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.

Roam and Mogo seek to boost transportation, particularly for motorcycle riders, commonly known as boda boda riders, in Nairobi.

The partnership will enable transition from traditional fuel-based motorcycles to environmentally friendly electric alternatives. With the provision of accessible financing options, the initiative aims to empower boda boda riders, enhancing their daily earnings by up to 30%.

Roam, known as the leading provider of electric motorcycles in Nairobi, is focused on delivering high-quality and affordable electric vehicles to the market.

Through the partnership with Mogo, riders participating in the program will benefit from favourable financing terms, including a deposit of KES 25,000 and daily repayments of KES 682 over 24 months.

The financing package encompasses essential components such as the motorcycle, battery, charger, and safety gear.

Mikael Gånge, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Roam, highlighted Roam’s dedication to providing innovative electric mobility solutions.

He pointed to Mogo as an instrumental partner in accelerating Roam’s mission to make electric motorcycles accessible to all.

Kenya, with approximately 3 million boda boda riders, is at the forefront of the electric mobility growth.

The government, led by President William Ruto, has embarked on a national e-mobility program, targeting the conversion of millions of motorcycles from fuel-based to electric by 2030. This initiative aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions.

Raul Leitis, the business development project manager at Mogo, noted the far-reaching impact of the partnership with Roam, envisioning electric motorcycles surpassing fuel-based counterparts across the continent.

With Roam’s innovative charging infrastructure and user-friendly products, Leitis believes that the electric motorcycle market will soon outpace traditional petrol-powered vehicles.

The announcement to take this step was first announced by Opibus last year when the Swedish-Kenyan EV startup raised $7,500,000 in a pre-Series A round.

The company is now running a pilot preparing for the commercial launch of EV buses in Kenya, which will take place later this year, and then across Africa by the end of 2023.

Opibus’ technology enables cost efficiency and simplification in the mobility sector. Since 2017, the company has leveraged Kenya’s increasing import of used vehicles to create affordable buses, trucks and fleet vehicles.

The company replaces expended combustion engines with electric systems and asides reduced transport costs, its EVs come with no carbon emissions. 

Filip Gardler, Filip Lövström and Mikael Gånge are the founders of the startup which has so far converted over 170 vehicles for clients including mining companies and tour firms.

Opibus is now slowly pivoting to the building of EVs and supportive infrastructure, like public charging stations. Brand new Opibus electric buses will cost $100,000 and $60,000 for conversions — which the startup is using in the pilot program.

Interestingly, the company affirms that it designs and builds its vehicles locally. This is one major factor that ensures its cost effective and affordable product, and output tailored to local market needs.

Opibus currently targets expansion across Africa through partnerships that will drive the adoption of EVs across the continent.