Kenya Sees Green Travel Revolution as Bolt, M-KOPA Unveil e-Bikes for Drivers

Bolt in collaboration with M-KOPA on Monday launched its electric bike fleet (about 5,000) in Kenya — a strategic move that 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.

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.

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 maximize their earnings while minimizing expenses.

Ms. Caroline Wanjihia, Regional Director of RideHailing Operations in Africa and International Markets in a press statement 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.”

Ms. Wanjihia further said by leveraging electric vehicles, they are not only reducing their environmental footprint but also aiming to enhance driver earnings and improve overall economic stability within the communities.

“Considering all financial incentives and reduced operating costs, drivers participating in this pilot launch could see significantly increased daily earnings compared to petrol motorcycles,” said Wanjihia. “This initiative underscores our commitment to driving positive change and fostering economic empowerment within our driver community.”

Mr. David Damberger, Managing Director at M-KOPA Mobility excited about the partnership said as the leading financier of electric motorbikes in Kenya, they are 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,” said Damberger. “Already, we have made substantial inroads since launching our Mobility division in 2022, in collaboration with ROAM and Ampersand.”

Damberger added, “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.”

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 subsidizing 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%.

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.

Mr. Mikael Gange, CCO of ROAM said, “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.”

Mr. Josh Whale, Founder and CEO of Ampersand E-Mobility Kenya thanked Bolt and M-KOPA for their enthusiasm and confidence in Ampersand’s market-leading electric vehicles and energy network. He said, “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.”

Whale noted motorcycle riders and more end users will save money through this new development, and at the same time drive e-mobility forward at the pace that Kenya’s economy, environment, and the continued habitability of the planet.

As part of its launch strategy, Bolt will initially deploy the electric bikes in Nairobi, with expansion plans. 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.

Since 2019, Bolt has been mitigating its environmental impact by investing in projects primarily focused on renewable energy and resource conservation. In 2021, the ride-hailing company 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.

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