Electric bikes are no longer just a niche trend — they've become a serious alternative to traditional transportation. With growing awareness of environmental issues, more people are turning to e-bikes for their eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective nature. It’s not just about saving money; it's also about making a positive impact on the planet and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.

In this exclusive interview with Daniel Tonkopiy, CEO of Delfast, we dive into his journey from starting a courier company to building an electric bike that set a Guinness World Record. We also explore how the company has continued to innovate despite the challenges of 2022, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Do you remember the exact moment or experience you had when you thought: "I'm going to start an e-bike company?"

No, there was no single defining moment. It all began with my courier business in Kyiv. I wanted to deliver goods as fast as pizza — within an hour. To do this, we used electric bikes. But soon, people started asking us about the bikes, which eventually led us to consider selling them. After some time, we decided to shift our focus entirely to e-bikes, and that’s how Delfast was born.

What were the main challenges at the beginning of your path?

The first e-bikes we used couldn’t last more than 30 miles on a charge, which wasn’t enough for our couriers who needed to travel over 100 miles daily. That’s when we realized we needed to build our own bikes. In 2017, we set a Guinness World Record by riding 235 miles on a single charge — a record that still stands today.

Despite a challenging year, Delfast released a new model. What inspired you?

Our employees were the real inspiration. Sales teams in Los Angeles told us what customers wanted, while our engineers in Ukraine were driven by the desire to keep working and creating despite the war. This led to the creation of the Delfast California, which was developed in just 8 months — a testament to the team's passion and dedication.

The whole world is standing with Ukraine right now. How has the war affected your team and work?

War has made everything harder. Our team in Ukraine faces power outages, limited internet, and even lack of water. But instead of slowing down, we’ve come together stronger. We’ve been fully funded through crowdfunding, and we’re continuing to support Ukraine by donating a portion of our sales to the military and sending supplies like generators and charging stations.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Never give up. History is full of stories of failure before success — from "Gone with the Wind" being rejected 38 times to Thomas Edison’s 11,000 failed attempts to invent the light bulb. The key is to keep going, learn from mistakes, and never stop trying.

What are the plans for 2023?

Three main goals:

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

You are a proud Ukrainian startup. How do you support Ukrainians?

Since the war began, we’ve been supplying our soldiers with modified e-bikes designed for combat. These bikes are quiet, long-range, and built for off-road use. We also donate 5% of our sales to support the Ukrainian military and have team members serving on the front lines. It’s a small way to make a big difference.