Go Go Gear - Shark Tank Update

The motorcycle apparel industry had long prioritized function over fashion, leaving riders to choose between safety and style – until Arlene Battishill and Desiree Estrada set out to change that equation entirely with Go Go Gear. The two entrepreneurs built a line of fashionable protective apparel specifically designed for motorcycle and scooter riders, engineering jackets, pants, and accessories that looked like stylish urban clothing on the outside while concealing impact-absorbing armor and abrasion-resistant materials on the inside.

Their key insight was that millions of scooter riders and urban motorcyclists – particularly women – would happily pay premium prices for gear that protected them without broadcasting the fact that they were wearing safety equipment. Seeking $300,000 for 15% equity, Battishill and Estrada entered the Tank with a compelling pitch about a growing urban riding demographic that had been completely underserved by the existing protective gear market dominated by bulky leather jackets and utilitarian designs.

Daymond John recognized the fashion-meets-function opportunity and the company's potential to tap into the rapidly growing urban commuter and scooter market, ultimately making a deal that brought his fashion industry expertise to bear on a segment that desperately needed it.

Daymond John's investment injected both capital and fashion industry credibility into Go Go Gear, helping the brand gain traction with the safety-conscious urban commuter market. The company expanded its fashionable protective gear line to include a wider range of styles and received notable media coverage for bridging the gap between motorcycle safety and everyday fashion sensibility.

However, building a niche protective apparel brand proved challenging even with Shark backing, and Go Go Gear ultimately faced the difficult economics of the specialty apparel market – high design and safety certification costs, limited distribution channels, and a relatively small but passionate target audience. The company eventually ceased operations; as of 2025, the official website carries the announcement "GOGO GEAR IS NOW PERMANENTLY CLOSED," though founder Desiree Estrada remains reachable for product inquiries.

Their story stands as a testament to the genuine innovation in their concept – combining fashion sensibility with rider safety – even if the market wasn't yet ready to support the business at the scale required for long-term viability.