Company History Timeline Cont’
2019-2020
Scooter type E-Bikes Targeted as "Not Legal" and Subject to Fines
By 2018, Greenwit Technologies Inc., along with its Motorino brand, had become the best-selling electric cycle provider in Canada, with over 30 dealers nationwide. Through this network, we imported and sold more than 1,000 electric bikes and scooters annually. As a pioneer in personal electric transportation, we often faced challenges questioning the legitimacy of our products.
Motorino e-bikes regularly underwent inspections by Canadian Customs and Transport Canada. Despite being deemed compliant with Canadian Import Safety Standards and approved for use across all provinces, enforcement authorities in BC and other provinces began targeting our customers, accusing them of using illegal vehicles without proper licenses and insurance.
In 2018, a Motorino customer was charged with operating a vehicle without insurance and a driver’s license while riding a Motorino e-bike. Although he contested the charge, he lost his case at the BC Supreme Court. The court decision was reiterated a week after. Shortly afterward, the City of Vancouver explored the introduction of electric scooter-sharing programs, despite the legal controversy surrounding our products. We encouraged our customer, Ali Ghadban, to further appeal the case, but in February, 2021, the BC Court of Appeal upheld the previous rulings.
The crackdown reached a peak when the Vancouver Police Department's Targeted Enforcement Unit visited the Motorino business, officially informing us that our scooter-style e-bikes were deemed illegal. We at Motorino strongly opposed the court’s rulings, believing they were based on a misinterpretation of the Motor Vehicle Act.
AFTER ALL EXPERIENCE ITS TIME FOR TRANSITION
Why Are Dealers Shifting Interest Toward Electric Motorcycles?
As the legal status of low-speed electric scooters with pedals became unclear and the Canadian e-bike market reached saturation, many of our dealers—and others specializing in electric cycles—began exploring electric motorcycles to diversify their inventory. Traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) dealerships also started showing interest in electric motorcycles, recognizing the shift toward electric transportation.
How Has the Growth of Electric Cars Influenced the Motorcycle Market?
The rise of electric cars sparked interest in electric motorcycles, with significant improvements in quality by the late 2020s making them practical for urban transportation. Leveraging our experience in electric cycles, we are confident not only in supporting electric motorcycle dealers but also in educating them to succeed. However, based on our challenges with e-bikes and e-scooters, we anticipated potential obstacles in this transition.
How Do Usage Patterns in North America Differ From Europe?
In Europe, motorcycles are commonly used for daily commuting, while in North America, they are mainly used for recreation due to longer commuting distances. To meet diverse needs, it is essential to offer a variety of electric motorcycles suited for both urban and suburban commuting.
What Kind of Support Will Dealers Need?
A wide selection of electric motorcycles from a single distributor offers dealers confidence and convenience. Our experience in providing technical, marketing, and financial support will be critical for dealer success. Additionally, many ICE dealers remain hesitant about adopting electric vehicles, so we plan to introduce a certification and training program to facilitate this transition.
What Is the Value Proposition of Electric Motorcycles?
While electric motorcycles are more expensive than e-bikes and e-scooters, their greater power, faster speeds, and longer range make them a viable alternative to cars for longer commutes. The savings on maintenance, insurance, fuel, and parking make commuting far cheaper than using a car, allowing electric motorcycles to pay for themselves within a few years.
Can Electric Motorcycles Be Used Year-Round in Canada?
Although Canada’s two-wheel vehicle market is limited to about six months due to harsh winters, advancements in motorcycle gear as rainproof and heated jackets gloves and boots now enable electric motorcycles to be used throughout the winter months, even in cold temperatures.
What Institutional and Compliance Advantages Do We Have?
Over the past 20 years, Greenwit Technologies has built strong relationships with key institutions such as Transport Canada, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety. Our electric motorcycles are not only competitive in performance with other brands, but they are also safer as they have been subjected to all test procedures to meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). Their 100% legality qualify them for provincial and federal rebate programs.
