These Electric Motorcycles Really Take the Cake
A Swedish-Based Company Makes Awesome E-Motorcycles for Work and Play
Image Caption: Image Courtesy of Cake
While Tesla, Ford, and GM garner plenty of attention for their efforts in the electric vehicle space, there are plenty of lesser-known companies who are designing EVs as well. Take Swedish-based Cake, for example. The start-up has been around since 2016 and offers electric motorcycles built for use both on- and off-road. Better still, these EVs are both fun and affordable.
Founded by serial entrepreneur Stefan Ytterborn, Cake’s mission is to nudge the planet towards more eco-friendly forms of transportation. But Ytterborn—who has a long history of design and development—believes that more people will adopt emission-free vehicles if they look cool and are fun to drive. That philosophy pervades his approach to Cake’s electric motorcycles, which feature a minimalist design, zippy performance, and price tags that aren’t much more expensive than a high-end e-bike.
Image Courtesy of Cake
An Electric Dirtbike
The Cake team has approached the design of its motorcycles in a utilitarian fashion. As with other EV manufacturers, the company has built a versatile platform that can accommodate a variety of models. This has allowed the brand to make off-road dirt bikes, urban commuters, and cargo haulers using similar parts. Those motorcycles have a unique look unlike anything else currently on the market.
Cake’s first motorbike was the Kalk, which was first unveiled in 2018. Inspired by classic dirt bikes from the past and Ytterborn’s love for adrenaline sports, the Kalk feels right at home on trails. It features a top speed of around 56 mph and has a battery that provides up to three hours of use before needing a recharge. It is equipped with a shock-absorbing suspension and weighs just 168 pounds—including the battery—which is substantially lighter than a gas-powered model.
When it debuted, the Kalk was lauded as much for its speed and agility as its good looks. Its clean lines and compact design earned numerous industrial design awards, reinforcing the idea that the motorcycle looks equally at home in a museum or on the trail. The bike’s electric motor offers plenty of power and torque while remaining almost completely silent. That makes for a sublime experience when riding in a remote setting, where a noise internal combustion engine isn’t always a welcome sound.
Over the past few years, Cake has introduced several variations of the Kalk that appeal to a variety of riders. Some of those models—like the Kalk Work—are purpose-built for use on job sites or in specific environments. Others feature different components designed to maximize performance or appeal to customers seeking an affordable price point. Although some versions have upgraded suspensions and unique color schemes, each of the different options share the same basic Kalk look and performance.
Image Courtesy of Cake
An Urban Workhorse
In 2019, Cake introduced a second electric motorcycle platform called the Ösa. This bike is meant for use in urban settings, although it does have some off-road capabilities. It also takes a more practical approach to its design, which is approachable for beginners while still appealing to experienced riders too. The street-legal model offers a top speed of around 56 mph and a range of 52 miles on a single charge.
The goal with the Ösa was to create a small—yet powerful—commuter model with unprecedented versatility. To that end, Cake gave the motorcycle a unibeam design that allows for dozens of accessories—such as baskets, lights, and saddlebags—to clamp directly onto the frame. Its battery pack even comes with a built-in power outlet that can be used to charge external devices such as laptops or power tools. This gives Ösa owners the ability to customize their bikes as they see fit and use them in some truly creative ways.
As with the Kalk, the Ösa comes in several different models, with configurations that tweak performance and shift the price. For instance, the Ösa Flex is more affordable than the standard model but drops its top speed to 30 mph while extending the range to 57 miles. Meanwhile, the Ösa Work has a higher price tag but extends its range to 78 miles and provides suitable torque for towing a small trailer.
Image Courtesy of Cake
An Affordable Electric Moped
The newest addition to the Cake catalog is the Makka, which is more of an electric scooter or moped than a motorcycle. It can hit speeds of up 30 mph and has a range of around 33 miles per charge. It also has a price tag that is less than half that of its siblings, which should make it a popular option for urban dwellers. The bike weighs just 154 pounds and has a step-through design that makes it an approachable choice, even for someone who has never ridden a motorcycle before.
The Kalk, Ösa, and Makka offer a lot of potential for RVers. The three models are fun to ride, and due to their lack of gears or a clutch, they have a short learning curve too. On top of that, the bikes are nearly silent and produce zero emissions, which your fellow campers will undoubtedly appreciate. And because they are compact and lightweight, you don’t need a toy hauler to take them with you on your travels. Just throw them inside your rig and hit the road.
Faster and more powerful than an e-bike, these electric motorcycles are perfect for running errands, exploring a new location, or riding trails. They each feature head-turning designs and custom-made components that make them unlike anything else on the road. They also happen to be good for the planet and a joy to ride, which is always a big plus.
To find out more about Cake and its line of electric motorcycles, visit the company’s website.
