Bolt, the leading Estonian ride-hailing company, has partnered with electric vehicle (EV) producers Roam Electric and Ampersand and financing company M-KOPA to introduce electric motorcycles in Kenya.

Bolt’s collaboration with Kenya’s largest financier of EV bikes will allow new and existing drivers within the country to lease ROAM and Ampersand electric motorbikes at a discounted price compared to prevailing market rates. This approach aims to save approximately 40% in total ownership costs compared to petrol motorbikes.

To access the EV bikes, drivers must join the fleet through vehicle financing made possible by the agreement between M-KOPA, ROAM, and Ampersand. Then, the drivers must operate exclusively on the Bolt platform and own the bikes after the lease period.

The partnership will signal the addition of electric motorcycles to the Bolt platform.  This will enable riders to request eco-friendly electric ‘boda-boda’ motorcycle rides on the Bolt platform in Kenya. The company aims to introduce this feature in its long-term sustainability strategy. Electric bikes produce less noise and emit less carbon dioxide.

The company has announced its plan to add 5000 electric bikes to its platform within the next three years.

The collaboration supports Kenya’s National E-mobility Policy

“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,” said Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt´s Regional Director of RideHailing Operations in Africa and International Markets.

The 5000 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, electric bikes offer a cost-effective alternative for drivers, enabling them to maximise their earnings while minimising expenses.

Wanjihia further said that 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.

“This marks a significant milestone in Bolt’s mission to provide sustainable and financially viable transportation solutions in Kenya.”
Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt´s Regional Director of RideHailing Operations in Africa and International Markets. 

“Considering all financial incentives and reduced operating costs, drivers participating in this pilot launch could see significantly increased daily earnings compared to petrol motorcycles,” added Wanjihia.

“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,” said David Damberger, Managing Director at M-KOPA Mobility. M-KOPA is Kenya’s largest financier of electric motorbikes having already financed approximately two-thirds of the electric bikes on Kenya’s roads.

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