Kiwi Rider July 2022 Vol.2 | Page 88

ROAD NEWS

FTN MOTION SCOOPS AWARD

Fledgling Kiwi e-motorcycle maker FTN Motion may be a small player in the industry for now , but the Wellington-based business is making big waves regardless . The latest feather in the cap of FTN Motion comes via academia with the firm taking home the prestigious Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka New Thinking Award at this year ’ s Wellington Gold Awards . Founded by engineers Luke Sinclair and Kendall Bristow during the first Covid-19 lockdown , FTN Motion ’ s mission is to make the world ’ s most beautiful moped-class electric motorcycles while reducing congestion , commute times , and pressure on the planet . FTN Motion has seen huge demand for the Streetdog since releasing its prototype in early 2021 , with the waiting list growing ever since . The first 100 bikes will be hitting the streets from October , and the business has attracted more than $ 1.6 million in two over-subscribed capital raises since its inception . Luke Sinclair says the win was a complete surprise . They had only found out about it shortly before the awards , while the announcement was only revealed to the public during last night ’ s event . “ We are stoked to receive this award , which was completely unexpected . We still feel we are at the beginning of our journey , and our entire 50km / h , a removable battery , and huge storage capacity . The parts of the bike that would traditionally be made of fibreglass are being constructed of a highly resilient and unique new hemp material , bound with resin , which is strong , safe , and more sustainable . The bikes are all individually made at FTN Motion ’ s workshop in Haining Street , Wellington , with as many components sourced locally as possible . Handcrafted with detailed aesthetics , function , and performance , the Streetdog , which can be ridden on a standard car licence and does not require previous motorcycle experience to ride , is unlike any other vehicle in its class . FTN Motion ’ s third co-founder , Saskia Thornton , who is currently based in Europe as the brand looks to grow overseas , recently represented the business at the finalising of the NZ Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Brussels .

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