E-mobility firm, Uber has introduced an electric motorcycle in Kenya, known as the “One Electric,” with its initial availability limited to Nairobi.

This move is significant as it aligns with the global shift towards electric vehicles, a trend that has gained momentum in countries like the United Kingdom, where plans are underway to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles.

This marks Uber’s third major product launch in the Kenyan market this year, following the introduction of an audio recording safety feature and the integration of M-Pesa into its payment system.

The director and regional general manager of Uber Middle East and Africa, Frans Hiemstra stated, “Now is the time to take solid steps that enhance sustainable practices, and as a business, we are committed to being part of the collective efforts to reduce the carbon footprint. Through the launch of Electric Boda on our platform, we are proud to provide an option for emissions-free mobility in Kenya. This launch also supports our global efforts to become a zero-emissions platform by 2040.”

Kenya is taking steps to address pollution following the launch of the National Electric Mobility Plan, which is in line with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (2020-2025). This approach eliminates the need for parliamentary approval for tax exemptions on electric car imports by 2024.

The plan’s key objectives include implementing an automotive industry charter, providing eco-friendly driver education, and establishing sustainable road traffic management.

The electric motorbikes, with an 80-kilometre range, are not owned by Uber itself but are managed by Greenwheels Africa, an e-mobility company specializing in electrifying motorbikes.

Greenwheels Africa will handle all bike-related logistics, including maintenance and charging.

Currently, Greenwheels operates a few charging stations in Kenya, but they plan to expand to ten by the end of the year.

Charging the bikes will not be the responsibility of the riders; instead, they will exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at Greenwheels Africa’s stations.

Imran Manji, Uber’s head of East Africa, explained that Uber electric Boda cyclists will be charged for the batteries based on their usage.

Manji added, “If a rider wants to swap a battery that is at 40%, they will only pay for 60% of the charge at the station.”

Although riders won’t own the electric bikes, there are plans to sell them to other Kenyan individuals.

Greenwheels will lease the bikes for Uber services through a collaborative partnership involving the e-mobility company, Uber, and the riders.

This addition will complement Uber’s existing Boda service, which utilizes fuel-powered motorbikes and may see a potential 20% reduction in prices.

Mr. Manji stated, “We are doing our part to aid the transition to eco-friendly mobility products and to support national sustainability objectives. The launch of Electric Boda will provide Kenyans with one of the most affordable ways to move from one place to another, with prices 15-20% below the price of our existing product.”

Initially, the electric bikes will be accessible in specific areas of Nairobi and are expected to expand to other Kenyan cities in the future.

Uber has not disclosed any plans to introduce this service in other African markets.

High fuel costs in Kenya have resulted in increased expenses for residents, businesses, and transportation, impacting economic activities and living costs.

However, the government has reinstated a fuel subsidy to stabilize pump prices.

This has kept the cost of petrol, diesel, and kerosene steady at Sh194 ($1.34), Sh179 ($1.23), and Sh169 ($1.16), respectively, in Nairobi.

Uber estimates that the introduction of electric motorbikes could lead to a potential 30-35% reduction in operational expenses.

The Bodaboda industry, which employs over 1.5 million young people in Kenya, contributes approximately Sh202 billion ($1.4 billion) to the country’s economy annually, according to the World Bank.