Bolt, a leading on-demand mobility company in Africa, has partnered with M-KOPA, a leading African fintech platform, to launch an electric bike fleet in Kenya. This initiative will offer new and existing drivers the opportunity to lease ROAM and Ampersand electric motorbikes at discounted rates, in alignment with global efforts to combat climate change. The goal of this partnership is to enhance driver earnings by reducing operational costs and promoting eco-friendly urban mobility. Bolt is active in various sectors including ride-hailing, food delivery, and corporate mobility services.
The plan is to roll out 5,000 electric motorcycles in Kenya over the next three years, following the recent launch of Kenya’s National E-mobility Policy. These electric bikes have zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional vehicles, offering a cost-effective alternative for drivers to maximize their earnings while reducing expenses. Through leveraging M-KOPA’s fintech platform, Bolt aims to make electric motorbike ownership affordable for drivers, leading to significant savings in total ownership costs compared to petrol motorbikes. This partnership allows drivers to access an electric bike for as low as KES 10,000–15,000 through vehicle financing.
Key individuals involved in the collaboration have expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. Caroline Weichai, Bolt’s Regional Director of RideHailing Operations, highlighted the benefits for drivers in terms of increased daily earnings. David Damberger, Managing Director of M-KOPA Mobility, emphasized the commitment to redefining mobility in Kenya through affordable financing solutions for electric motorbikes. Mikael Gånge, CCO of ROAM, discussed the impact on Boda riders in terms of promoting sustainability and reducing operational costs. Josh Whale, Founder & CEO of Ampersand E-Mobility Kenya, praised the collaboration for driving emobility forward in the country.
Bolt plans to deploy the electric bikes initially in Nairobi with plans for expansion in the future. The company aims to create a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem through partnerships and collaborations with local stakeholders. In addition to the electric bike fleet, Bolt has introduced a new ride category called Bolt Green on its platform, offering eco-friendly rides to reduce emissions during trips. This expansion of ride options creates more economic opportunities for drivers and provides passengers with greener transport choices. The growth in Kenya’s electric mobility sector, particularly in the electric motorcycle industry, is evident with various startups entering the market to aid the transition to electric mobility.
Overall, partnerships like the one between Bolt and M-KOPA are crucial in accelerating the adoption of electric mobility in Kenya by lowering barriers through innovative financing solutions and digital micropayments for drivers. With over 2 million internal combustion engine motorcycles in the country, many of which are used in the motorcycle taxi industry, there is a significant market for electric mobility solutions. The collaboration between Bolt and M-KOPA signifies a positive step towards sustainable transport solutions and reducing carbon emissions in Kenya’s transportation sector.
