The electric motorbike option launched by Uber Kenya a year ago has witnessed a remarkable 94.0% increase in trips within Nairobi, accompanied by significant growth in both the number of electric bikes and riders.
In partnership with the e-mobility company Greenwheels, the Uber electric boda service has expanded from 50 riders to around 500 over the past year. This growth is attributed to the rising number of bikes and the increased availability of battery-swapping stations. Greenwheels CEO Nabil Anjarwalla noted that each trip made by an Uber Electric Boda helps remove 85 grams of carbon from the atmosphere, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Greenwheels, now managing a fleet of approximately 500 electric bikes, has also expanded its maintenance and technology team from just three individuals last year to 75, as announced during a recent celebratory event. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone in advancing Kenya’s shift to green mobility in collaboration with Uber. In our first year, we’ve transported over 700,000 passengers and covered more than 12 million kilometers on electric motorcycles, with much more progress ahead,” said Anjarwalla.
Uber Electric Boda has seen a surge in the number of riders opting for the eco-friendly option. The ride-hailing company attributes this growth to the advantages of e-mobility, such as lower maintenance costs, which are 30.0% to 35.0% less, allowing drivers to keep more of their earnings. “The introduction of Electric Boda on our platform has provided drivers with an additional income stream. Moreover, we remain committed to supporting the transition to sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with the country’s national sustainability goals,” stated Imran Manji, Head of Uber East Africa.
Greenwheels aims to formalize Kenya’s widely used yet largely unorganized boda boda sector. Under its business model, the company employs e-bike riders, offering them a regular salary, monthly advances, and bonuses based on daily earnings.
“As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions, offering formal employment and stable incomes to motorcycle drivers, and helping Nairobi residents move around the city safely and conveniently,” added Anjarwalla.
E-boda riders can swap their batteries at approximately 100 stations spread across Nairobi. The Greenwheels headquarters on Riverside Drive in Westlands serves as a major charging hub, housing the largest stock of e-bike batteries in East Africa, with 400 units, and provides parking for the e-bikes after a day’s work. The bikes’ batteries have an average range of 80.0 to 90.0 kilometers.
Despite these advancements, Greenwheels acknowledged that there is still much to be done regarding the availability of power for EV battery charging stations. A source revealed to The Kenyan Wall Street that Kenya Power (KPLC) still imposes costly conditions that hinder the expansion of EV-charging infrastructure.
