Bolt to launch 5,000 electric motorcycles in Kenya

Micro-shared transport provider Bolt wants to transform Kenya’s urban transport system by introducing a fleet of 5,000 electric motorcycles over the next three years. In collaboration with African financing platform M-Kopa, this initiative will allow riders to rent electric motorcycles from manufacturers Roam and Ampersand at reduced costs.

Accelerating Africa’s electrification journey depends mainly on two-wheeled bicycles. Kenya wants to lead by example and welcomes a fleet of 5,000 Bolt electric motorcycles, which will be phased in over 36 months. The country will also exceed the fleet of zero-emission public transport buses by 2027.

The six-month pilot phase will be launched with 300 electric motorcycles in Nairobi, offering drivers M-Kopa flexible digital payment options. By offering attractive financing terms, including lower down payments and lease costs, the partnership seeks to make electric motorcycle ownership more accessible.

Subsidies of up to 20% of the bike price will help taxi drivers significantly reduce their total cost of ownership (TCO). The Bolt aims to reduce the total cost of ownership by about 40% compared to traditional gasoline-powered motorcycles. The retail sales price of both drivelines should be equal. By the end of the year, 1,000 units are scheduled to be distributed.

1000 tons of carbon dioxide

By adopting electric vehicles, Bolt aims to reduce its environmental impact, enhance drivers’ earnings, and promote economic stability in the communities it serves. Drivers in the trial launch are expected to see increased daily earnings thanks to financial incentives and lower operating costs compared to gasoline-powered motorcycles. Roam motorcycles are produced in Nairobi. The Swedish-Kenyan company launched its facility in 2023 and now operates the largest electric motorcycle manufacturing plant in East Africa. Bolt will also publish bikes from the Ampersand brand.

To measure the environmental impact of the initiative, Bolt says that every 300 electric motorcycles on the road prevent about 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Image source: Bolt

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