Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, announced the ban which aims “to promote the use of cleaner, more efficient energy and reduce gas emissions“.
Rwanda has announced plans to discontinue the registration of petrol-powered motorbike taxis starting next year, as part of its efforts to transition to electric vehicles (EVs). According to Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore, the initiative aims to promote cleaner energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This policy will apply specifically to motorbike taxis operating in Kigali, where they are a primary mode of public transportation. Rwanda has introduced various incentives to encourage electrification, such as reduced electricity costs for charging, and tax exemptions for battery manufacturers.
Government estimates indicate that the country has approximately 110,000 motorbikes, of which 70,000 are used as taxis, including 30,000 in Kigali.
Eve Kayiranga, manager of SAFI Universal Link, a Rwandan company specialising in electric bikes, described the move as a “significant step forward for a greener city.” She highlighted its role in reducing emissions and supporting the development of e-mobility infrastructure.
Drivers have also expressed support for the shift to electric motorbikes. Alfonse Mbarabuceye, 32, reported a 50% increase in his daily income since transitioning from a petrol-powered bike in 2022. “It has significantly reduced the cost of maintaining the bike, as all I have to do now is change its battery once or twice a day,” he noted.
According to the UN Environment Programme, transportation is the fastest-growing source of global greenhouse gas emissions and is projected to contribute over 30% of future emissions. It is also a major source of short-lived climate pollutants.
Rwanda has set ambitious goals for its electrification strategy, aiming to have 20% of buses, 30% of motorcycles, and 8% of cars powered by electricity by 2030. These efforts are part of the country’s broader objective to achieve carbon neutrality.
RideApart considers solid-state battery technology may be essential for electric motorcycles to really take off
Electric motorcycles have a plethora of environmental benefits, including contributing to a healthier planet for future generations, and practical advantages, such as enjoying the wind while riding, and much more. Despite these real and tangible benefits, one major obstacle to the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles has been range.
While range concerns are a common criticism of electric vehicles (EVs) in general, the issue is even more pronounced for electric motorcycles. Unlike electric cars, trucks, or SUVs, electric motorcycles can’t accommodate large batteries. These bikes are designed to be compact, and when manufacturers try to fit a large battery into a motorcycle, the result is a heavy bike with limited range. Even the most advanced models, like the Zero DSR/X, can’t offer more than 120 miles per charge in real-world conditions.
Currently, electric motorcycles are most practical for short commutes or as dirt bikes, like the Stark Varg and upcoming Dust.Moto. However, both city motorcycles and off-road models face challenges. City bikes often encounter inadequate charging infrastructure or chargers that are incompatible with their systems, and early adopters may find their EV motorcycles banned from parking garages due to fire safety concerns.
Some argue that electric motorcycles won’t be viable for most riders until solid-state batteries are developed and widely adopted. Solid-state batteries, already used in personal electronics, offer incredible energy density in a small package, making them highly sought after by electric vehicle manufacturers. If companies can produce smaller, lighter battery packs with similar or better mileage per charge, it could revolutionize EV design, engineering, and manufacturing costs.
For motorcycle manufacturers, solid-state batteries would enable the creation of electric motorcycles with a range comparable to their internal combustion counterparts. Though some argue that the average commute is under 40 miles and range isn’t an issue, motorcycles are often used for long rides and adventures. The anxiety of running out of battery on the open road isn’t conducive to fun riding.
The potential of solid-state batteries lies in enabling longer rides. Samsung recently showcased a 600-mile solid-state battery for cars, hopefully, this technology will eventually trickle down to motorcycles, offering a true 200-mile battery with faster charging times, all without adding extra weight. This would enhance every aspect of the electric motorcycle experience.
In a groundbreaking collaboration with First Ambulance, Malaysia’s Prince Court Medical Centre has rolled out an electric motorcycle ambulance to enhance emergency response times.
This motorcycle is specifically engineered to offer immediate medical care in congested urban settings while waiting for a traditional ambulance to arrive and transport patients to the centre’s Accident & Emergency Department.
Equipped with vital medical supplies, the motorcycle enables paramedics to perform crucial interventions during critical situations.
Additionally, Prince Court has announced the launch of complimentary ambulance services for those within a 10-kilometre radius of its Kuala Lumpur facility.
The government of the Netherlands has launched a new subsidy program aimed at encouraging low-income individuals to switch from gas-powered mopeds and scooters to electric versions. This initiative is expected to benefit companies in the two-wheeler industry, as the allocated funds are estimated to help sell around 3,500 electric models.
