Bolt Roam and Ampersand rollout 5000 electric motorcycles - TechGyant

Bolt partners with Roam and Ampersand to rollout 5,000 electric motorcycles

Bolt Roam and Ampersand rollout 5000 electric motorcycles

Bolt and M-KOPA have today unveiled an electric bike fleet in Kenya to provide new and existing drivers an opportunity to lease ROAM and Ampersand electric motorcycles at a discounted rate, curb their operational expenditures, as well as transition towards eco-friendly urban mobility, align with global initiatives to tackle climate change.

The rollout of 5,000 electric motorcycles coincides with the recent launch of Kenya’s National E-mobility Policy, aimed at promoting local production and assembly of electric vehicles (EVs). Boasting zero tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional vehicles, these electric bikes present a cost-effective alternative for drivers, enabling them to maximize their earnings while minimizing expenses.

According to Caroline Wanjihia, Regional Director, Ride-Hailing Operations, Africa & International Markets, “By embracing electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also aim to enhance driver earnings and improve overall economic stability within the communities that we serve. Considering all financial incentives and reduced operating costs, drivers participating in this pilot launch could potentially witness significantly increased daily earnings compared to petrol motorcycles. This initiative underscores our commitment to driving positive change and fostering economic empowerment within our driver community.”

The deal involved M-KOPA as the financier, ROAM and Ampersand as the manufacturers of electric motorbikes, and Bolt as the implementing mobility partner. Riders on the Bolt platform will be able to access an electric bike for as low as KES 10,000-15,000, through vehicle financing, enabled by the partnership between M-KOPA, ROAM, and Ampersand.

David Damberger, Managing Director – M-KOPA Mobility, added: “We have made substantial inroads since launching our Mobility division in 2022, in collaboration with ROAM and Ampersand. With over 2 million motorbikes navigating Kenya’s roads, now is the time for us to extend our reach, as we set to positively impact the environment significantly by reducing carbon emissions and saving on fuel costs—an essential keystone of Kenya’s sustainable development.”

Bolt states that this move will help its drivers save approximately 40% savings in total ownership costs compared to petrol motorbikes. With reduced energy and maintenance expenditures, drivers can potentially decrease their vehicle operating costs by up to 75%.

By combining the power of digital micropayments with IoT technology, M-KOPA offers customers access to a broad range of productive assets, including electric motorcycles, without collateral or a guarantor. For drivers to access the EV bikes, they will need to join the fleet supported by M-KOPA. The drivers will need to operate exclusively on the Bolt platform and then own the bikes after the lease period.

“Our at-home and portable charging options, extensive Roam Hub service network, and dual battery system empower delivery riders to increase efficiency without worrying about battery depletion. Through this strategic partnership with Bolt, we’re not only promoting sustainability but also cutting operational costs remarkably for Boda riders, making a meaningful impact where it matters most, and creating a better future for all,” said Mikael Gånge, CCO, ROAM.

Since 2019, Bolt has been mitigating its environmental impact by investing in projects primarily focused on renewable energy and resource conservation. In 2021, Bolt introduced a new ride category on its platform dubbed Bolt Green, which offers eco-friendly rides as the company moves towards reducing its ecological footprint in Nairobi. The category has hybrid and electric cars to reduce emissions during trips taken on the Bolt platform, thus offering greener transport options. This category expanded Bolt’s ride options, creating more economic opportunities for drivers and providing passengers with more options to choose from.

As part of its launch strategy, Bolt will initially deploy the electric bikes in Nairobi, with plans for expansion in the near future. The company seeks to create a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem that benefits users and the environment through strategic partnerships and collaborations with local stakeholders.

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