The initiative, which aims to deploy 1,000 electric tricycles by the end of 2025, is focused on reducing fuel costs for drivers, cutting emissions, and providing cheaper transport for urban riders.

At the heart of the new model is a lease-to-own structure, with no upfront payment required. Drivers can now get brand-new electric tricycles, operate them on Bolt, and fully own the vehicle after two years of consistent use. 

Asides being more affordable to run, thanks to zero petrol, these tricycles are also designed specifically for Nigerian road conditions, with enhanced suspension and dual battery compartments. One of the two batteries acts as a backup, ensuring drivers keep earning without waiting hours for recharging.

“By giving them tools to reduce fuel spending, avoid upfront vehicle costs, and eventually own their tricycles, we’re putting more control and earning potential directly into their hands. Nigeria, with its vast and dynamic population, is key to our strategy of making mobility economically viable and accessible for everyone,” said Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt’s regional director of Rides Operations for Africa and International Markets.

This is beyond just another tech launch, it’s a targeted solution to two of Nigeria’s most urgent transportation problems—driver poverty and inadequate mobility access in low-income neighbourhoods. 

Osi Oguah, general manager of Bolt Nigeria, stressed that, “This launch is a major step in addressing two critical challenges in Nigeria’s transport sector – driver income and commuter access. By introducing electric tricycles with flexible, lease-to-own options, we’re helping drivers save money, own their vehicles, and build sustainable livelihoods. At the same time, we’re offering commuters, especially in underserved areas, a more affordable and accessible way to move around their city. We have an ambitious target of having 1,000 electric tricycles by the end of 2025.”

From SGX’s side, the plan goes even further. It includes a network of battery-swapping hubs to eliminate wait times. Drivers can ride to the nearest station, swap a dead battery for a charged one, and be back on the road in minutes. No loss of income. No long waits. Just business as usual—but greener.

The cost of petrol in Nigeria has risen over 200% since May 2023. Add that to constant vehicle maintenance, and most local drivers barely break even. The electric tricycles change that equation. Lower operating costs mean more savings, and ultimately, more power in the hands of the drivers. We’re not talking about theories here. This model is already running.

SGX also used the opportunity to spotlight the environmental stakes. Transportation contributes 28% of Nigeria’s total greenhouse gas emissions, second only to industrial manufacturing. And of that, tricycles and motorcycles are among the dirtiest polluters. Replacing petrol-powered units with electric ones won’t just reduce costs; it could help slow climate change, too.

Unlike imported solutions that fail to consider local challenges, these tricycles were designed specifically with inclusivity in mind. It’s a solution for tough road suspensions and battery compartments built for urban travel patterns, a system developed with a deep understanding of what works—and what doesn’t—on Nigerian roads.

Essentially, Bolt and SGX have made it clear that this won’t disrupt existing transport unions; the electric tricycles are positioned as a complementary service, not a competitor.

Drivers still operate like traditional tricycle operators, but they pick up rides through Bolt’s app. This keeps the system familiar while adding a digital layer of structure and income stability.

The project also opens up investor opportunities. SGX’s mobility-as-a-service model is built to attract funding, and with financial partners like banks, microfinance companies, and regulators on board, the structure is already backed by strong institutional support.

The vision is to build an inclusive mobility system, reduce emissions, and make owning a vehicle—and a business—possible for thousands of young Nigerians. 

Rooted in local needs but aimed at global outcomes.

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Through this partnership, new and existing drivers will have the opportunity to lease ROAM and Ampersand electric motorbikes at a discounted price in comparison to the current market rates.

This strategic move marks a significant step in Bolt’s commitment to enhance driver earnings through the reduction of operational costs in the market, as well as move towards eco-friendly urban mobility, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

The 5,000 electric motorcycle rollout aligns with the recent launch of Kenya’s National E-mobility Policy, aimed at promoting local production and assembly of EVs.

With zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional vehicles, these electric bikes offer a cost-effective alternative for drivers, enabling them to maximise their earnings while minimising expenses.

