Those pre-electronic electric vehicles were really undesirable, which is why modern power electronics (and, of course, better batteries) enabled the return of electric vehicles (which were successful until about 1912, but then lost out to engines).Since many electric cars managed to be built before the computer age my interest in electric power for this project pretty much hinges on being able to forego anything with a chip.
Fortunately, you don't need to understand how the electronic bits work internally, if you buy a controller which is designed to work with your chosen motor.