In Africa first, Uber introduces electric motorcycles in Kenya

Uber has made a historic move in Africa by introducing electric motorcycle taxis in Nairobi, Kenya. This marks the company’s first foray into electric motorcycles on the continent. Uber plans to launch about 3,000 electric bikes initially, aiming to reduce operating costs for drivers by 30-35% and lower fares by approximately 15-20%.

The Electric Boda, as Uber calls it, is a two-wheeler designed to carry both a driver and a passenger. Instead of a petrol engine, these motorcycles are powered by electric engines supplied by batteries. Uber’s regional general manager for the Middle East and Africa, Frans Hiemstra, stated that this launch aligns with the company’s global goal of becoming a zero-emissions platform by 2040.

In Kenya, the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) sector employs over 1.5 million young people and contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Kenya’s government has ambitious plans to have 5% of all registered vehicles in the country be electric-powered by 2030. Currently, the number of registered electric vehicles (EVs) is relatively low, accounting for less than 1% of the total 4.4 million registered vehicles.

Additionally, Kenyan startup Spiro has partnered with the government to deploy over one million electric vehicles across the country. The company has already introduced nearly 10,000 electric bikes in several African countries and plans to establish 3,000 battery charging and swapping stations in Kenya, along with a manufacturing base.

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Kenya has been taking steps toward clean energy, primarily relying on renewable sources like hydro-electric and geothermal power. However, it still faces challenges such as power cuts and rising fuel prices, which have added to the economic difficulties faced by its citizens. Kenyan President William Ruto is hosting the first-ever Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi to address climate change and sustainable energy solutions in the region.