Kenyan E-Bike Service Partnerships
Bolt Partnered with Three Brands to Expand E-Bikes in Kenya
Colin Smith — April 23, 2024Bolt, an on-demand mobility company, has partnered with Roam Electric, Ampersand, and M-KOPA to introduce electric motorcycles to its platform in Kenya. This initiative is part of Bolt’s long-term sustainability strategy, aiming to add 1,000 electric bikes by the end of the year and over 5,000 within the next two years. The collaboration is set to bolster Bolt’s position as a provider of eco-friendly transportation options, aligning with the growing demand for such services. Roam Electric and Ampersand are the manufacturers of these electric motorcycles, while M-KOPA will offer financing options for potential buyers. The partnership is expected to lower operational costs for boda boda riders by up to 40%, thereby increasing its revenue potential.
The introduction of electric bikes is also a response to the challenges posed by limited charging infrastructure in Kenya. Roam Electric provides a charging cable that can be used with any electric outlet, and currently has five charging hubs in Nairobi. Ampersand, on the other hand, has established 15 charging/battery swapping stations, with plans to increase this number to 25 by the end of the year. The collaboration with M-KOPA is particularly noteworthy as it is Kenya’s largest financier of electric motorbikes, having financed approximately two-thirds of the electric bikes on Kenya’s roads.