M-KOPA is Kenya’s largest financier of electric motorbikes having already financed approximately two-thirds of the electric bikes on Kenya’s roads.

Through this collaboration, Bolt will leverage M-KOPA’s fintech platform to make electric motorbike ownership affordable, by substantially reducing the expenses associated with electric motorbikes for drivers.

This approach is expected to lead to approximately 40% savings in total ownership costs compared to petrol motorbikes.

By subsidising the cost of the vehicle, Bolt enables drivers to choose an electric motorbike at a price equal to or below that of a comparable petrol alternative.

With reduced energy and maintenance expenditures, drivers can potentially decrease their vehicle operating costs by up to 75%. Riders on the Bolt platform will be able to access an electric bike for as low as KES 10,000- 15,000, through vehicle financing, enabled by the partnership between M-KOPA, ROAM and Ampersand.

Caroline Wanjihia, regional director, RideHailing Operations, Africa & International Markets, said:

“We are excited to introduce our electric bike fleet, in partnership with M-KOPA, as part of our ongoing efforts to support and empower our drivers. This marks a significant milestone in Bolt’s mission to provide sustainable and financially viable transportation solutions in Kenya. By leveraging electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint, but also aim to enhance driver earnings and improve overall economic stability within the communities that we serve. 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.”

David Damberger, managing director – M-KOPA Mobility, added:

“As the leading financier of electric motorbikes in Kenya, we’re committed to redefining mobility in Kenya through affordable financing solutions for electric motorbikes, particularly for the underbanked. 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. Already, we have made substantial inroads since launching our Mobility division in 2022, in collaboration with ROAM and Ampersand. With over 2 million motorbikes navigating Kenya’s roads, now is the time for us to extend our reach, as we set to positively impact the environment significantly by reducing carbon emissions and saving on fuel costs—an essential keystone of Kenya’s sustainable development.”

By combining the power of digital micropayments with IoT technology, M-KOPA offers customers access to a broad range of productive assets, including electric motorcycles, without collateral or a guarantor. For drivers to access the EV bikes, they will need to join the fleet supported by M-KOPA. The drivers will need to operate exclusively on the Bolt platform and then own the bikes after the lease period.

Mikael Gånge, CCO, ROAM said:

“Our at-home and portable charging options, extensive Roam Hub service network, and dual battery system empower delivery riders to increase efficiency without worrying about battery depletion.  Through this strategic partnership with Bolt, we’re not only promoting sustainability but also cutting operational costs remarkably for Boda riders, making a meaningful impact where it matters most, and creating a better future for all.”

Josh Whale, founder & CEO Ampersand E-Mobility Kenya added:

“We thank Bolt and M-KOPA for their enthusiasm and confidence in our market-leading electric vehicles and energy network.  The collaboration between Bolt, M-KOPA and Ampersand is a significant step forward for the ride-hailing and delivery industry in Kenya. Our partnership with Bolt will lead the industry forward by adopting the most commercially scalable structure for E-Mobility and energy providers that we’ve encountered. This saves more money for more motorcycle riders and more end users, and at the same time drives emobility forward at the pace that Kenya’s economy, environment and the continued habitability of our planet all demand: A more scalable, win-win all round.”

Since 2019, Bolt has been mitigating its environmental impact by investing in projects primarily focused on renewable energy and resource conservation.

In 2021, Bolt introduced a new ride category on its platform dubbed Bolt Green which offers eco-friendly rides as the company moves towards reducing its ecological footprint in Nairobi.

The category has hybrid and electric cars to reduce emissions during trips taken on the Bolt platform, thus, offering greener transport options.

This category expanded Bolt’s ride options, creating more economic opportunities for drivers and providing passengers with more options to choose from.

As part of its launch strategy, Bolt will initially deploy the electric bikes in Nairobi, with plans for expansion in the near future. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations with local stakeholders, the company seeks to create a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem that benefits users and the environment.

The post Bolt and M-KOPA Introduce Electric Motorcycles in Kenya appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.