LATEST ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE NEWS: KENYA

Kenya’s electric motorbike sales have increased sevenfold over 2 years, thanks to several incentives that make ownership cheaper and more convenient than an ICE bike. 

Although it contributes minimal greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is one of the regions most affected by climate change in the world, experiencing devasting effects including air quality deterioration, extreme heat and water scarcity.  Many of its national governments are well aware of the role electric mobility plays in reducing fossil fuel reliance to mitigate these effects, and are taking steps to increase its take-up with promotional methods such as tax exemption. 

One of East Africa’s countries, Kenya, has become a major force in transitioning riders to using electric motorbikes. Motorcycles are most commonly used there commercially as taxis and are a vital part of its transportation industry. Many drivers have been encouraged to switch to electric, which has led to very promising sales (x7 increase) over the past few years, and the world is watching. 

Electric motorcycle opportunities in Kenya

Kenya’s transport sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuel vehicles, and the State Department for Transport has made a pledge to reduce its emissions by 32% by 2030, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015.  In Kenya, two- and three-wheeled vehicles make up 65% of annual vehicle registrations, presenting a great opportunity for reaching its target with electrification.  

Currently, electric two wheelers account for 70% of existing electric vehicles in the nation as industry stakeholders are trying to make them as attractive as possible to increase take-up.

Multiple financial benefits

To lessen the cost barrier of electric motorcycles, the Kenyan government has committed to keeping the price of e-motorcycle ownership down, and various companies are offering incentives. Financial companies are offering loans, global taxi provider Bolt is offering leasing at discounted rates for motorcycle taxi drivers, and motorcycle brands are offering trade-in programs (disposal of gasoline bikes towards electric purchases). 

After initial financial benefits, drivers are enjoying how much money they save by regularly using an e-motorbike instead of an ICE motorbike. In 2023, Kenya’s president President William Ruto declared that “electric motorcycles will cost just $1.40 for a 70-kilometer ride in terms of energy compared with $2.70 for gasoline-driven ones.”

Increased savings and convenience from battery swapping

Another way Kenya has made e-motorbikes more cost-effective is by alleviating the common worry of running out battery during trips (range anxiety). Multiple companies have developed battery swapping networks (especially in larger cities like Nairobi and Mombasa), where motorcycle taxi drivers can simply swap their low battery for a fully charged one, instead of waiting for it to charge, saving them time in their day and enabling them to ride further for more income.   

Plus, drivers that opt for battery swapping services do not need to pay for the battery when they purchase their e-motorcycle upfront; instead, they just pay each time they swap their depleted battery, making the investment cheaper and more competitively priced to match ICE motorbikes.

Maximized opportunities for industry growth

Kenya offering increased savings and convenience for electric motorcycle riders brings a great investment platform for developing Kenya’s local industry.  It’s estimated that Kenyan riders are being supplied by over 15 e-motorcycle startups as well as fleet operators, financial servicing and ride hailing firms (including Uber).

Surging sales in Kenya edging towards mass take-up signal

It's clear that its electric motorcycle registrations have come a long way; in just 2 years they’ve gone from a 0.5% take-up in 2021 to 3.6% in 2023. In comparison to non-electric motorbikes, of 70,691 motorbikes sold in 2023, 2,557 were electric! With Kenya experiencing many positive incentives with this increase, it’s looking promising for registrations to keep progressing towards 5%, a sign of mass take-up according to CleanTechnica.  

What’s the latest on e-motorcycle incentives elsewhere in the world? 

The Netherlands is also introducing a trade-in scheme, but for mopeds, allowing low-income citizens to trade in their petrol mopeds for electric versions, with payment assistance from the government and local municipalities. This idea is also similar to France’s conversion bonus that’s been in place for several years, which rewards citizens for disposing of a range of gasoline vehicles including cars, motorcycles and vans in favor of electric-powered options. 

Conclusion 

It’s clear that Kenya is a beacon of positivity for the world in its efforts to tackle climate change with electric motorcycles, thanks to various stakeholders introducing strategies to make owning them as convenient as possible. However its transportation landscape differs from many. What has worked to drive sales in Kenya may not necessarily work as effectively in other countries. For example, battery swapping services are super-successful in Kenya and parts of Asia (for mopeds), but haven’t properly taken off in other places just yet. 

What is clear is that progress is being made around the world, with Kenya, the Netherlands, Indonesia, India and other countries laying the groundwork for electric motorcycle adoption. We look forward to hearing about their progress as we work together for a brighter, electric future.