Makka Electric Moped by Cake - $3,500 City Ride

Cake Introduces the Makka: A Lightweight Electric Moped for City Use

Cake, the Swedish manufacturer of electric motorcycles, has unveiled its latest offering – the Makka. This newly developed e-moped is specifically engineered for convenient urban transportation and is currently available for preorder in both the U.S. and European markets, with a starting price of $3,500.

A Departure from Traditional Models

The introduction of the Makka represents a shift for Cake, a company primarily recognized for its robust off-road motorbikes. Models such as the high-performance Kalk and the versatile Ösa have established Cake’s reputation. This new platform marks the company’s first venture into motorbikes designed explicitly for city environments, catering to needs like short-distance commercial deliveries and daily commutes.

According to a company statement, these new electric mopeds embody Cake’s commitment to making electric two-wheeled vehicles accessible while continually innovating in performance, durability, and relevance. This aligns with their overarching mission to promote a zero-emission lifestyle.

Key Features and Specifications

Weighing approximately 132 pounds, the Makka comes equipped with a standard rear cargo rack. This rack is designed for versatility, allowing for the attachment of various accessories, including saddlebags, a child seat, or even a passenger seat.

The e-moped is offered in both white and gray color options and is fully street legal. In the United States, it’s categorized as a motor-driven cycle, requiring either a car or motorcycle license due to its output of 5-brake horsepower or less.

Makka Range and Flex Models

Within the EU, the Makka is classified as L1e-b, meaning its motor is limited to a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour), necessitating a moped or car license for operation.

• Makka Range: Available exclusively in Europe, this version has a reduced top speed of 15 miles per hour and a range of up to 35 miles.
• Makka Flex: Offered in both Europe and the U.S., the Makka Flex is priced at $3,800 and can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour, with a slightly shorter range of 30 miles.

Design and Performance Details

Both Makka models feature a convenient foot board and an aluminum step-through frame. They utilize two 14 by 3-inch motorcycle tires for a smooth ride.

The Makka Range incorporates a touchscreen display providing essential information such as battery level, speedometer readings, odometer data, ride mode selection (optimized for extended range or balanced performance), and brake mode options.

The Makka’s drivetrain delivers 3.6 kW of power, supported by a 1.5 kWh battery capacity. Charging the battery to 80% capacity takes around two hours, achievable either by removing the battery or directly plugging in the bike. A full charge to 100% requires approximately three hours.

The electronic motorcycle braking system, featuring hand levers for both front and rear brakes, incorporates regenerative braking to recapture energy and extend the vehicle’s range.

Competition and Funding

Cake is not alone in recognizing the potential of adapting off-road bike technology for urban applications. Ubco, a New Zealand-based electric utility bike brand, recently secured $10 million in funding to expand the sales of its moped – which shares a similar aesthetic and functionality with the Makka – into the U.S. market. Cake’s most recent funding round was a $14 million Series A investment in 2019.