Grace Ashiru
M-KOPA, a prominent African fintech platform specializing in asset finance, has partnered with Bolt, a leading on-demand mobility service in Africa, to introduce an electric bike fleet in Kenya. This joint initiative offers both new and existing drivers the opportunity to lease ROAM and Ampersand electric motorbikes at discounted rates compared to current market prices.
The collaboration underscores Bolt’s commitment to enhancing driver earnings and promoting eco-friendly urban transportation, aligning with global efforts to address climate change. Over the next three years, the deployment of more than 5,000 electric motorcycles supports Kenya’s National E-mobility Policy, which encourages local production and assembly of electric vehicles (EVs). With zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance costs, these electric bikes provide drivers with a financially feasible option to increase earnings while reducing expenses.
M-KOPA, a leading financier of e-bikes in Kenya, partners with Bolt to revolutionize electric motorbike ownership. With M-KOPA’s fintech platform, Bolt makes owning electric bikes more affordable, slashing costs for drivers by up to 40% compared to petrol bikes. Through this collaboration, drivers enjoy subsidized vehicle prices, bringing electric bikes on par or even cheaper than petrol counterparts. With reduced energy and maintenance expenses, drivers could cut vehicle operating costs by a whopping 75%. Thanks to M-KOPA, ROAM, and Ampersand, Bolt platform riders now have access to electric bikes for as low as KES 10,000-15,000 through flexible financing options.
Caroline Wanjihia, the Regional Director of RideHailing Operations for Africa & International Markets at Bolt, expressed her enthusiasm for introducing an electric bike fleet, emphasizing Bolt’s dedication to offering sustainable and financially viable transportation options in Kenya. She highlighted that this initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also boosts driver earnings, contributing to economic stability within the communities served. David Damberger, the Managing Director of M-KOPA Mobility, emphasized their commitment to revolutionizing mobility in Kenya through affordable financing solutions for electric motorbikes. He highlighted the partnership with Bolt as a significant stride toward expanding their reach and assisting more customers in transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions.
M-KOPA combines digital micropayments with IoT technology to offer customers access to various assets, such as electric motorcycles, without requiring collateral or a guarantor. Through joining M-KOPA’s fleet on the Bolt platform, drivers can access EV bikes and eventually own them after the lease period. Mikael GÃ¥nge, CCO of ROAM, emphasized the efficiency of their charging infrastructure and battery systems, highlighting the positive impact on operational costs for riders. Josh Whale, Founder & CEO of Ampersand E-Mobility Kenya, expressed gratitude for the confidence shown by Bolt and M-KOPA in their electric vehicles and energy network, stressing the collaboration’s significance in advancing Kenya’s ride-hailing and delivery industry.
