Wellington, 12 November 2022 -
Wellington e-motorcycle startup FTN Motion has been showcased by Buy NZ Made in a new video lauding the company’s commitment to creating its bikes locally, and supporting other local suppliers too.
With parts made by businesses in the Hutt Valley, Miramar and Hamilton, machining and laser cutting done onshore, and painting carried out just down the road from their premises, FTN Motion’s approach is resulting in a quality, New Zealand-made bike and a direct boost for the local business economy.
The company has just moved into a new production workshop space and showroom in the city and is currently working on the second release of their special edition, 100 percent electric Streetdog - a moped-class, cafe-racer style electric motorcycle with a massive 100km range of real life mixed-city commuting, 50km top speed, room for a pillion and 30L of lockable storage - that can be ridden on a standard car licence.
Co-founders Kendall Bristow and Luke Sinclair say their mission is to make the world’s most beautiful moped-class electric motorcycles, while reducing congestion, commute times and pressure on the planet, and to support local as much as possible.
“Our whole team wants to get a good product out there that’s made in New Zealand,” says Kendall. “We are incredibly proud to be doing this in Wellington, and working with local experts is important to us”.
Kendall says having suppliers so close is very handy, and allows for ease in making any changes. It also results in faster lead times and is proving more beneficial than sourcing parts overseas, particularly with the impacts of Covid-19 on shipping and logistics.
“New Zealand stuff is quality, and it’s great to support local industry,” he says. “Our desire is to keep the design and production of our electric vehicles as close to home as possible”.
Buy NZ Made Executive Director Dane Ambler says seeing a Kiwi business making electric bikes in New Zealand, 30-years on from the manufacture of the revolutionary Britten V100 in Christchurch is a significant achievement.
“FTN Motion manufactures almost all of its components locally, supporting businesses across New Zealand and taking more control of its supply chains amid global disruption,” he says. “We have visited FTN’s facility and were inspired by the innovation and sustainable vision. The Streetdog is a ground-breaking electric moped that is smooth to ride, silent and eye-catching. I hope FTN will inspire other Kiwi entrepreneurs in the automotive industry to think outside the box and realise there is no limit to what can be achieved here in Aotearoa”.
FTN Motion is currently running a waitlist for the upcoming second production release of the Streetdog, with those interested invited to sign up.
For more information visit www.ftnmotion.com
About FTN Motion.
Luke Sinclair and Kendall Bristow completed the first prototype of their electric moped during the COVID-19 lockdown, proving that something good can come out of difficult times. Together with their Amsterdam-based co-founder Saskia Thornton, they formed FTN Motion, and are seeking to change the way New Zealand, and the world, commutes by creating sleek, timeless electric vehicles rooted in the carefree Kiwi lifestyle.
Different by design, their moped-class e-bike has a unique, classic motorbike feel paired with purposefully minimalist technology and layout, for a stress-free, uncomplicated riding experience that will be loved by commuters and adventurers alike. Powered by an electric 3KW hub motor, it has a 100km range, and a top speed of 50km per hour. The battery is easily removable and can charge from any wall socket, and has more storage space (30L) than almost any other similar vehicle.
To find out more: www.ftnmotion.com
ENDS
For More Information Contact
Jacinda Thorn, Public Relations | 0273970616 | jacinda@thornpr.co.nz
Sadie Beckman, Public Relations |0210731313 | sadie@thornpr.co.nz