The question “Where are your electric bikes made?” is a common one, but it is also a little misleading. Why? Because bikes and e-bikes from all brands are assembled using components from a wide variety of different suppliers, some of whom may be based in Japan, some in Korea, and some in China for example. So, the factory “making” MeloYelo ebikes is an assembly plant, not a manufacturing plant. Therefore, we believe a better question is “How are MeloYelo ebikes made?”
The Origin Story: Building MeloYelo E-Bikes with Global Components
When MeloYelo began operating in 2016, we first worked with a Chinese assembly plant that we had found after much online research. We worked with our (then) small group of Kiwi agents to define the components we wanted (name brands like Shimano, Suntour, Tektro, Samsung, and LG). We then relayed this information to the factory, and they assembled our first few batches of bikes to our specifications.
MeloYelo’s Quality Control Journey
Not long after that, I (MeloYelo CEO) and our National Service Manager went to the annual bike fair in Shanghai, one of the biggest such events in the world. There we met with an independent, German-owned company that specialises in ebike quality control for brands like MeloYelo. They conduct QC for e-bike brands in numerous countries. And, having visited 90% of the electric bike assembly plants worldwide, they knew which of those plants operated with a quality culture.
With our mission from the outset being to produce the most reliable ebikes at the best possible price, we contracted with this company to perform quality control on every MeloYelo ebike. After they had tried for about 6 months to lift the quality of work from the factory we had originally chosen, they informed us that it would not be possible for us to achieve the quality objectives we were aiming for by continuing to work with that factory.
Navigating Quality Challenges: Choosing the Right Assembly Plant
Instead, they suggested a small, agile Chinese assembly plant with whom they were already working on behalf of other global customers. (It is important to note that they work with many ebike assembly factories around the world, and they are not loyal to a single supplier.)
We took another trip to China to meet the CEO and key employees at this factory. We were impressed, both with the people and with the operational processes. For example, every battery pack supplied to the plant underwent what’s called a “load test” to ensure that it performed according to specification. Batteries that failed the test were rejected.
Kiwi Influence: Defining MeloYelo’s Specifications
We began working with this factory in 2018. MeloYelo’s own Kiwi team defines the specifications for every MeloYelo model. And, we work with our QC team to continually refine quality control procedures. The QC team then oversee our production runs, armed with a quality control checklist that we have mutually developed. They check and test-ride every MeloYelo ebike. Plus, we regularly survey our customers to find out what they like and what they don’t like about their bikes, and solicit their suggestions for improvement.
We’re not perfect. But we have been in constant quality improvement mode since 2016 to deliver NZ’s most reliable ebikes, at prices that are much more affordable than most of the other brands.
Debunking Myths: The Truth about Electric Bike Manufacturing
Don’t become fool, on a couple of counts:
- There are no electric bikes that are made in NZ. Like MeloYelo, other companies may design their frames and specify all of their componentry in NZ, but the bikes are assembled in China.
- This applies even to big international brands.
Beyond Origins: Focusing on How E-Bikes are Assembled
The point is, don’t concern yourself with where the bikes are assembled, but do take the time to understand how they’re made:
- What brands of componentry and battery cells do MeloYelo use?
- What are the quality processes behind the brand?
- Is quality control managed by a third party, independent of the assembly plant?
Quality Assurance: Industry-leading warranty
We back our commitment to quality control by providing the industry’s premier warranty. The MeloYelo warranty ensures a 6-year coverage for frames and a 3-year coverage for all other components—setting us apart with an advantage of up to 2 years over our competitors. (Terms and conditions apply.)
Want to learn more about MeloYelo eBikes? Order our free booklet, “Different Company, Different EBikes” – by email or by regular post – and find out everything you need to know before you go shopping for an ebike.
Ready to book a test ride?
