^{“Send It” — the ultimate hype. Whether you’re hitting the gnarliest jump or tackling the most technical trail, you’re bound to hear a friend or two rally behind this universal call of encouragement to do some epic sh*t. But for riders all over the world varying in style and skill, “Send It” is objective, and we applaud the wins of every two wheel enthusiast. As we kick off International Women’s Month, we’re spending March (and beyond) celebrating riders from the Bell community that are breaking boundaries and “Sending It.”}

Meet FONZ Founder and CEO, Michelle Nazzari

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CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE FIRST TIME YOU CAUGHT THE TWO-WHEEL BUG? HOW DID THIS PASSION EVOLVE INTO CREATING FONZ, THE ELECTRIC MOTORBIKE BRAND?

I was obsessed with motorbikes when I was young, but my protective Italian Mama had different ideas for her troublesome tom-boy daughter. When I moved away from the family home in my late teens, I jumped at the chance to get on two-wheels.

It wasn’t until a motorbike trip around Colombia in 2010 that I decided I needed to revolve my life around my two passions — bikes and the environment. As soon as I got back, I got to work on building the FONZ brand.

WERE THERE ANY CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED WHEN FIRST PRESENTING THE IDEA OF FONZARELLI FONZ? IF SO, COULD YOU SHARE HOW YOU OVERCAME SAID CHALLENGES?

When I started FONZ, it was at a time when Tesla wasn’t yet a household name. To say we were early to market is an understatement.

By default, I became the pioneer of the two-wheel electric space here in Australia. Most sane people would’ve given up and saved themselves. I kept pushing through it and today we are Australia’s leader in electric motorbikes and road-scooters here.

The reason I kept going is because I passionately believe in what we do. Electric vehicles are different to gas. They each have their performance and ride differences to love — I absolutely get both!

EVs provide a meaningful solution to combat climate change. Two-wheel electric vehicles give us a way to also reduce our footprint & cost of living and have more freedom on the road.

As a motorcyclist, being out on the open road you feel limitless, coming back to tackle the daily challenges you are fearless.

IT FEELS LIKE WE’RE AT THE CUSP OF THE GAS-TO-ELECTRIC TRANSITION WORLDWIDE. WITH MANY STILL ATTACHED TO THE IDEA OF THE OLD SCHOOL GAS MOTORBIKES, HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT CHANGING THEIR PERSPECTIVES TO MAKE THE SWITCH, AND WHAT TRENDS DO YOU FORESEE IN THE WORLD OF ELECTRIC MOTORS?

I had a cracking start to this year on a guided trip around north Vietnam with Vietnam Bikers (@vietnambikers). I rode a CRF300. I hadn’t spent so much time on a petrol bike in years and I loved it.

Of course, I still feel a romantic notion for them, though I have zero interest in riding a gas bike when I’m back in the city.

If you’re all about performance, electric motorbikes have a clear advantage over gas. FONZ’s top spec motorbike — NKD X — is pure torque. It’ll do Zero to 100 in 3.9s.

Today we’re witnessing a huge uptake of people buying our electric motorbikes and road-scooters that don’t necessarily identify as a motorbike rider.

They are buying our electric bikes as they’re focused on reducing their carbon footprint, and downsizing from two cars to 1. There’s a huge cost saving in that and it just makes sense with the convenience of a bike in congested cities that have nowhere to park.

When go on business trips I’ll take my carry on suitcase on the footrest of a FONZ Arthur scooter. Park for free at the airport and not have to stress I’m going to miss my flight. Everything gets easier!

WHAT WAS THE MOST EXCITING EXPERIENCE FOR YOU PERSONALLY THAT COULD HAVE ONLY BEEN ENCOUNTERED ON TWO WHEELS?

Adventure riding gives us the opportunity to be truly in nature, to feel the local culture, to be at one with the road, truly connected. This is a feeling I’ve only ever experienced on two wheels. It’s almost impossible for me to pinpoint the most exciting moto experience I’ve had.

While the big overseas adventures are awesome, I love that my NKD gets me into nature in just a couple hours. I’m obsessed with moto-bikepacking and I obsess over all the gear.

IN OUR MINDS, “SENDING IT” IS OBJECTIVE TO EVERYONE’S PERSONAL RIDING EXPERIENCE, STYLE, AND SKILL LEVEL. WHEN YOU TELL SOMEONE TO “SEND IT,” WHAT ARE YOU TRULY SAYING TO THAT PERSON?

Our customers range from experienced riders to beginners, we are not talking just about riding experience or skill levels, we are denoting the way in which a person lives.

These are people making the transition from pollution and dirty fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy.

When FONZ says “Sending It” we are truly saying to that person that they can do this switch with confidence and without overthinking it … fearless.

FONZ is all full throttle, trust and 100% commitment with sustainability, high performance and cost saving.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANOTHER WOMAN INTERESTED FOLLOWING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS, OR LOOKING FOR MENTORSHIP?

Navigating a male-dominated space like the Automotive industry comes with its challenges. There are societal expectations around women’s leadership styles and abilities that we’re still breaking down.

I bring a compassionate approach in my leadership style and have put a wonderful and diverse team around me because I focus on soft skills, EQ, and inclusivity.

You can have all the ability in the world. If you don’t bring it with the personality, we risk screwing our company culture. That’s not happening. So, I’ve implemented a no assholes policy.

Reach out to people that inspire you for mentorship. Find people that play to your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to ask. Good people love to impart their wisdom and if you work hard they will want to invest that in you.

Interviewer: Bell Helmets

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