The Electric Motorcycle Simon Cowell Broke His Back On

CAB Motorworks Recon boasts a top speed of 60 mph.

Cowell was riding a CAB Motorworks Recon when he crashed on Saturday.CAB Motorworks

The electric motorbike Simon Cowell reportedly was riding when he broke his back Saturday at his Southern California home was apparently too powerful for the TV host and pop music magnate to handle. 

On Monday, numerous media outlets reported that Cowell was astride a CAB Motorworks Recon, a throttle- and pedal-equipped electric motorcycle with a top speed of 60 mph, when he lost control and crashed in the courtyard of his Malibu home. CAB says the electric moto goes from 0 to 50 mph in less than five seconds. Early media reports erroneously stated that Cowell had been riding an ebike when he crashed.

Cowell underwent six hours of surgery on Saturday, during which he received a metal rod in his back. “Some good advice … If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time,” the “America’s Got Talent” host and “American Idol” alumnus tweeted on Sunday. “I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.”

CAB Motorworks says the Recon goes from 0 to 50 mph in less than five seconds.CAB Motorworks

Based in Huntington Beach, California, CAB Motorworks specializes in “high-performance electric conversion kits and custom light electric vehicles,” the company states on its website. “These primarily consist of electric hub and mid-drive motors, high-output lithium batteries, high-end controllers, and unique vehicle platforms.” The Recon is the most expensive of the three complete electric models currently listed on the company’s website, priced at $8,499.

The motorbike is equipped with a 20kW motor delivering 320 foot-pounds of torque; 8 inches of front and 10 inches of rear suspension; and DOT-rated 19-inch motorcycle wheels and tires. Five-star customer reviews on the company’s website tout the Recon’s “overwhelmingly explosive power” and “incredible” power delivery.