Motorbike maker Braaap wants to crowdfund electric expansion

Australian motorcycle company Braaap has launched a crowdfunded capital raise designed to help the company expand in the United States.

The onomatopoeically named Braaap is hoping to use the crowdfunded capital raise to lead the mass adoption of electric motorcycles – which, ironically, do not tend to make that sound.

If successful, capital raised will be used to help the company expand in the United States as well as launch its new range of electric motorcycles.

Braaap is also hoping an influx of capital will help them launch a motorcycle ownership subscription mode.

Braaap is conducting the capital raise through Australian crowd-sourced funding platform Swarmer. As of writing on Monday afternoon, Braaap has secured 70 investments but only raised a bit over $100,000 with 11 days left of the capital round.

According to the Swarmer page, Braaap is hoping to raise anywhere between $400,000 and $2 million.

“It is a really exciting time for Braaap with the production of EV Motorcycles and being able to deliver a lower priced petrol alternative to the market, especially at a time where the cost of living pressures, especially petrol is at an all-time high,” says Brad Smith.

“Motorcycling is a passion, We love riding, but it’s also the most cost effective way to commute. Nothing better than riding past the petrol station.

“Braaap is bringing to the market a cost effective and electric vehicle, environmentally friendly motorcycle option. This is the game changer. Our offer of a lifetime warranty is also a very attractive proposition.”

Founded in 2005, a lacklustre capital raise will not be the end of the world for Braaap, but it will still be a hit to their pride if things don’t pick up. Braaap sells a range of traditional fuelled motorcycles, as well as the Braaap MotoE electric motorcycle.