Bolt to launch 5,000 electric motorbikes in Kenya

Shared mobility provider Bolt plans to bring a fleet of 5,000 electric motorbikes to Kenya over the next three years. In collaboration with the African financing platform M-Kopa, riders who use Bolt will be able to lease electric motorbikes from Roam and Ampersand at a reduced price.

It is expected that this approach will lead to a saving of around 40 per cent of the total cost of ownership compared to petrol-powered motorbikes, as Bolt writes in the press release. In addition, the introduction of the 5,000 electric two-wheelers is “aligns with the recent launch of Kenya’s National E-mobility Policy aimed at promoting local production and assembly of EVs”.

The Roam motorbikes are manufactured in Kenya, specifically in the capital Nairobi. The Swedish-Kenyan company only moved into the plant in 2023. According to information at the time, it is the largest plant for electric motorbikes in the whole of East Africa.

M-Kopa is one of the largest financing platforms for such electric motorbikes in Kenya – according to new partner Bolt, M-Kopa has already financed two thirds of all electric bikes on Kenya’s roads – and aims to promote electromobility in Kenya. “Partnering with Bolt represents a significant leap towards this goal, enabling us to broaden our reach and support more customers in transitioning to sustainable transport solutions,” says David Damberger, Managing Director of M-Kopa Mobility. M-Kopa is also aimed at people who do not have a bank account.

“By leveraging electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also enhancing driver earnings and improving overall economic stability within the communities that we serve,” says Caroline Wanjihia, Regional Director, Ride-hailing Operations, Africa & International Markets at Bolt. “Considering all financial incentives and reduced operating costs, drivers participating in this pilot launch could see significantly increased daily earnings compared to petrol motorcycles. This initiative underscores our commitment to driving positive change and fostering economic empowerment within our driver community.”

Kenya does not only want to be a leader in electric motorbikes in East Africa. The country is reportedly aiming to convert all public transport buses to electric drives as early as 2027.

Source: Info via email