ENVO Drive
About the Company
ENVO Drive Systems, headquartered in Vancouver, BC, started in April 2015. The company focuses on developing electric mobility solutions that operate on the road, snow, and water. ENVO's product lineup includes ebikes, electric trikes, scooters, and snow bikes. The company emphasizes sustainable transportation by offering affordable, clean energy vehicles to reduce fossil fuel dependence. ENVO has grown consistently, doubling its business year over year. Today, ENVO's products serve over 20,000 customers, and the company works with 120 dealers across Canada.
ENVO Drive Systems ensures quality and reliability by managing product engineering, manufacturing, and assembly in-house. For some products, the components are manufactured overseas but assembled in Canada. The company adheres to strict quality control protocols, guaranteeing customers receive safe and dependable products. ENVO also maintains competitive pricing by keeping production costs low, enabling the company to expand its dealer network and increase market penetration.
Idea Behind Company
Ali's inspiration for ENVO came from a lifelong passion for electric mobility. As a child, he enjoyed biking downhill but found uphill rides challenging, which sparked the idea for electric assistance. This idea matured during his engineering studies, leading to the development of one of the first electric bike concepts before 2001. After gaining 15 years of experience in the electric mobility industry, Ali moved to Canada and continued to work on electric bike components like hub motors and battery packs. He collaborated with manufacturers in Asia and established a product development process focused on ideation, sourcing, manufacturing, and assembly.
The idea for ENVO grew from Ali’s desire to offer practical electric mobility solutions that were engineered for Canadian regulations and market demands. His goal was to provide reliable, quality products to customers seeking eco-friendly transportation options. ENVO's product development process involves engineering in Canada while utilizing manufacturing partnerships in Asia, ensuring the products meet the specific needs of Canadian consumers.
Creating the Company
Ali started ENVO with electric bike conversion kits. After recognizing demand for fully assembled ebikes, he expanded his product line and opened a warehouse in Vancouver in 2017. His journey began humbly—assembling conversion kits at his dining room table and testing the market with a low-cost website. After selling his first conversion kit through Google ads, Ali realized the potential for a broader business opportunity. He began importing more parts and assembling custom kits for Canadian customers.
As demand grew, ENVO transitioned from conversion kits to producing its own ebikes. In 2017, the company launched its first ebike, the D35, followed by a redesigned version in 2020 with additional features like the step-through frame, catering to the needs of older adults and women. The rebranding of products under the ENVO name allowed the company to distinguish its retail and manufacturing brands, marking a significant step in its growth trajectory.
Launching the Business
Ali’s entrepreneurial journey began when he moved to Canada with a couple of conversion kits he had developed over the years. After receiving positive feedback from initial customers, he decided to formally launch the business. His strategy was to test the waters before making significant investments, using a temporary website and minimal resources to start selling. The first sale of a conversion kit in Newfoundland convinced him that there was a market for his product.
ENVO officially launched as a business focused on selling electric bike conversion kits. Ali’s method of customer-centricity and affordable solutions quickly gained him a reputation as a trusted supplier. Word-of-mouth marketing and personalized service helped ENVO grow its customer base. Ali built the business from the ground up without external investors, focusing on profitability from day one. As orders increased, he expanded operations, eventually moving the business out of his home and into a dedicated facility.
Earnings
Today, ENVO Drive Systems generates $1.2 million in monthly revenue, with over 20,000 customers worldwide. The company’s low-cost production model, in-house engineering, and extensive dealer network have contributed to its financial success. ENVO’s products are highly valued for their affordability, performance, and innovation. The company has expanded its reach, partnering with retailers like Costco and developing a robust network of 120 dealers across Canada.
In addition to the core ebike products, ENVO continues to innovate with new offerings like the Lynx ebike for big-box stores and the FLEX series, which is expected to be a gamechanger in the electric mobility market. As ENVO grows, the company plans to expand its dealer network in the U.S. and launch new products tailored to different segments of the electric mobility market. Financial success has followed Ali’s commitment to sustainable, affordable, and customer-focused solutions, with the company poised for continued growth in the coming years.
