Ride-hailing company, Bolt, has partnered with M-KOPA, Roam Electric, and Ampersand to introduce a fleet of electric motorcycles in Kenya. This initiative not only aligns with the country’s National E-mobility Policy but also promises to revolutionize the urban mobility landscape.
Through this strategic collaboration, Bolt aims to onboard a staggering 5,000 electric motorcycles onto its platform within the next three years, with an ambitious target of 1,000 by the end of 2024. These zero-emission vehicles will provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for riders, enabling them to maximize their earnings while minimizing their environmental impact.
Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt’s Regional Director for Ride-Hailing Operations, expressed her excitement about this pioneering endeavor, stating:
“This marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide sustainable and financially viable transportation solutions in Kenya. By leveraging electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also aiming to enhance driver earnings and improve overall economic stability.”
The key to this initiative’s success lies in the strategic partnerships Bolt has forged. M-KOPA, Kenya’s largest financier of electric motorbikes, will leverage its fintech platform to make electric motorcycle ownership affordable for drivers. Through vehicle financing, riders on the Bolt platform can access these electric bikes for as low as KES 10,000 to 15,000, substantially lower than the cost of a comparable petrol alternative.
Roam Electric and Ampersand, the manufacturers of the electric motorcycles, have lauded this collaboration as a significant step towards promoting sustainability and cutting operational costs for riders. Their advanced charging solutions, extensive service networks, and dual battery systems empower riders to increase efficiency without worrying about battery depletion.
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David Damberger, Managing Director of M-KOPA Mobility, emphasized the company’s commitment to redefining mobility in Kenya, stating, “Partnering with Bolt represents a significant leap towards our goal of enabling more customers to transition to sustainable transport solutions.”
By combining the power of digital micropayments with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, M-KOPA offers riders access to these productive assets without the need for collateral or a guarantor, further democratizing the adoption of electric mobility.
As Bolt initially deploys the electric bikes in Nairobi, with plans for expansion in the near future, this initiative promises to set a precedent for sustainable urban transportation in Africa. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Bolt is driving positive change and fostering economic empowerment within Kenya’s vibrant mobility sector.