CAKE is an inherently interesting company. Electric dirt bikes are a super cool idea, but their practicality has always perplexed me until now. In January, Swedish e-moto company CAKE joined forces with Southern African Wildlife College and Goal Zero to cook up some electric dirt bikes specifically to help the organization silently patrol for poachers in Africa. These new Kalk AP bikes are now silently ripping through the bush. 

Silence may be the key to hunting poachers in Africa

After the many meetings and devo calls, CAKE has finally delivered on the electric dirt bikes. Up until now, these rangers have driven traditional gas-powered dirt bikes, which are easily heard far before they arrive. This gives porches the advantage of ditching the evidence and splitting. 

Having a silent motorcycle to navigate the bush in stealth mode is a huge asset to these bushrangers working to keep the savannahs safe. Not to mention, these bikes are also quite light, making them easy to maneuver in hairy situations. 

How far can a CAKE electric dirt bike go on one charge? 

This is the main sticking point with all EVs. The range is the number one issue, especially for off-road EVs like the CAKE. However, these bikes now have a deployable solar charger from Goal Zero that assures the rangers a ticket back home if they run out of juice chasing the bad guys. This range extender, paired with the silent nature of electric dirt bikes, makes for one hell of an anti-poaching machine. 

“The petrol bikes we’ve used previously have all been loud, heavy, and expensive to keep running in these areas,” said anti-poaching team leader Mfana Xaba. “The Cake bikes are quiet, which makes it easier for us to approach poachers undetected. We hope this collaboration will result in more effective anti-poaching in our region, and we are really excited to start using the bikes in the wild.”

Let’s take a closer look at the Kalk AP electric dirt bike

According to New Atlas, CAKE basically swiped all the best bits from the Kalk OR, gave a super-light frame, sealed the drivetrain, upgraded the suspension, and gave it serious off-road tires. The CAKE Kalk AP also got a carrier rack on the back for medical supplies and a high-power headlight to safely navigate the bush at night. 

CAKE also modified the software to add more power to the torque side of things. This update also gave the Kalk AP three new drives modes: Explore for up to 28 mph and an endurance of 3-4 hours between charges; Excite for up to 43.5 mph and 1-2 hours of per-charge range; and Excel for maximum torque and speed from the 11-kW motor for up to an hour before needing to top up the 2.6-kWh removable batteries.

Will these bikes really help fight poachers in Africa? 

“It’s great to see that the first batch of Kalk APs has made it to Africa, ready to change the game when it comes to fighting poaching in the most threatened wildlife areas,” said Cake’s founder and CEO Stefan Ytterborn. “With fast, quiet, and solar-powered driven bikes, we increase our chances of countering poaching and can truly make an impact in the region. This is only the beginning; we will continue to ship bikes to the SAWC to strengthen their anti-poaching work.”

CAKE is also offering customers the chance to join the fight against poachers in Africa. CAKE is offering customers a “Charity Bundle” that, for $25k, buys a Kalk AP for the buyer and donates a second unit to the Rangers working in the bush to combat poachers.