Ride-hailing service Bolt has introduced electric motorcycles to its Kenyan operations as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and economic empowerment.
In collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturers Roam Electric and Ampersand, as well as financing firm M-KOPA, Bolt has launched a program providing new and existing drivers with discounted leasing options for electric motorcycles. These partnerships underscore a strategic push to reduce operational costs for drivers and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.
“We are excited to further our commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions in Kenya by introducing electric motorcycles,” stated Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt’s Regional Director of Ride-Hailing Operations for Africa and International Markets. “This initiative not only helps in reducing our environmental impact but also aims to enhance the earnings and stability of our drivers within the communities we operate.”
Bolt has set ambitious targets for this initiative, planning to have 1,000 electric motorcycles on the road by the end of the year and over 5,000 in the next two years. This effort aligns with Kenya’s recent National E-mobility Policy, which encourages local production and assembly of electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric motorcycles offer numerous benefits, including zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance costs compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. This makes them an economically advantageous option for drivers, potentially increasing their earnings while reducing operating costs.
David Damberger, Managing Director of M-KOPA Mobility, highlighted the importance of affordable financing solutions, especially for underbanked populations. “Our collaboration represents a significant advancement since the inception of our Mobility division in 2022, working closely with ROAM and Ampersand,” he noted.
Beyond this initiative, Bolt’s dedication to environmental stewardship has been evident since 2019, with investments in renewable energy and resource conservation projects. In 2021, Bolt introduced the Bolt Green ride category in Nairobi, featuring hybrid and electric cars to provide more sustainable transportation options and further decrease its environmental impact.
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