Founded in 2015, Cake began operations in 2016 following which the company spent two years developing its first product called the Kalk. This model — launched in 2018 — gained immediate fame on account of its good looks and flexible configurations. Key highlights of the Kalk included its powerful 280 Nm motor, 53-mile range (mixed city riding), and a 0 – 100 charging time of just 3 hours.
Other notable products to come out of Cake’s manufacturing facilities included the commuter-focused Makka and Åik models, the utilitarian-focused Ösa (which was touted as an urban-focused, two-wheeled delivery vehicle), and the Bukk, which was the company’s most powerful and newest offering — featuring a 2.9 kWh battery and a 456 Nm motor. Cake also dabbled with a kid-focused model called the Trull, which was designed for kids aged six and above, had a top speed of 25mph, and weighed just 71 lbs.
Despite its wide range of offerings, consumer response to the company’s models and electric two-wheelers, in general, has been tepid, with Cake reportedly only managing to sell around 6,000 vehicles since inception. To put these numbers in perspective, India’s most dominant electric two-wheeler manufacturer, Ola Electric, sold more than 30,000 units of its S1 series scooters in December 2023.
The news of Cake’s bankruptcy casts a shadow on the nascent electric motorcycle industry, particularly in the West. While Asia surges ahead with widespread adoption, the West grapples with challenges like range anxiety, performance concerns, and high price points. Cake’s demise, despite its innovative designs and diverse offerings, serves as a stark reminder of these hurdles.