An initial €10 million had already been set aside for local governments under the Specific Grant Clean Air Agreement (SpUk SLA), designed to support the implementation of clean air initiatives. An additional €7 million is available for the remainder of this year and 2025. This funding aims to help financially strapped individuals replace their polluting vehicles with electric ones. Municipalities will design their own trade-in schemes and offer them to low-income residents, with the condition that old mopeds or scooters are scrapped at certified facilities. In return, participants receive up to €1,200 in credit toward a new or second-hand electric scooter, with the government covering two-thirds of the cost and the municipality covering the rest. Municipalities set their own income criteria, and so far, about fifteen municipalities interested in the program have expressed interest, with more able to register until the end of September. The funds will then be distributed based on population size and other factors.
Addressing Mobility Poverty
“Through the trade-in scheme, approximately 3,500 electric mopeds and scooters will enter the market, which is great for the sector,” said Martijn van Eikenhorst, the section manager for scooters at RAI Vereniging, who was involved in the program’s development. He noted that mobility poverty is emerging, as more zero-emission zones are created and not everyone can afford to adapt. The initiative ensures that those with limited financial means can also transition to sustainable mobility. “In the Netherlands, we offer various mobility options, and we must preserve this freedom of choice,” he added.
Creating a Blueprint
Van Eikenhorst emphasized the importance of having a structured approach for municipalities implementing the scheme. “We are working on models to make it easier to deliver e-scooters to people without upfront payments and to manage the recycling of old vehicles efficiently. Every municipality shouldn’t have to start from scratch and face similar challenges.” The city of Arnhem, for example, has shown interest in the program, building on its prior experience with local trade-in schemes that offer additional support to low-income residents.
Local Business Impact
XXL Scooters in Arnhem, a company benefiting from the local exchange program, reports that the early problems with implementation are fading. Entrepreneur René Tolhuisen said the voucher system allows low-income residents to obtain electric vehicles without needing upfront payments. “We receive daily requests for trade-ins, and every day we collect mopeds for demolition,” he noted. Tolhuisen’s team offers electric scooters starting at €999, meaning those with local subsidies like the Gelrepas don’t need to pay anything out of pocket.
Tolhuisen played a key role in raising awareness of the scheme among local businesses, calling on fellow entrepreneurs to participate. This resulted in more drop-off points and increased sales of electric scooters. He expects the national program to complement Arnhem’s local subsidy in the near future.
Opportunities for Other Businesses
Armando Muis of La Souris, a business with locations in various cities, views the new subsidy program as an opportunity to boost both sustainability and sales. He plans to take a more proactive approach to the upcoming scheme, especially given its potential for creating confusion across different municipalities. Muis is particularly interested in ensuring transparency regarding which areas participate in the program and how full the subsidy pot remains.
He has instructed his marketing team to track participating municipalities and tailor online campaigns accordingly. “About 80 percent of our customers come to us through online promotions,” Muis said, noting that their most affordable electric scooter is priced at €999, making it possible to offer it for free through the subsidy.
Challenges for Municipalities
While there is enthusiasm for the new program, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has stated that it is unlikely a central platform will be created to track participating municipalities. Each municipality is responsible for announcing its own involvement. Currently, applications are being processed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, but no decisions have been finalized. BOVAG has been actively communicating about the subsidy’s potential benefits for entrepreneurs, and it hopes that municipalities will take the lead in informing local businesses about their participation. “If you set up a subsidy like this, you want it to be used effectively,” said BOVAG spokesperson Stijn Oosterhoff. “It shouldn’t turn into a confusing patchwork.”
Comments Off on Green light for scooter scheme: important for affordable mobility in urban areas
The Royal RAI Association welcomes the announced pilot for a subsidy program for electric mopeds and scooters. This new scheme offers low-income people a helping hand in the transition to zero emissions and ensures that they retain access to mobility. “This scheme is therefore essential for moped and light moped riders with a small wallet, especially where environmental zones are emerging,” says Martijn van Eikenhorst – Scooters section manager at the association and also chairman of Scooter Recycling Netherlands.
An amount of 3.5 million euros has been made available for the electrification of mopeds and mopeds for 2024 and the same amount for 2025. Municipalities can apply for money from this scheme to grant subsidies to minimum wage earners, with each municipality applying its own policy. Residents can then receive a subsidy for the purchase of an electric moped or moped. With this budget, it is estimated that more than 3,500 petrol scooters can be replaced with emission-free ones. The pilot scheme will open this summer, and the government will also start a promotional campaign for electric mopeds and scooters.