How Are We Positioning Ourselves as a One-Stop Shop for Electric Motorcycles?
Bringing together the best electric motorcycles under one roof will enhance our online presence and attract more customers. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop by offering:
- Limited Speed Motorcycles (LSMs): For customers without a motorcycle license. Their speed of 70km/h, high torque, manoeuvrability, combined with free parking low insurance almost zero maintenance makes them practical and economic daily transportation.
- Highway Motorcycles: Ideal for long-distance suburban commuters. Their instant torque makes them superior to many Internal Combustion Engine motorcycles.
- Electric Dirt Bikes: The quick evolution of the electric motorcycles technology made many off-road bikes performance superior to their ICE off-road motorcycles
- Cargo Motorcycles: Our Cargo Motorcycles are capable of road speed that integrates them in the city traffic.
How Will Offering a Comprehensive Product Range Drive Market Adoption?
To demonstrate that electric motorcycles are not just alternatives to ICE models but their future replacement, we must provide options for every purpose—speed, urban commuting, recreation, and everything in between. Given the small and emerging nature of the electric motorcycle market, we cannot afford to focus on just one style. A broad product range will cater to diverse interests, making it easier to promote long-term growth and adoption.
Company History Timeline Cont’
2019-2020
Establishing Partnership with the Cargo Cube Electric Motorcycle Manufacturer
In 2019, our company signed an exclusivity contract with a Spanish-Chinese manufacturer specializing in compact vehicles for last-mile delivery. The following year, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the world, making home delivery services essential. Demand for the manufacturer’s light cargo motorcycles surged due to their versatility—they could deliver mail, packaged goods, and hot or cold foods with ease.
- Advantages of the Motorcycle Cargo Cube compared to electric cargo bikes
While electric cargo bicycles gained popularity, their limitations in speed, power, range, and capacity became apparent. In contrast, the Cube is classified as a Limited Speed Motorcycle (LSM), making it legal for road use and operable with a regular driver’s license. It offers a 150 km range on a single battery charge and three times the cargo volume and weight capacity compared to cargo bikes. It can be charged via 110V outlets or car chargers for fast recharging.
- Food Delivery and Service
The restaurant industry has shifted, with more people opting to stay home and order food rather than dine out. With the Cube, restaurant entrepreneurs can reduce overhead costs by focusing on delivery instead of expanding physical space.
- Hot/Cold Storage: The Cube offers optional insulated containers to maintain food temperature, which can be parked at the customer’s doorstep for easy access.
- Food Kiosk Option: The Cube can function as a food kiosk, serving lunch in business or industrial areas with limited restaurant access.
- Mail and Grocery Delivery
The surge in online shopping has driven rapid growth in mail delivery services, with demand expected to increase further. The Cube presents an excellent alternative for both large companies like Amazon, Canada Post, and UPS, as well as smaller courier businesses.
- Lower Costs: The Cube is cheaper to operate than large delivery trucks.
- Easy Parking & Access: Its compact size makes it easier to park and maneuver in urban environments.
- Integrated Cloud Tracking: Each vehicle comes with GPS tracking, allowing companies to monitor packages with precision.
THE NEW START-UP E-MOTORCYCLES COMPANY
2021 and beyond
After the BC Supreme Court ruled our Motorino electric bikes illegal and we received a warning from the police, we had to close our Motorino business. Subsequently, we invested in homologating globally recognized brands of electric motorcycles in Canada.
We became distributors in Canada for the Australian company Vmoto, the producer of Super Soco in 2016. By September 2021, we certified V-Moto with Transport Canada for the importation of Open Motorcycle category bikes capable of speeds over 70 km/h. Following this, their TCMax model gained significant popularity worldwide. That same year, Ducati acquired a 25% stake in the company. Their newest model, the Vmoto Stash, is set to arrive in Canada in 2025.
