In the heart of South Africa’s most vibrant township, Shovebike is transforming last-mile delivery with sustainable e-mobility, blockchain incentives, and grassroots empowerment.

Founded by Zakhele Mhlanga—whose Zulu name means “build it yourself” – this innovative startup merges tradition and tech, proving that green transport can be both affordable and scalable.

A Vision for Sustainable Mobility

Shovebike’s name is a fusion of Nguni and English:

• “Shov” (pedaling)
• “e” (electric)
• “Bike” (their vehicle of change)

“Our mission is to make cycling – especially e-mobility – a viable, democratic transport solution, not just a lifestyle,” says Mhlanga.

“Soweto is awakening to green mobility, and our community isn’t just adopting it—they’re leading it.”

Global Backing Without Traditional Funding

In a bold move, Shovebike secured its first shipment of high-tech e-bikes from Dutch manufacturer Bazz E-Bikes -without upfront capital.

“This was built on trust and shared belief in our mission,” Mhlanga explains.

Marcel Jansman, founder of Bazz E-Bikes, supports Shovebike for its vision and persistence, proving that impact-driven startups can attract international allies.

Expanding Beyond Soweto

While rooted in Soweto, demand is surging across:

• KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga
• Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Shovebike’s e-cargo bikes are now a common sight in high-traffic zones like Vilakazi Street and landmarks such as the Hector Pieterson Museum, symbolising innovation and eco-progress.

Why Shovebike Stands Out

• Affordable, electric last-mile delivery (replacing fossil-fuel vehicles)
• Blockchain-powered incentives for riders
• Local empowerment in underserved communities

“We didn’t wait for perfect conditions – we launched with what we had,” says Mhlanga. “Now, we’re proving that sustainable transport works, even in townships.”

With zero emissions, lower costs, and job creation, Shovebike isn’t just a startup—it’s a movement.

A Shovebike electric delivery bike. Picture: INSTAGRAM/@shovebike

Soweto-based and wired for the digital age, Shovebike is redefining last-mile delivery through sustainable mobility, blockchain-powered incentives and grassroots empowerment. At the helm of this innovative company is  Zakhele Mhlanga, a modern-day visionary, whose name means  “build it yourself” in Zulu.

Mhlanga’s inspiration to build Shovebike came in 2015. At the time, Johannesburg’s then-mayor, Parks Tau, was championing a multimillion-rand project to build bicycle lanes in the city. “Something clicked,” said Mhlanga. “I saw a gap, a real opportunity to disrupt how transport worked in our communities and to make cycling a viable, dignified form of transport, not just leisure.”