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Bolt, the global shared mobility company, has announced it will be deploying a fleet of 5,000 electric motorcycles in Kenya over the next three years to improve driver earnings and reduce tailpipe emissions.
In partnership with African fintech platform M-KOPA, new and existing drivers using Bolt will be able to lease Roam and Ampersand electric motorcycles at a discounted price enhancing driver earnings through the reduction of operational costs.
The rollout of 5,000 electric motorcycles 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.
Caroline Wanjihia, regional director, ride-hailing operations for Africa and international markets, said: “We are excited to introduce our electric motorcycle 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 environmentally friendly and financially viable transportation solutions in Kenya.
By leveraging electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also enhancing driver earnings and improving 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.”
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 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.
David Damberger, managing director of 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 two 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.”
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 reduce tailpipe emissions and create an inclusive transportation ecosystem that benefits users and the environment.
