Nairobi is officially the green mobility capital of eastern Africa. With dozens of electric mobility startups all making efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, Kenya is gradually becoming the a top clean energy destination in Africa.
The latest development is a partnership between battery swapping technology specialist STIMA, vehicle financier Mogo, a part of Eleving Group, and ride hailing company Bolt to deepen the adoption electric motorcycles in the country.
STIMA says it will contribute motorcycles and battery swapping infrastructure to the partnership while Mogo, which already has more than 50,000 active lease-to-own agreements with motorcycle riders, will support lease-to-own plans for riders adopting STIMA-powered electric motorcycles. Bolt will promote electric motorcycles to the fleet of 4,000 riders currently using Bolt food delivery App, with the objective
of transitioning its food delivery fleet to electric.
The partnership unites three entities with shared values of climate-friendly mobility and which together provide the Kenyan market with a complete transport solution through lease-to-own asset finance, battery swapping technology and ride hailing.
Jason Gras, co-founder and CEO of STIMA, says the partnership with Mogo and Bolt contribute to the far-reaching goal of STIMA to spread the adoption of e-mobility in Kenya and East Africa.
“By harnessing STIMA’s battery swapping technology, Mogo’s tier one asset financing and Bolt’s legacy in ride hailing, this partnership will put more electric motorcycles on the road,” says Gras.
Modestas Sudnius, the CEO of Eleving Group, added that the future of mobility will be electric and the first steps in educating people about climate-friendly and sustainable decisions must be taken now.
“It is a part of the Group’s mid-term, and long-term strategy. We want to be present in Kenya with innovative products and productive lending. For us, this project contributes to fulfilling our strategic goals in the field of ESG, where we have committed to increasing the number of emission-free vehicles in our portfolio and reducing the carbon footprint arising from it. For our clients, this project will save money on fuel and in maintenance costs. For society in the long run, it will improve the ecological aspects in the cities, such as air quality and reduced noise levels.”
Edgar K Kitur, Country Manager, Bolt Food says the initiative underpins the company’s commitment to helping couriers earn more whilst encouraging sustainable modes of transportation. Through STIMA, he explained, couriers will purchase electric motorcycle bikes, allowing them to save on costs as they are less cost intensive in terms of consumption and maintenance.
“Through Mogo, they will get ready access to financing, which mitigates the challenge posed by the initial cost of acquisition of the e-bikes. The e-motorcycles will add to our existing greener transport options on our platform, including electric tuk-tuks and e- bicycles. Bolt Food is committed to providing viable economic opportunities to all its courier partners and enhancing customer experience through affordable, reliable and sustainable services,” he said.