The Swedish-made, zero-emission, street-legal CAKE Electric Motorbikes brand will soon be available in St. Petersburg thanks to this week’s opening of EMOTO Electric Motorbikes at 1104 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. 

According to a news release, EMOTO is the authorized CAKE dealership for the Tampa Bay region. The CAKE line of electric motorbikes includes off-road models, versatile utility bikes, urban commuter bikes, and highly efficient, ultra-light rides. 

“I lived in Hyde Park at the time, and wanted an electric vehicle that I get could around with that was a little more stylish than what was currently available,” said Michael Joyce EMOTO Electric Motorbikes Managing Partner in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

Unlike an e-bike, the CAKE motorbikes are fully street legal. So, although riders will need a license, registration, and insurance, they’ll be able to share the road with cars.

“There’s a huge difference between driving in a bike lane versus driving with traffic,” said Joyce. “You feel a lot safer because there aren't cars flying by you. You're going along with them.”

The CAKE bikes range in price from $4,470 for the Makka flex model, which has a top speed of 28 mph and range of 34 miles on a single change, to $13,970 for the Kalk mid-size model, which has a top speed of 56 mph and range of 53 miles on a single charge.

CAKE designed these bikes to be modular. The EMOTO dealership will offer a wide range of accessories, including windshields, cargo boxes and baskets, passenger kits and seats, helmets, chargers, locks, cup holders, travel bags, foot pegs, spare batteries, and even a surfboard rack.

CAKE was identified as one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company in both 2020 and 2021 and received the Time magazine 100 most important inventions award in 2021. 

"We are thrilled to introduce CAKE Electric Motorbikes to Tampa Bay," says Joyce . "CAKE's commitment to innovation, design, and sustainability aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting innovative, and eco-friendly mobility solutions."

For customers who are on a tighter budget, EMOTO will also offer, for $999, a foldable e-bike model made by JackRabbit, whose e-bikes are highly portable and can be transported via RVs, camper vans, cars, boats, and even commercial airplanes. They’re also small enough to be stored in a closet.

EMOTO Electric Motorbikes has planned a grand opening celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, at the dealership. The event will feature live embroidery, complimentary champagne, giveaways, and more. An afterparty will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. at No Vacancy, 937 Central Avenue.

The grand opening celebration is free to attend but guests are asked to RSVP in advance.

For more information and updates, follow EMOTO Electric Motorbikes on Instagram at @rideemoto and CAKE Electric Motorbikes at @ridecake.