The Founding of Outisan
I’m Ted, the founder and CEO of Outisan. I spent over a decade living in Vancouver for both high school and university. This beautiful city is an outdoor paradise, offering a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Summers were for hiking, biking, and fishing; winters for skiing and skating. I tried so many outdoor sports and activities, but skiing and hiking were my favorites, as they offer a sense of freedom,excitement, and challenges to my physical limits. But when I got married and had a kid in 2019, camping became our family’s go-to. It was a year-round activity where families and friends could gather together, a way for us to relax and recharge.
We didn’t own an RV, so camping presented its own set of challenges. Summer heat, winter cold, and restrictions on open fires were just a few. But then I discovered portable power stations and electric vehicles, and my camping experience was completely transformed! After buying a portable power station, I started watching movies outdoors, using electric grills, and boiling water for coffee. Eventually, I even slept in my EV, which had air conditioning, heating, and safety features.
That’s when I realized the era of electrified camping was upon us. The shift in energy sources would revolutionize the whole outdoor industry. So, when I decided to run a new startup, I knew I wanted to bring cutting-edge technology to the outdoors. That’s why we named our brand Outisan — the outdoor artisans.
When we started thinking about our first product, we wanted to offer something truly unique, as many outdoor gears are so generic, boring even. Combining my camping experience and expertise in consumer electronics, we came up with idea of developing the world’s first electric utility wagon. First, utility wagons are a practical tool for everyday life and outdoor adventures. Second, while others had talked about powered wagons, no one had actually built a great one and brought it to market. In an age where even our bicycles and scooters are electric, why not our utility wagons?
Driven by this question, we started building our team in 2021 and explored different technical approaches. In September 2022, we launched our first model, e-Wagon Ultra, on Kickstarter and received overwhelming support from nearly 400 backers, raising over $200,000. Production for innovative products was challenging, with design changes, mold refinements, and project controls. But our backers were incredibly supportive and patient. By 2023, we had fulfilled all orders and received great feedback. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.
People loved the e-Wagon Ultra’s powerful motor system, smart features, and durability. However, some found it heavy, making it more suitable for professional teams working in outdoors than individuals and families. Based on this feedback, we developed our second model, the e-Wagon Air. Designed with families in mind, It’s lighter, more user-friendly, and with its smart algorithm and electric braking system, it’s the safest electric wagon for family everyday use!
This is the origin of Outisan and our journey continues. Outisan has pioneered a new category of electric utility wagon, but we can’t do it alone. With your support, we can make a real difference in the way people experience nature. Be a part of history and help us kickstart the future of outdoor adventure!
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