Kenyan commuters and drivers can now breathe a little easier. Ride-hailing giant Bolt and African fintech leader M-KOPA have joined forces to launch a massive electric motorbike fleet, putting Kenya at the forefront of eco-friendly urban mobility.
This exciting partnership offers a win-win for both drivers and the environment. Drivers, new and existing, can lease electric motorbikes from ROAM and Ampersand at significantly lower rates than market prices. This not only boosts their earning potential but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
The initiative dovetails perfectly with Kenya's recent National E-mobility Policy, which prioritizes local production and assembly of electric vehicles (EVs). With over 5,000 electric motorbikes planned for rollout over the next three years, Kenya is poised for a sustainable transportation revolution.
But the benefits go beyond just the environment. Electric motorbikes offer a financially attractive alternative for drivers. With zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance needs compared to petrol bikes, these e-bikes allow drivers to not only maximize their earnings but also minimize operational costs.
M-KOPA, a key player in financing electric motorbikes in Kenya, brings its fintech expertise to the table. Through their platform, the collaboration aims to make electric motorbike ownership more accessible by significantly reducing costs for drivers.
The partnership is estimated to deliver a whopping 40% reduction in total ownership costs compared to traditional petrol motorbikes. Bolt is further sweetening the deal by subsidizing vehicle costs, making electric motorbikes as affordable, or even more affordable, than their petrol counterparts. Additionally, reduced energy consumption and maintenance needs are expected to translate to a further 75% decrease in operating costs for drivers.
Riders on the Bolt platform can now access electric bikes for as low as KES 10,000-15,000 through a financing program facilitated by the collaboration between M-KOPA, ROAM, and Ampersand. This significantly expands access to eco-friendly transportation options for Kenyans.
"We're thrilled to introduce this electric bike fleet," said Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt's Regional Director for Africa & International Markets. "This initiative not only reduces our environmental impact but also empowers drivers economically, fostering stability in the communities we serve."
David Damberger, Managing Director of M-KOPA Mobility, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project's role in expanding access to affordable electric motorbike financing.
The collaboration leverages M-KOPA's innovative approach, which combines digital micropayments with IoT technology. This empowers customers to gain access to electric motorbikes without needing collateral or a guarantor. Drivers can join the M-KOPA-supported fleet operating exclusively on the Bolt platform, with the option to eventually own the bikes after the lease period.
Representatives from both ROAM and Ampersand expressed their confidence in the partnership's ability to positively impact the ride-hailing and delivery industry in Kenya. They highlighted the efficiency of their charging infrastructure and battery systems, emphasizing the positive impact on operational costs for riders.
While initially deployed in Nairobi, Bolt has ambitious plans to expand its electric bike fleet across Kenya. This commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem underscores the importance of collaboration between leading companies and local stakeholders. Kenya's electric motorbike revolution is just getting started, and both riders and the environment stand to benefit.
Play audio
No comments