Launched in October last year, Qaqi Mai is the first electric bike business in Fiji, operating under the leadership of Meli Vakamocea Jnr, son of the late Alivereti Dakuitoga.
Alivereti, who sadly passed away earlier this year, had a visionary dream to introduce a mode of transport that not only promoted physical fitness but also contributed to solving several social and environmental issues in the country.
Meli, in honour of his father’s dream, has taken the mantle and continues to run Qaqi Mai with determination and passion.
Meli says Qaqi Mai’s core mission is rooted in promoting healthy living and sustainability.
“The electric bikes are designed to help people maintain physical fitness and fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are a growing concern in Fiji,” he said.
“Beyond health, the business is also an environmentally conscious initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions, decreasing fuel consumption, and easing traffic congestion in urban areas like Suva.”
The company operates a fleet of 15 electric bicycles, collectively known as the “Tavale Fleet”.
These bikes are available to the public six days a week, from 10am until the afternoons.
Despite being in the early stages of development, the response has been promising, with community support and positive engagement from users.
“We have quite a number of people that are so dedicated to this business. Some even come as a family in the weekends to rent the bikes,” he said.
Meli acknowledges that weather conditions remain a key challenge, with rainy or extreme heat days often deterring people from cycling along Suva Point area.
Qaqi Mai received a significant boost through grant support from GGG1 last year, which helped solidify its foundation and enabled the company to expand its operations.
Meli expresses gratitude for this support and says it was a vital contribution to making his father’s vision a reality.
He also acknowledges the Fiji Development Bank for their role in allowing the business to kick off.
Looking ahead, Qaqi Mai has ambitious plans for the future. One of its major goals is to establish bicycle stations at bus stops around the Suva area, making it easier for commuters to transition from public transport to cycling for the last leg of their journey.
This intermodal transport solution would make commuting more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
The company is also expecting the arrival of its next fleet of electric bikes around December or early January, which will expand their service capacity and help meet growing demand.
Meli is hopeful that the addition of new bikes will improve accessibility and encourage more people to embrace cycling as a daily transport option.
“Our next fleet that’s coming will fully run on an app, making it easier for our customers to just scan and go like they do overseas,” he said.
An important milestone in Qaqi Mai’s development is the support from the Suva City Council, which has granted the business a spot at the popular My Suva Picnic Park in Nasese.
“This location is not only strategic due to its public visibility and access but is also symbolic of the city’s growing support for green initiatives, Meli shared.
He highlights that plans were underway to establish a bike hub at the location in Nasese where they’re based at the moment, to serve as the company’s permanent base of operations.
He says the bike hub will function as a central point for rentals, maintenance, and public engagement.
Meli said he was committed to fulfilling his father’s legacy by growing Qaqi Mai into a sustainable, community-focused transport option.
“With an emphasis on health, environmental sustainability, and urban mobility, Qaqi Mai represents a transformational shift in how Fijians can move around their cities.”
He said the initiative continues to gain attention as a promising step towards a greener and healthier Fiji, paving the way for innovation in public transport and lifestyle habits.