Updated on June 22, 2024

·

Created on August 15, 2016

Mozambikes

Upcoming Update

Mozambikes is a social enterprise that aims to help low-income Mozambicans access high-quality bicycles  

Developed By
  1. Mozambikes
Tested By
  • Mozambikes
Content Partners
Unknown

Author

Product Description

Mozambikes sells branded bicycles that promote company brands, projects and important social messages. Bicycle components are imported for local assembly and then branded the colours and logos of organisations. These bicycles are either purchased by the branding customer to distribute to their employees, customers and communities, or pay to advertise on the bicycles allowing Mozambikes to sell them to consumers at below-market rates.

Mozambikes also regularly trains technicians in rural communities to build new skills and help bring better bicycle care to rural areas and it has initiatives to improve the safety and conditions for cyclists in Mozambique.

Target SDGs

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

Market Suggested Retail Price

$36.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Mozambikes is the primary distributor.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Boogaali Bikes and Buffalo Bicycle.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The bicycles are assembled by hand in Mozambique from imported parts. Branding materials and paints are from local suppliers and the frame, fork and steel fender are painted at their factory in Txumene.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

User Provision Model

The bicycles are either purchased by the branding customer to distribute to their employees, customers and communities, or Mozambikes sells the bicycles at reduced rates into rural markets.

Distributions to Date Status

10,000+

Capacity

1

Gear Ratio

Unknown

Maximum load capacity (kg)

Unknown

Design Specifications

Each bike weighs ~15 kg, with the option of a front basket or luggage carrier. The frame has a diagonal top tube to allow users to ride more comfortably. The seat and handlebars are adjustable and the alloy handlebars with rubber grips provide comfort and rust protection. Re-inforced, wider tires increase durability and aluminium rims keep the wheels lightweight.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Technical support is provided by the manufacturer. Mozambikes regularly trains technicians in rural communities and as of 2020, they have over 50 community technicians, the majority of which are women.

Replacement Components

Bicycles are imported from China. Certain components may be available locally for replacement.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

To provide riders with better access to education, goods, and services and help lift them out of poverty.  

Vetted Performance Status

Mozambikes estimates that their bicycles can increase daily incomes for those living below the poverty line by a 3x multiple and therefore can help to increase the overall GNI by 10%, however, no third-party testing has been completed.

Safety

The manufacturer also has initiatives to create a biking ecosystem, including bicycle lanes on busy roads, promoting road and bicycle safety campaigns.

Complementary Technical Systems

It is possible for a cart to be attached to the bicycle to transport goods.

Academic Research and References

No academic references.

Mozambikes: Home. n.d. Mozambikes.

Mozambikes. 2018. Mozambikes: The New Assembly Factory / a Nova Fábrica de Montagem. YouTube. March 23, 2018.

 

Compliance with regulations

None

Evaluation methods

The manufacturer cites income-savings, job creation and equal opportunities for women as evaluation criteria.

Other Information

Mozambikes Youtube channel can be found here.

Comments from the Community

5 Comments

  1. E4C.COMMENTS says:

    Noel Wilson says:

    The competitive landscape would benefit from actual company’s distributing bicycles in Uganda rather than other forms of transport (foot/car). Local bicycle shops/distributors/assemblers, World Bicycle etc)

  2. E4C.COMMENTS says:

    Noel Wilson says:

    Target users could also mention income opportunities increased by bicycle ownership.

  3. E4C.COMMENTS says:

    Noel Wilson says:

    Health target could discuss increased access to health service locations within range of bicycle vs foot.

  4. E4C.COMMENTS says:

    Noel Wilson says:

    Safety could mention the need for training on how to ride bicycles and road rules etc if users arent familiar before sending them out? Have heard anecdotes about how this was handled badly.

  5. E4C.COMMENTS says:

    Noel Wilson says:

    There is some research on development motivated bicycle distribution (in Africa especially). See ibike.org as an example.

Leave a Reply

Explore similar solutions

Agriculture

June 22, 2024

Buffalo Bicycle

Read Solution

Implemented by

World Bicycle Relief

Agriculture

June 30, 2024

Girl Effect Mobile

Read Solution

Implemented by

Girl Effect

Agriculture

June 27, 2024

COVID-19 Tele-Education Series

Read Solution

Implemented by

Assist International

Agriculture

November 10, 2023

Embrace Infant Warmer

Read Solution

Implemented by

Embrace Innovations

Agriculture

February 29, 2024

GEN_1 Design Wheelchair

Read Solution

Implemented by

Free Wheelchair Mission

Agriculture

January 10, 2024

Greenway Smart Stove

Read Solution

Implemented by

Greenway

Agriculture

June 22, 2024

Hospitainer

Read Solution

Implemented by

Hospitainer

Agriculture

January 3, 2024

Life Sack

Read Solution

Implemented by

Jung Uk Park, Myeong Hoon Lee, and Dae Youl Lee

All Solutions

Contribute to E4C's Library of Breakthrough Sustainable Development Technology Solutions

Suggest A Solution

Get more information about Solutions Library and its features.

Learn More

Have thoughts on how we can improve?

Give Us Feedback

Join a global community of changemakers.

Become A Member