Agriculture
June 22, 2024
Buffalo Bicycle
Read SolutionImplemented by
World Bicycle Relief
Updated on June 22, 2024
·Created on August 15, 2016
Mozambikes is a social enterprise that aims to help low-income Mozambicans access high-quality bicycles
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.
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.
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Have thoughts on how we can improve?
Give Us Feedback
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)
Noel Wilson says:
Target users could also mention income opportunities increased by bicycle ownership.
Noel Wilson says:
Health target could discuss increased access to health service locations within range of bicycle vs foot.
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.
Noel Wilson says:
There is some research on development motivated bicycle distribution (in Africa especially). See ibike.org as an example.