Bolt Reaches 40% Electric Motorbike Fleet in Nairobi’s Ride-Hailing Sector

Bolt, a prominent player in the ride-hailing sector, has announced that electric motorcycles now comprise over 40% of its motorbike fleet in Nairobi. This milestone positions Bolt as the largest provider of electric bikes in Kenya’s ride-hailing industry, reflecting a significant shift towards more environmentally friendly transportation options in the country.

The shift towards electric motorcycles is part of a broader trend in Kenya, where the adoption of electric vehicles is gaining momentum. As of 2024, electric motorcycles accounted for 7% of new motorcycle registrations, a figure that has risen to approximately 10% in 2025. This growth is notable, especially considering that the overall motorcycle sales in Kenya have shown signs of recovery after a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping from a peak of 285,203 units in 2021 to only 68,804 in 2024.

Electric Motorcycles Impact Emissions and Costs

Transport is a significant contributor to carbon emissions in Kenya, accounting for 39% of the nation’s CO2 emissions, with internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles making up over 50% of the vehicles on the roads. Increasing the adoption of electric motorcycles could dramatically reduce these emissions. If sales of electric motorcycles reach around 100,000, it is estimated that such a fleet could save approximately 85,092 tonnes of CO2 annually.

The partnership between Bolt and M-KOPA has been crucial in enabling riders to access electric motorcycles through flexible financing options. Bolt has successfully onboarded over 1,700 M-KOPA-financed riders, achieving its 2025 target ahead of schedule. According to Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager for East Africa at Bolt, this achievement underscores the potential for sustainable transport solutions that also improve riders’ livelihoods.

Future Plans and Market Growth

The electric motorcycle ecosystem in Kenya is bolstered by innovative financing solutions, as evidenced by Watu‘s plans to finance 4,850 motorcycles in 2025, with 2,000 of them being electric. Watu’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to support the transition to electric mobility, alongside the establishment of battery swapping stations across major markets.

Bolt’s strategy aligns with national climate goals and aims to reduce the operating costs for riders. The company noted that its platform recorded 4.8 million electric vehicle rides in the past year, indicating a growing demand for cleaner transport options. As Nena Sanderson, Chief Product Officer and Managing Director of M-KOPA Mobility, remarked, the collaboration between their organizations is proving that when financial barriers are removed, there is a strong willingness among riders to adopt cleaner alternatives.

The rapid electrification of the motorcycle sector in Kenya is set to continue as more companies invest in local production and expand their networks of charging and battery swapping stations. The shift towards electric motorcycles is occurring at a pace that surpasses many expectations, driven by the concerted efforts of local and international partners addressing the key challenges faced by consumers.

As the electric motorcycle market grows, it is anticipated that traditional ICE motorcycle sales will face increasing pressures. The ongoing developments in Kenya’s electric motorcycle landscape represent not only a significant environmental opportunity but also a transformative shift in the country’s transport sector.