Swedish electric motorcycle company CAKE has been bringing interesting electric motorcycles to the market for several years. The latest model, the Kalk AP (Anti-Poaching), is a special edition developed to help rangers protect wildlife in the African bush. The motorcycles are also supplied with Goal Zero solar kits to keep the battery topped up in the wild.
CAKE motorcycles are based on a very similar design, which is dominated by a massive battery, and the new CAKE Kalk AP is not an exception. This new bike was designed in collaboration with the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) and Goal Zero in order to offer rangers a vehicle that perfectly meets the needs of the place.
Each of the CAKE Kalk Aps weighs 80 kg with a 2.6 kWh removable battery built-in. It features an 11-kW motor, which allows the bike to reach a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). The range is not mentioned, but according to the information published on the official website, it allows per-charge riding for up to three hours, depending on how it’s used.
The bike moves with ease on dirt tracks thanks to identical 18-inch rims with 3.5 inch Continental TKC80 off-road tires. It offers three riding modes and three braking modes, and the motor has been sealed to prevent water or dust from interfering with the mission. Finally, the bike was equipped with a special version of the CAKE management software to optimize its use in environments with very high temperatures.
With every motorcycle, a solar panel and power station kit from Goal Zero will enable these bikes to operate in the African bush independent from the electric power grid on an ongoing, self-sufficient mission to protect wildlife.
Thanks to the use of electric motors, the rangers can move more quietly and discreetly than when they use petrol motorcycles, and the presence of solar panels allows you to recharge the motorbike without the need to request fuel to be sent by helicopter. In addition, the fact that they are motorcycles much quieter than those commonly used with combustion engines helps illegal hunters not hear them approaching and flee the place.
By utilizing CAKEs electric off-road motorcycles, the goal is to increase efficiency in catching poachers by quietly sneaking upon them. Later this year, the CAKE Kalk AP will enter field operations when the SAWC begins formally testing the motorcycles with the associated Goal Zero solar kits as part of its educational curriculum and training.
Initially, a limited edition of 50 bikes will be offered. In addition to supplying these bikes to local authorities, CAKE has created a ‘buy one, give one’ charity initiative. It means that by spending $25,000, 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 as a gift. The first deliveries are expected in September 2021.