Combating mobility poverty and offering freedom of choice
This new subsidy scheme encourages municipalities to accelerate the electrification of scooters and mopeds. Municipalities often combine a scrappage scheme with subsidy offers for older scooters and mopeds, for example from before 2018, with the establishment of environmental zones. RAI Association attaches great importance to affordability and freedom of choice, especially for road users with limited financial capacity. They have often been riding their beloved moped or moped for years. Through this scheme they should be given the opportunity to purchase a new, comparable, but now electric vehicle. “Keep in mind that people want to choose a vehicle that suits them,” Van Eikenhorst emphasizes. “The moped and moped are then ideal for medium-long distances, commuting or a safe feeling in traffic late in the evening.”
It’s the consumer and the government’s turn
The manufacturers and importers of scooters and mopeds have taken the lead in electrification. The climate agreement expresses the ambition to only sell electric mopeds by 2025. Since then, and even before the government came up with concrete policy, electric mopeds and mopeds have taken off. By offering electric mobility early, the sector has already made significant progress. Of the mopeds registered in 2024, 50% are electric and the counter for electric mopeds reaches 32%. “The industry has taken its steps. It is now up to the consumer to choose electric. The government can now help with this with its policy.”
Role of industry in the sustainable future
RAI Association has actively contributed to setting up this pilot and welcomes its introduction by the cabinet. The association looks forward to further collaboration to accelerate the transition to emission-free mobility to realize a sustainable future, in which mobility not only remains accessible and affordable, but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier living environment. “RAI Association and Scooter Recycling Netherlands are discussion partners in various municipalities and cities regarding demolition schemes, environmental and zero-emission zones.” In response to the new subsidy scheme, Martijn van Eikenhorst, on behalf of the RAI Association, invites municipalities to get in touch about their sustainable ambitions.
Comments Off on CAKE Continues Asian Expansion with New :site in Bangkok, Thailand
CAKE, the Swedish electric motorcycle manufacturer, has officially launched in Thailand through its strategic official distribution partner, Stallions Motor (STL Group Holdings Company Limited), leveraging a vast network of manufacturing and distribution expertise within Thailand.
This significant expansion aligns with CAKE’s mission to inspire and accelerate the transition to a zero-emission society, combining excitement with responsibility. Marking this milestone, CAKE Thailand has inaugurated its first-ever CAKE :site in Thailand, joining the rapid expansion in Asia with storefronts in Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan.
The first Thailand CAKE :site, located in the Bang Rak district at the heart of the city’s Creative District, is situated in a hundred-year-old building. This area is recognized by both international and local arts designers and events such as Bangkok Design Week, offering an immersive experience for electric motorcycle enthusiasts. Visitors and Customers can visit in-person for test rides, experiencing firsthand the innovative blend of sustainability and performance that CAKE motorcycles offer.
Stefan Ytterborn, Founder and CEO of CAKE, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch: “I am currently visiting the new CAKE :site Bangkok and I am very impressed by the work and preparations here. Our entry into Thailand with Stallions is a landmark for our continued expansion in Asia. Stallions is an amazing partner to represent the CAKE brand, fully aligned with our mission. Can’t wait to see the progress here.”
CAKE’s range of electric motorcycles is designed to be lightweight, quiet, and clean, making them ideal for the urban landscape of Bangkok. The collaboration with STL Group Holdings, a leader in Thailand’s motorcycle industry, ensures that CAKE’s innovative products are backed by local expertise and support.
“The reason that CAKE Thailand’s launch in Bang Rak, Bangkok is more than just the introduction of new products; it’s about embracing and contributing to the area’s cultural and creative renaissance. It’s a venture that promises to electrify the streets of Bangkok with sustainable, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to an eco-friendlier future,” said Thirachet Lapjaturapit, CEO of STL Group.
The CAKE Bangkok Pop Up is located at 1119 Charoen Krung Road, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand.
For more information on CAKE Thailand, its products, and its :sites, please visit ridecakethailand.com.
TRL has been awarded a contract with the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee and execute the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP).
