Wellington based electric motorcycle startup FTN Motion it to launch its flagship Streetdog motorcycle in Australia some time in 2024.
Launched through an early adopter programme in 2021 after engineers Luke Sinclair and Kendall Bristow completed the Streetdog prototype during the 2020 pandemic lockdown, the Streetdog is a moped-class e-motorcycle with a unique, classic cafe racer motorbike feel.
Offering up to 80 kilometres of “real-life range”, thanks to a 3kW electric motor and a 2.9kWh lithium-ion battery, the Streetdog has a 50km/h top speed, removable battery, and 30 litres of lockable storage.
Touch screen display, alarm-activated wheel lock, and regenerative braking round out some of the Streetdog’s exciting features.
With 120 Streetdogs already on the roads in New Zealand and 50 more in production – representing a 5% market share in New Zealand in only their first year of deliveries – FTN Motion is turning its eyes to expanding overseas – starting with the Tasman Sea.
FTN Motion expects to launch in Australia “by the end of 2024” and is starting an equity crowdfunding campaign to raise $NZ3 million to help scale its assembly capacity in preparation to launch in Australia and Europe.
FTN’s crowdfunding retail raise will be run through investment platform Equitise and is open to New Zealand residents or citizens living overseas, as well as wholesale investors in Australia.
“We’re on a mission to reduce congestion and decarbonise the commute,” said Luke Sinclair.
“We want to accelerate the transition to emissions-free transport and have built an urban riding machine that challenges convention and turns the commute into the best part of the day.
“We’re at the intersection of two massive growth trends: electrification and micro-mobility. The EV revolution has only just begun. It is an industry that will continue to grow as countries worldwide push to reduce emissions.”
For Australians looking to get a closer look at the Streetdog before FTN Motion makes it’s way across the Tasman, FTN will be introducing the electric motorcycle in Sydney and Melbourne from 11 to 17 of October, including at the eMobility Live tradeshow at ICC on 11-12 October in Sydney. Further local events can be found here.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.