Electric bikes are no longer just a niche trend — they've become a serious alternative to traditional transportation. As more people look for eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective options, e-bikes are stepping into the spotlight. They're not only good for the planet but also for your wallet, health, and overall lifestyle.

In this exclusive interview with Daniel Tonkopiy, CEO of Delfast, a Ukrainian electric bike company, we dive into the story behind one of the most innovative e-bike brands in the industry. From humble beginnings to breaking world records, Delfast has made a name for itself — and now, it's pushing forward even in the face of adversity.

Do you remember the exact moment or experience that sparked the idea of starting an e-bike company?

Not really. There was no single moment that changed everything. It all began in 2014 when I started a courier service called Delfast, short for "We Deliver Fast." Our goal was to deliver online orders as quickly as a pizza delivery — within an hour. We used electric bikes to do so, and soon, people started asking about them instead of our services. Eventually, we had to put up a sign: “We don’t sell bikes! We’re a courier company.”

But then we thought, why not? After a few years, we sold the courier business and fully transitioned into building electric bikes. That’s how Delfast was born.

What were the main challenges at the beginning?

The first e-bikes we used could only go about 30 miles on a charge, which wasn't enough for couriers who needed to ride up to 130 miles a day. We tested various models, but none met our needs. So we decided to build our own.

By 2017, we had created an e-bike that set a Guinness World Record for the longest range on a single charge — 235 miles without pedaling. To put that in perspective, the previous record was just 50 miles. That’s how we became known globally.

Despite the war, Delfast launched a new model. What inspired it?

It was the team that pushed us forward. Sales managers in Los Angeles told us what customers wanted, and our engineers in Ukraine said they wanted to work, create, and keep going despite the difficult circumstances.

We developed the "Delfast California" in just eight months — a dream bike designed for the market. It's fast, powerful, and built with the same passion that drives our team every day.

How has the war affected your team and operations?

War is not an ideal environment for business. Many of our employees have lost homes, loved ones, and basic utilities like electricity and water. But it also brought us closer together. We found strength in each other and in our mission.

We’ve been fully funded through crowdfunding in the first 24 hours, and we continue to push forward, not just for the company, but for Ukraine.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Never give up. History is full of stories of people who failed many times before succeeding. The key is to keep going, learn from mistakes, and never stop trying.

What are your plans for 2023?

Three goals:

1. Triple our sales.
2. Start assembling and producing bikes in America.
3. Win the war against Russian aggression!

How does Delfast support Ukrainians?

Since the war began, we’ve been supplying electric bikes to Ukrainian soldiers. We modified our bestseller, the TOP 3.0, to be more durable and suitable for combat. These bikes are now used by air reconnaissance units and have proven invaluable in the field.

We also donate 5% of our sales to support the military. Every team member is proud of what we’re doing, and some of us are even on the front lines. This is more than a business — it's a fight for freedom.