The consumer awareness initiative was established in 2007 to support the reduction of severe and fatal head injuries typically sustained by motorcyclists involved in road collisions. Despite only constituting 1% of road traffic in Great Britain, motorcyclists account for an alarmingly high 20% of road fatalities. Of these fatalities, around 80% were attributed to head injuries. While all helmets are required to meet minimum safety standards by law, SHARP surpasses these standards, providing an independent evaluation of helmet impact performance. Helmets are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5-star helmets offering the highest level of protection. Additionally, SHARP provides guidance on choosing a properly fitting helmet. This information aids riders in making informed decisions within their budget at the point of purchase.
SHARP, aiming to assess approximately 30 helmets annually, draws on research findings from international studies on road traffic incidents involving motorcyclists. These studies replicate real-world accidents in laboratory conditions, allowing for the identification of impact locations, frequencies, and severities on helmets. By subjecting helmets to more demanding impacts than required by regulations, SHARP identifies helmets that offer superior performance in real-world collisions.
Dr. Phil Martin, Head of Transport Safety at TRL, emphasised the significance of TRL’s involvement in the SHARP program, stating, “Our appointment on the SHARP program feels like a return to our roots. From developing the original SHARP protocols, to advising the DfT on updates to the test protocols to reflect evolving helmet designs, TRL has been involved with SHARP for almost 20 years. Over time we have collected better data and provided better insights about the head injuries suffered by motorcyclists in road collisions. This data not only reveals the cause and location of injuries, but also the long term effects, derived from decades of collision research and our experience in providing expert testimony for personal injury claims.“
While helmet manufacturers prioritise safety and consumers consider it as a critical factor in decision-making, not all helmets are created equal. Dr. Phil Martin added, “SHARP solves the challenge for consumers in identifying these distinctions, as price alone does not serve as an indicator. Since its launch, helmet manufacturers and retailers have embraced the SHARP star rating system. We have confidence that they will demonstrate their continued enthusiasm for the scheme by participating in the process to update and expand it.”
As a social purpose enterprise, TRL operates the most advanced helmet impact test facility in the United Kingdom, conducting hundreds of motorbike helmet safety tests annually. They also manage the Road Accident In-Depth Studies (RAIDS) program for DfT, collecting detailed information about road traffic collisions, causes, and outcomes. This data underpins modern road vehicle safety standards and is essential for promoting road safety.
With a consistent commitment to key safety initiatives like NCAP and Euro-NCAP, which assign safety ratings for new cars, TRL plays a vital role in enhancing road safety. Their pivotal position in the SHARP program ensures its continued impact in safeguarding the lives of motorcyclists on UK roads.
Comments Off on 130,000 CAKE bikes for China, now contractually signed
The partnership between CAKE and Shanghai Forever enters the next phase with a binding contract for the Chinese market.
Aside from Forever distributing CAKEs standard range of products, a country specific model is being designed and developed at the CAKE Stockholm HQs, hitting the Chinese market by H2 2024.
CAKE, the Swedish manufacturer of premium lightweight electric motorcycles, announces a momentous progression in its partnership with Shanghai Forever. Following the mutual agreement signed earlier this spring, the partnership now evolves into a firm contract. CAKE and Forever have initiated the development towards manufacturing and distributing the 130,000 bikes, in accumulated sales by 2027.
This significantly important advancement serves as a milestone in CAKE’s ongoing strategic partnership strategy. This is particularly impactful within China—one of the most expansive and rapidly growing markets in the world.
“The transformation from a firm term sheet to a final contract signed in ink is an important milestone. It amplifies our capability to roll out high-quality, long-lasting vehicles, and to further influence the electric wave in China. With Forever, we have the capacity to inspire millions through the CAKE spectrum of purpose, innovation, performance and high quality, catering for product longevity and a greener environment”. States Stefan Ytterborn, Founder and CEO of CAKE.
The China specific contract is signed between CAKE and the Shanghai listed bike company Shanghai Forever, producing between 6-7 million motorized and non motorized units yearly. Aside from their commitment to the CAKE product line, a China specific model is being developed, to be launched during H2 2024, reaching 130K units in 3 years from launch date.
“Going from a letter of intent to an actual deal is just amazing. The Chinese market is extremely large and filled with opportunities, especially in the development of green energy transportation solutions. We believe that the technology and user/environment focused design language of CAKE bikes, we are able to truly tap into this new frontier for growth. We’re ready and we can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve got planned,” says Chen Shan, CEO of Shanghai Forever
As part of this next phase, CAKE’s current product line will be unveiled in Shanghai and across China, commencing in November 2023. Operations and logistics are already underway, with product shipments and the establishment of a CAKE marketing and product office at Forever’s headquarters in Shanghai.
