor and sensors
- Motor model and rated voltage
- Temperature-sensor type
- Hall-sensor sequence and connector pinout
- Target motor speed and gearing
- Thermal monitoring and cooling plan
Mechanical installation
- Available controller envelope and mounting-hole locations
- Protection from impact, water and debris
- Airflow and heat-rejection path
- Cable bend radius and connector clearance
The E100 Pro reference drawing shows an approximate maximum envelope of 278 x 128.5 x 43mm. Confirm the latest production drawing before drilling, fabricating brackets or ordering a harness.
Is an E100 Pro upgrade right for every Light Bee rider?
No. It is best suited to experienced builders, professional workshops and riders creating a matched high-performance system.
The E100 Pro may be appropriate when you are:
- Building a 72V or 84V Light Bee power system.
- Pairing the controller with a verified high-current battery and compatible motor.
- Seeking adjustable FOC control, field weakening and regenerative braking.
- Prepared to upgrade wiring, connectors, protection and drivetrain components.
- Able to configure and test the vehicle in controlled steps.
A stock-style replacement controller may be more appropriate when you want minimal installation changes, factory-level output or a simple repair instead of a complete performance conversion.
Recommended commissioning sequence
- Verify every high-voltage and signal connection against the supplied pinout.
- Confirm battery polarity, pre-charge operation and fuse protection.
- Load a conservative base configuration for the verified battery and motor.
- Test Hall sequence, throttle direction, brake input and motor temperature sensing with the wheel unloaded.
- Perform low-current riding tests in a controlled area.
- Review battery, connector, cable, motor and controller temperatures.
- Increase current and field-weakening settings only in measured steps.
- Recheck fasteners, connectors, chain or belt tension and fault logs after each test stage.
High-power controller installation should be performed by a qualified technician. Incorrect wiring or calibration can damage components or create fire, shock and loss-of-control hazards.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TRB Apex E100 Pro plug-and-play for the Sur-Ron Light Bee?
No universal plug-and-play claim is made. Fitment depends on model year, battery, motor, connectors, sensors, harness, mounting and calibration. TRB should review the complete build before supplying the final configuration.
Can I use the E100 Pro with a 60V Light Bee battery?
The controller's voltage range includes 60V-class systems, but safe current and power limits depend on the exact battery, BMS, motor and wiring. A stock battery should not be assumed to support the controller's maximum performance.
Do I need a 72V battery for a Light Bee controller upgrade?
Not for every controller upgrade. A 72V battery is relevant when the motor, controller, BMS, charger, DC-DC system and wiring are designed for that voltage. Voltage should be chosen as part of the complete powertrain, not as a standalone change.
Does 800A peak phase current mean 800A battery current?
No. Phase current is delivered to the motor windings and can be higher than battery current, especially at low motor speed. The E100 Pro's documented maximum battery input current is 250A.
Will the E100 Pro make a Light Bee produce 35kW continuously?
No. The page distinguishes 18kW rated output from a 35kW peak system configuration. Actual peak power and duration depend on the battery, motor, temperature, calibration and complete vehicle.
What information does TRB need before recommending a configuration?
Send the Light Bee model and year, current motor and controller, battery voltage and current limits, connector and harness photos, mounting measurements, target performance and delivery country.
Build the system, not just the headline number
A successful Sur-Ron Light Bee controller upgrade is a system-engineering project. The E100 Pro provides a wide voltage range, high phase-current capability, advanced FOC control and flexible communication, but those capabilities must be matched to the battery, motor and vehicle.
Before ordering, send TRB POWER the complete build information for an electrical, mechanical and harness review. This produces a safer, more predictable upgrade than choosing settings from a peak-power number alone.
Planning a Light Bee upgrade? Contact TRB POWER with your vehicle, battery, motor and target-performance details for an E100 Pro fitment review.
Sources and disclosure
- Sur-Ron official Light Bee X battery and controller parts listing
- Sur-Ron official Light Bee battery charger listing
- Sur-Ron official SP180-B1 power-system listing
- TRB Apex E100 Pro technical documentation, reviewed August 24, 2026
Sur-Ron and Light Bee are trademarks of their respective owners. TRB POWER is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sur-Ron. Third-party specifications can vary by model year and region; verify the actual vehicle before modification.
