Bolt, the ride-hailing company, has announced a significant achievement with its electric two-wheeler fleet in Kenya, which has now surpassed 500 vehicles. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reflects its strategic collaborations with key partners in the industry.
The success of Bolt’s electric fleet can be attributed to its partnerships with fintech firm M-KOPA and electric vehicle manufacturers Roam Electric and Ampersand. These alliances have enabled Bolt to establish what it claims is the largest fully electric fleet in Kenya, operating nearly 50% of all electric vehicles in the country. As part of these partnerships, both new and existing drivers have the opportunity to lease electric motorbikes from Roam and Ampersand at discounted rates, making it more affordable for them to transition to electric mobility.
The collaboration, which evolved from a pilot program to full-scale implementation in December 2024, has witnessed rapid adoption among drivers. This trend reinforces the viability of electric bikes as a sustainable and cost-effective mode of transportation in Kenya. Bolt has ambitious plans to expand its electric fleet to 1,500 vehicles by the end of 2025, in response to the growing demand for electric bikes.
Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager of Bolt Kenya and Tanzania, emphasized the dual benefits of the electric bike initiative, stating, “The growth of our electric bikes fleet is not only sustainable but also offers a cost-effective way that allows drivers to have the ability to own these bikes and earn a living while at it.”
Additionally, the initiative has tested the resilience of the battery swap infrastructure in Nairobi, highlighting the need for increased battery capacity and more charging stations to support the growing fleet. Kanyankole noted, “This is a promising indicator for the future of electric mobility not only in Kenya but also in Africa. With the right infrastructure and partnerships, we can scale these initiatives further, reducing costs, cutting emissions, and making sustainable transport more accessible across the continent.”
Overall, Bolt’s efforts in expanding its electric two-wheeler fleet represent a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation solutions in Kenya and beyond.