CAKE continues to widen its distribution network globally, cementing partnerships in several key regions including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, South America, and Africa.
130,000 CAKE bikes can reduce an estimated 90.000 tons of CO₂e per year in China, during the use phase charged with the Chinese average grid—representing a zero emission reduction of 79% compared to today’s gasoline mopeds. The emission reduction potential hinges on the electricity source used for charging; shifting toward renewable energy will amplify the savings substantially. Although China’s electricity grid leans heavily on coal, the efficiency of electric motors notably outperforms conventional internal combustion engines, reducing emissions compared to traditional gasoline mopeds. As nations globally take actions to bolster the share of renewable energy, the emission reduction potential from electric vehicles will significantly escalate over time.
About Shanghai Forever
With a history of more than 80 years, Shanghai Forever Bicycles is the largest Mono-brand bicycle retailer in China with its manufacturing excellence, exquisite craftsmanship and durability. In its 80 years of development, Forever Bicycles has made indelible contributions to the development of China’s industrial manufacturing industry and bicycle industry. In recent years, Shanghai Forever Bicycles actively participates in the digital transformation and e-commerce reform, pioneering and innovating in sales channels and product types, helping time-honored brands to rejuvenate, and has invested in public bicycle, bike sharing, health and fitness industry, intelligent E-Scooter etc.
About CAKE
CAKE is a Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, and mopeds, with a clear mission to inspire towards a zero-emission society, by combining excitement and responsibility. The model range currently consists of five different platforms – the off-road beast Bukk, our versatile off-roader Kalk, the modular utility bike Ösa, the urban commuter Makka, and the strong and practical e-bike Åik. Thanks to an extensive range of accessories and configurations, CAKE is addressing a wide matrix of users and applications, including commercial use for last-mile delivery and other short-haul urban transportation. Along with numerous awards and recognitions for its design and innovative approach to mobility and other societal challenges, CAKE was identified as one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company in both 2020 and 2021 and received the Time Magazine 100 most important inventions award in 2021. Explore with respect. Learn more about CAKE at ridecake.com @ridecake
Comments Off on CAKE Reveals Inaugural Impact Report: A benchmark for Sustainable Commitment and Innovation
CAKE Impact’s Report sets transparency goals and acknowledges the absence of objective sustainability assessment in 2022.
CAKE is more than a producer of category leading, lightweight electric motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. CAKE is a catalyst for positive industry-wide change. The brand has shared that, with immense pride and a sense of duty, they unveil their first-ever Impact Report, marking the start of consistent and transparent reporting of the company’s impact.
Reaching out with a heartfelt message, CAKE is sharing this report as a testament to the seamless blend of commercial, philanthropic, and environmental perspectives that they uphold. It is described as an invitation to journey through their unwavering commitment towards shaping a sustainable tomorrow.
CAKE’s Impact Report provides a look into its sustainable practices, community engagements, and the core governance principles that the company staunchly adheres to. Every segment is intended to resonate with the brand’s mission to embed sustainability not just in the products they curate but deep within their organizational DNA.
Stefan Ytterborn, founder and CEO of CAKE, reflects, “This report isn’t solely about showcasing our initiatives; it’s a clarion call to the industry and beyond. It’s a testament to our dedication and a beacon for shared, collective responsibility.”
In an articles sharing the report, CAKE also wrote, “We extend a warm invitation to journalists, partners, enthusiasts, and every stakeholder to immerse themselves in this report. Let it serve as both a reflection of CAKE’s ethos and a source of inspiration for sustainable pursuits everywhere.”
CAKE is a Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, and mopeds, with a clear mission to inspire towards a zero-emission society, by combining excitement and responsibility. The model range currently consists of five different platforms – the off-road beast Bukk, our versatile off-roader Kalk, the modular utility bike Ösa, the urban commuter Makka, and the strong and practical e-bike Åik. Thanks to an extensive range of accessories and configurations, CAKE is addressing a wide matrix of users and applications, including commercial use for last-mile delivery and other short-haul urban transportation. Along with numerous awards and recognitions for its design and innovative approach to mobility and other societal challenges, CAKE was identified as one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company in both 2020 and 2021 and received the Time Magazine 100 most important inventions award in 2021.
Explore with respect.
Learn more about CAKE at ridecake.com
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