Modified Chopper bike grabs the attention of locals in Waterford City

Paul Davis grabbed attention in Waterford last week, as he spun around the city on a nostalgic classic which he has put his own modern twist on.

Dublin native Paul is a regular visitor to Waterford, and during his recent appearance, he brought along his Raleigh Chopper bike, which he has kitted out with an electric motor.

The Chopper will be fondly remembered by those who grew up in the 70s and 80s, as the bike became somewhat of a cultural icon at the time, and was credited with single-handedly rescuing Raleigh from the brink of a steep decline due to its massive sales and popularity.

Its high-rise handlebars, high back seat and differently sized wheels have made it a recognizable symbol of childhood for many.

The bike does remain popular, selling out in minutes upon its long-awaited return to the market in June 2023.

Paul, however, says that he prefers to do things his own way, and recently bought a 70s-era bike with the intention of making it uniquely his. 

“I don’t follow the flow so to speak, I veer off and make my own way. It’s basically the same old-style Chopper, but I’m blending new and old, marrying a classic bike with new technology. 

"I saw two Choppers for sale, so I bought one to do electric and one to keep original. I just happened to come across a few parts and bits and pieces, and so I mixed them together to make the bike my own."

Paul added that working with his hands is a form of therapy for him, and he has a quirk for creating unusual combinations: “I don’t plan anything, it’s all spontaneous what I do. I have a knack of being able to work out problems and there is always a logic behind everything I do.

 “I built my own guitar, a kayak with an engine in it, all sorts of little gadgets. I’ve been nicknamed MacGyver, Doc Brown and the Inventor, and I always have loads of ideas.

“It’s a therapy for me. I suffer from Parkinson’s, so I like doing stuff with my hands and staying active. I always embrace a challenge."

Paul said the bike has caught considerable attention, and one person even offered to buy it from him.

“I don’t think I’ll sell it,” he said, “and I don’t even know how I could value it because it’s one of a kind.”