The world needs saving and CAKE Electric Motorcycles is up to the challenge.
Teaming up with the Southern African Wildlife College and Goal Zero, CAKE is delivering a specially-designed electric motorcycle to protect endangered species from poaching.
“Poaching has devastating consequences for all wildlife, all over the world. In some instances, it is the primary reason why many species face the risk of extinction,” says the CAKE website. CAKE’s Kalk AP (anti-poaching) electric bike model was developed between wildlife rangers and the CAKE product team to combat poachers and protect wildlife in one of South Africa’s largest game preserves.
Areas with widespread poaching are often vast, remote, and lacking roads, making patrolling by car virtually impossible. Using motorbikes has become an essential part of anti-poaching efforts in Africa. But even motorcycles, the most capable off-road machines in the world, have their drawbacks. Traditional motorcycles are noisy, alerting poachers to their presence from miles away. Plus, fueling is a challenge and petroleum must be brought in by truck or helicopter to the furthest reaches of the backcountry to keep the bikes running.
Until now, that is.
CAKE’s electric off-road motorcycles are virtually silent, giving rangers the upper hand in catching poachers by quietly being able to approach them. Furthermore, the specially tuned bush bikes will be charged by the sun using a solar panel and power station kit from Goal Zero, freeing them from petroleum dependence and the electric power grid.
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“It is somewhat unreal how the sun and solar power, together with the technology of these silent off-road motorbikes can serve as something of a perpetual machine that works toward the general obligation of sustainability and, in this specific instance, to serve the purpose of saving species from extinction,” remarked CAKE’s founder and CEO, Stefan Ytterborn.
The CAKE Kalk AP bikes are specially designed to meet the challenges of the remote African landscape. With identical 18 inch rims fitted with 3.5 inch tires and a low maintenance suspension with upside down MX spring forks and a progressive rear shock, the Kalk AP is ready to tackle rugged terrain. The drivetrain software is modified for extreme torque and moderate top speeds (just shy of 60 miles per hour), to prevent overheating when rangers rip it to catch the poachers. With every bike shipped to SAWC, there will be a solar panel and power station kit which will enable these bikes to operate in the African bush.
The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) is adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. It is the perfect proving ground for the electric bikes. “We are very proud to be partnering with CAKE and Goal Zero to test these electric off-road bikes given the impact that this could have on countering poaching across Africa,” Theresa Sowry, SAWC’s CEO, said.
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To support the effort, a limited edition of 50 bikes will be offered to the general public as part of a “charity combo.” The combo purchase is a bundle of two CAKE Kalk APs and a solar power station with panels from Goal Zero. The buyer gets one bike, the other twin bike, together with the solar power station and solar panels is handed over to the Southern African Wildlife College.
The CAKE charity combo isn’t cheap at $25,000, but if you’re interested in saving rhinos and making the world a better place while riding motorcycles, this is a darn good way to do it.
Photo Credit: Cake Motorcycles
Motorcycle Industry News by Eva Rupert. Follow Eva @augusteva.