Tinbot Motorcycles is a German company based in Frankfurt, with manufacturing facilities in China. In North America, they operate under the brand Kollter. They launched their first dual sport motorcycle, the ES1Pro, in 2019. Since then, they have developed one of the most powerful electric dirt bikes, the DS1Pro. In 2023, they introduced their high-end highway-capable model, the RS1, which boasts a speed of 130 km/h and a range of 200 km.
In 2021, we became official distributors in Canada for the electric off-road motorcycle manufacturer Caofen. They gained recognition for their meticulously designed frame, which follows the monocoque principle and eliminates welding entirely. Their bikes are primarily favored for their powerful motors, which deliver impressive torque without the need for preliminary gear reduction.
In 2020, we signed an exclusivity contract with the manufacturer of Evoke electric motorcycles. Their manufacturing facilities are located in Hong Kong, and the company is managed by a team of German and Canadian engineers. Their first highway-capable bike was the Evoke Urban Classic.
Factors Driving Electric Motorcycle Growth Over the Next Few Years
Growing Demand for Lithium battery powered motorcycles
The rising quality, longevity, and energy density of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have significantly increased the demand for electric two-wheelers. Li-ion batteries have become widely popular due to their ability to enhance performance, extend range, and reduce maintenance requirements.
In addition to battery advancements, electric motorcycle companies are integrating the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve the rider's experience. Key developments include:
- Fast-charging built-in chargers to reduce charging time.
- Advanced battery management systems (BMS) to optimize battery performance and lifespan.
These innovations are helping shape the future of electric motorcycles, making them more efficient, reliable, and appealing to a broader market.
Rising Deployment of E-Vehicles in Urban Areas
Performance Advantages: Premium electric motorcycles offer improved speed, enhanced aesthetics, maximized torque, and superior travel range, making them an attractive choice for urban commuters.
Adoption in Suburban and Highway Commutes: The 10-15 kWh battery segment is gaining traction, as many North American commuters travel from suburban areas and rely on highways for part of their daily routes.
Market for Lower-Capacity Models: There is also growing demand for lower-capacity motorcycles with reduced range but more affordable price points, suitable for purely urban use.
Swappable Battery Integration: Many companies are incorporating swappable batteries into low-capacity motorcycles, enabling riders to quickly exchange batteries without waiting for a charge. Industry alliances are also being formed to standardize swappable battery systems across brands.
Escalating demand for electric dirt bikes
With the improvement of the Li-Ion batteries electric dirt bikes are showcasing escalating demand over the years due to their higher speed and longer range. The improved battery energy density made the electric dirt bikes comparable to their gas-powered counterparts
Most electric dirt bikes feature high-capacity quick removable batteries and fast charging capability. The high discharge rate of the new batteries allows them to provide instant power surpassing many traditional dirt bikes
Some manufacturers are offering electric off-road motorbikes with a maximum speed capability of more than 200 km/h, with an acceleration speed of up to 0-100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds.
The rising number of racing events held across the globe aimed at encouraging the use of electric motocross bikes which bolster premium electric motorcycle market outlook
Increasing Government Initiatives
Support for Premium Electric Motorcycles: Government initiatives in Canada aimed at promoting urban and high-speed electric motorcycles are expected to drive significant growth, with authorities focused on reducing pollution.
Expansion of Charging Infrastructure: The Canadian government is prioritizing the development of charging stations to encourage the adoption of electric motorcycles.
Impact of Environmental Disasters: Recent environmental crises, including fires, floods, and storms, have heightened the urgency for adopting electric vehicles.
Incentives for Faster Adoption: Beyond financial subsidies, additional incentives such as free parking, access to HOV and bus lanes, lane filtering, and swappable battery stations are helping accelerate electric motorcycle adoption.
Inflation impact: The post covid inflation reduced the buying power of the Canadian population. Many families downsized from two full size vehicles to one plus electric motorcycle due.
NEWS & EVENTS
The following are a few links to news archives and other important events and news stories in the company's history:
