Prof. Samantha Clarke
Bolt, a leading on-demand mobility company in Africa, has joined forces with M-KOPA, a prominent African fintech platform, to introduce an electric bike fleet in Kenya. This partnership aims to provide new and existing drivers with the opportunity to lease ROAM and Ampersand electric motorbikes at discounted prices, promoting eco-friendly urban mobility while reducing operational costs.
The rollout of 5,000 electric motorcycles aligns with Kenya’s recently launched National E-mobility Policy, which encourages local production and assembly of electric vehicles (EVs). These electric bikes offer a cost-effective alternative for drivers, with zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional vehicles.
As Kenya’s largest financier of electric motorbikes, M-KOPA is playing a crucial role in making electric motorbike ownership affordable by significantly reducing associated expenses for drivers. By subsidizing the cost of the vehicle, Bolt enables drivers to choose an electric motorbike at a price equal to or below that of a comparable petrol alternative. This approach is expected to result in approximately 40% savings in total ownership costs compared to petrol motorbikes.
Through the collaboration with M-KOPA, ROAM, and Ampersand, riders on the Bolt platform can access an electric bike for as low as KES 10,000-15,000 through vehicle financing. This initiative not only supports and empowers drivers but also contributes to reducing Bolt’s environmental footprint and improving economic stability in the communities they serve.
The strategic partnership between Bolt and M-KOPA is a significant step forward in redefining mobility in Kenya and transitioning to sustainable transport solutions. M-KOPA’s expertise in digital micropayments combined with IoT technology allows customers to access electric motorcycles without collateral or a guarantor. Drivers joining the fleet will have to operate exclusively on the Bolt platform and will eventually own the bikes after the lease period.
Bolt’s introduction of electric bikes in Nairobi is just the beginning, with plans for expansion in the near future. By collaborating with local stakeholders, Bolt aims to create a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem that benefits both users and the environment.
This launch represents Bolt’s ongoing commitment to providing financially viable and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions in Kenya. By embracing electric vehicles, they are not only reducing their ecological footprint but also enhancing driver earnings and fostering economic empowerment within the driver community.
The electric bike fleet introduced by Bolt and M-KOPA in Kenya is part of a growing trend towards eco-friendly urban mobility in the African market. The partnership between Bolt, a leading on-demand mobility company, and M-KOPA, a prominent fintech platform, aims to promote sustainable transport solutions and reduce operational costs for drivers.
Kenya’s recently launched National E-mobility Policy, which emphasizes local production and assembly of electric vehicles, aligns with the introduction of the 5,000 electric motorcycles in Nairobi. These electric bikes provide a cost-effective alternative for drivers, with zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional vehicles.
M-KOPA plays a crucial role in making electric motorbike ownership affordable by subsidizing the cost of the vehicle. By significantly reducing associated expenses for drivers, M-KOPA enables Bolt to offer electric motorbikes at prices equal to or below that of petrol alternatives. This approach is expected to result in approximately 40% savings in total ownership costs compared to petrol motorbikes.
Through the collaboration with M-KOPA, drivers on the Bolt platform can access an electric bike for as low as KES 10,000-15,000 through vehicle financing. This initiative not only supports and empowers drivers but also contributes to reducing Bolt’s environmental footprint and improving economic stability in the communities they serve.
The strategic partnership between Bolt and M-KOPA represents a significant step forward in redefining mobility in Kenya and transitioning to sustainable transport solutions. M-KOPA’s expertise in digital micropayments combined with IoT technology allows customers to access electric motorcycles without collateral or a guarantor. This approach makes it easier for drivers to join the fleet and eventually own the bikes after the lease period.
Bolt plans to expand its electric bike fleet in the near future, demonstrating their commitment to providing financially viable and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions in Kenya. By collaborating with local stakeholders, Bolt aims to create a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem that benefits both users and the environment.
To learn more about Bolt’s initiatives and services, you can visit their official website at bolt.com. For more information on M-KOPA and their fintech solutions, visit m-kopa.com.
