Electric Motorcycles Gaining Traction In Kenya

Kenyan President, William Ruto, in his speech on Madaraka day, addressed matters about transport and stressed on his plans to introduce new modes of transport. He announced a new project to change and improve the mode of transport rooting for powered rechargeable motorbikes instead of petrol-powered engines.

The idea of Green vehicles has significantly gained traction worldwide and Kenya is no exception. There have been efforts on revamping the locomotive sector with a more efficient, affordable, and profitable means of transport globally.

President Ruto pledged to import e-motorbikes by September with an aim to escalate the biker’s hustle to the next level. This transition to electric motorcycles not only promotes affordability but also presents a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option, eliminating exhaust emissions and noise pollution. Moreover, electric bikes require less energy to operate compared to their fossil fuel-powered counterparts, boast longer lifespans, and require less maintenance.

Electric-powered motor companies like Opibus, Roam Air, Ampersand, and STIMA, have made it their mandate to bring the future to Kenya, with Ampersand pledging to release approximately 60,000 electric bikes by 2030 across Africa. From fuel to power transportation which is not only cheap but agile. Opibus, for instance, has set a high standard by recently launching an electric bus, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable mobility. Other green vehicles and motors are expected to follow suit in the near future.

Currently, Roam Air has three charging stations for the e-motorbikes. The e-bike motorists will now be able to exchange their batteries at Lusaka Road, Waiyaki Way, and Ngong Road in the capital Nairobi. These facilities make it possible to recharge batteries “in less than an hour”, and to exchange a discharged battery for a new one ready for use.

Moreover, It is partly solar-powered and offers a battery rental service, as well as a maintenance team to repair electric motorbikes that break down. With lower maintenance costs and other advantages, these green vehicles provide a secure, practical  and economical solution for transportation needs.

They say when change comes don’t resist it, embrace it. Needless to say, this is an optimistic turn towards a positive digital future for Kenya.