Kiwi-made electric motorbike Streetdog begins Australian production

Hamilton-based startup FTN Motion has kicked off its first Australian production run of the Streetdog, a handcrafted electric motorbike designed to bring a little more joy to the daily commute.

The company has secured more than 50 orders from Australian riders, with interest building as the brand expands across the Tasman.

“Our focus has always been on building something people actually want to ride,” FTN Motion co-founder Kendall Bristow says.

“It’s about creating a vehicle that fits into your day, but also lifts it.”

Founded in New Zealand, FTN Motion’s approach has centred on combining classic “café-racer” styling with modern electric performance. The Streetdog features a silent electric drivetrain, removable battery, and 30-litre storage built into the frame. Every unit is hand-built at the company’s facility in Hamilton.

With its clean lines and retro proportions, the Streetdog stands out from the futuristic designs common in the electric vehicle market. But Bristow says it’s the riding experience that really differentiates the bike.

The company describes the Streetdog as offering an “analog feel rarely found in electric vehicles”, combining responsiveness, balance and intuitive handling. Designed for urban agility, the bike’s lightweight frame makes it ideal for slicing through city traffic.

FTN Motion co-founder and engineer Luke Sinclair drew inspiration from his time on two wheels in Southeast Asia, where motorcycles are a central part of daily life and culture.

Rather than chasing rapid scale, Sinclair and Bristow focused on what they call a design-led, small-batch manufacturing approach that prioritises craftsmanship and emotional connection.

“In a market where several high profile e-mobility brands have faltered, FTN Motion’s small batch, design led approach is gaining traction,” the company says.

“Early Australian riders are reserving build slots because the Streetdog promises more than lower emissions or quicker lane filtering — it promises to make the commute the best moment of the day.”

With production now underway in Australia, FTN Motion is inviting customers to reserve a build slot or test ride the Streetdog via its website.