25 Apr 2024
We’ve partnered with African fintech platform, M-KOPA, to introduce 5,000 electric motorbikes (initially 300 during a pilot phase of 6 months) in Nairobi, Kenya within the next 3 years.
The initiative will enable flexible digital micropayments for drivers and facilitate the transition to more sustainable transport options.
By offering attractive financing terms, including discounted down payments and lease costs, the partnership aims to make electric motorbike ownership more accessible to drivers — something highlighted in driver feedback.
With a subsidy of up to 20% of the bike price, drivers can enjoy significant savings, reducing total ownership costs by approximately 40% compared to petrol motorbikes.
Lower energy and maintenance costs further contribute to potential savings of up to 75%, improving driver earning potential.
The introduction of electric bikes represents a significant step towards reducing air pollution and helping combat climate change.
With zero tailpipe emissions and lower life cycle emissions compared to traditional vehicles, electric bikes offer a sustainable urban transport alternative.
By avoiding approximately 1,000 tonnes of CO2e tailpipe emissions annually with every 300 electric motorbikes on the road, we hope to see a cleaner, healthier future for Nairobi and beyond.
Collaboration is critical to overcoming the challenges of scaling electric vehicle use across Africa.
Our partnerships with M-KOPA, Ampersand, and Roam demonstrate a concerted effort to leverage expertise and resources in pursuit of sustainable mobility solutions.
And through cooperation with Eleport, Weflex, Splend, Ubitricity, Shell, Repsol, and Buzz Electric, which are partnerships under our Green Plan we can extend our reach and impact, driving innovation and electrification across markets.
The launch of electric motorbikes in Nairobi will not just help maximize driver earnings but also accelerate Kenya’s transition to sustainable transport.
By investing €100 million in Kenya over the next 3 years and committing €500 million across 7 African countries, we’re committed to helping foster economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
And through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, we want to lead the transition to greener, more inclusive urban mobility solutions.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in that journey — it paves the way for a more sustainable future for cities across Africa.
