Electric bikes are gaining traction, transitioning from a niche hobby to a legitimate mode of transport. With growing concerns about the environment, embracing eco-friendly solutions is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to reducing our ecological footprint. Plus, they’re convenient, efficient, healthy, and cost-effective—doesn’t that sound like the dream?

In this interview with Daniel Tonkopiy, CEO of Ukrainian electric bike manufacturer Delfast, we delve into the story behind his inspiring journey of founding and building an electric bike that set a Guinness World Record which still remains unbroken. Get ready to dive in.

Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to start an e-bike company?

No, there wasn’t a single defining moment. The idea actually stemmed from my courier company I founded in 2014. My vision was simple: delivering goods from online stores as quickly as pizza deliveries. We managed to deliver smartphones and laptops within an hour in Kyiv. Hence, the name Delfast—short for “Deliver Fast.” We initially used electric bikes for deliveries, but curious passersby often stopped by our station, asking about them. It got so busy that we had to post a sign saying, “We do not sell electric bikes—we’re a courier service!” That’s how far I was from thinking, “I’m going to start an e-bike company.”

Eventually, we decided to give it a shot. After a few years, we sold the courier business and transformed into Delfast—the electric bike company. It was a shift that felt natural, driven by curiosity and demand.

What were some of the biggest challenges at the beginning of your journey?

The first electric bikes we purchased for our couriers only lasted around 30 miles on a single charge. That was far from ideal since our couriers typically covered 130 miles daily. We tested various models from different manufacturers, but none offered the range we needed. So, we decided to design our own electric bikes.

Step by step, we developed an electric bike that outperformed anything else on the market. In 2017, we proved this by setting a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled on a single battery charge. We achieved 235 miles without pedaling—a record that still stands today.

By the way, the previous record was only 50 miles.

Even amidst a challenging year, Delfast launched a new model. What inspired you?

The idea for the new bike model came from our team. Our sales managers in Los Angeles shared feedback: “This is exactly what the market needs—an electric bike like this.” Our engineers in Ukraine echoed the sentiment: “We want to keep working despite the war. We want to innovate and create.”

Typically, it takes 2-3 years to develop a new motorcycle or e-bike. From concept to production, we did it in just 8 months. This rapid progress was only possible because our team poured all their energy, passion, and expertise into making it perfect. We envisioned it as the dream e-bike, one that we’d love to ride ourselves. Since it was inspired by California, we named it the “Delfast California.”

The entire world is rallying behind Ukraine right now. How has the war impacted your team and operations?

War is, to say the least, not conducive to innovation and growth. Some of us have lost homes, others have lost loved ones. Russian aggression continues to target electricity infrastructure, leaving colleagues in Ukraine with only 3-4 hours of contact each day due to power outages. At night, there’s no internet, no water, no heat. Winter in Ukraine means snow and freezing temperatures, making life incredibly difficult.

Despite these hardships, our team has grown closer, and the challenges have highlighted both risks and opportunities. Work has become our anchor, providing purpose and motivation. Knowing that Ukraine’s victory is imminent gives us hope. Even during tough times, we secured full funding on Indiegogo in the first 24 hours.

Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Never give up.

Gone with the Wind was rejected by 38 publishers. Angry Birds was the 52nd game created by the Finnish studio Rovio. Henry Ford lost every race until he was 60. Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda, famously said, “For every victory, there are 99 defeats.” Thomas Edison succeeded in inventing the light bulb after 11,000 failed experiments. Michael Jordan missed the basket over 9,000 times.

Mistakes and failures are part of the process. It’s not shameful to fail; it’s shameful not to try. It’s a disgrace to stay down when you’ve fallen. Never, ever, ever give up!

What are your plans for 2023?

Just three priorities:

1. Increase bike sales by at least threefold.
2. Begin assembling and producing bikes in America.
3. Defeat the Russian aggressors once and for all!

You’re a proud Ukrainian startup. How do you support your fellow Ukrainians?

Since the war began, we’ve been equipping our soldiers with electric bikes. We added features like a pendulum suspension, footrests, a more powerful motor, and a robust controller to meet the needs of frontline fighters. The modified TOP 3.0 bestseller has become an essential tool for reconnaissance units, thanks to its quiet operation, long range, off-road capability, ease of use, and substantial load capacity.

Additionally, we’ve donated 5% of our sales to support Ukraine’s armed forces, purchasing vital supplies like optics, food, and winter uniforms. Each team member is proud to contribute to these efforts, and some of us are even serving on the front lines. We couldn’t be prouder.