Bolt has hit a major clean-mobility milestone in Kenya, with over 40 percent of its motorbike fleet now electric, making it the country’s largest EV bike operator.
The company has also signed up more than 1,700 M-KOPA-financed riders, surpassing its 2025 target and boosting access to affordable electric transport nationwide.
Announcing the milestone on Monday, Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager, East Africa, said the company’s progress reflects both the appetite for cleaner transport options and the practicality of electric motorbikes in daily operations.
He stated, “Kenya is at the forefront of clean mobility in Africa, and today’s announcement marks a pivotal step in scaling practical, affordable and sustainable transport solutions. By reaching over 40 percent electric bike penetration and onboarding 1,700 M-KOPA-supported riders, we are demonstrating that sustainability and improved rider livelihoods can go hand in hand.”
The on-demand mobility platform said the achievement marks a decisive shift in the local transport landscape as more riders embrace electric alternatives driven by affordability, rising environmental consciousness and improved rider earnings.
Bolt has also onboarded more than 1,700 M-KOPA-financed riders, hitting its 2025 target ahead of schedule and enabling more Kenyans to join the e-mobility economy through flexible asset-financing solutions.
The company says the increased adoption of electric bikes is firmly aligned with its strategy to lower operating costs for riders, reduce emissions, and support national climate objectives.
According to the company, electric motorbikes offer riders significant daily savings compared to petrol-powered bikes, particularly in fuel and maintenance, the two major contributors to operating expenses.
The partnership with M-KOPA has been central to unlocking this shift, allowing riders to access electric bikes through flexible and affordable financing plans.
This model has made it easier for riders to transition from petrol motorbikes without bearing the upfront cost burden.
Chief Product Officer and Managing Director, M-KOPA Mobility, Nena Sanderson, emphasised the critical role of removing financial barriers for widespread EV adoption.
She noted, “Our partnership with Bolt is proving that when financing barriers are removed, riders are eager to adopt cleaner and cheaper electric alternatives. Reaching 1,700 riders is just the beginning, we are committed to scaling this impact even further.”
Bolt reports that the electrification efforts are already generating substantial environmental and economic impact.
With transport identified as one of the fastest-growing contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas, the company believes EV adoption in the ride-hailing segment is a key driver of cleaner cities.
In its end-of-year data, Bolt recorded 4.8 million electric bike rides in the past year, highlighting strong consumer appetite for EV services and reaffirming Kenya’s position as a continental leader in sustainable mobility.
The company described this as “the continent’s biggest e-mobility milestone,” demonstrating just how quickly riders and passengers are embracing cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transport solutions.
Looking ahead, Bolt plans to expand its electric motorbike fleet even further in 2026.
The company said it will pursue new financing partnerships, enhance its rider support systems, and collaborate with manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers to accelerate adoption.
These efforts are geared towards creating a fully integrated EV ecosystem that supports riders at every stage, from onboarding to long-term performance.
Bolt says its goal is to ensure that electric mobility becomes not just an alternative, but the standard for ride-hailing across Kenya.
With the milestone already achieved ahead of schedule, the company believes the next phase of growth will be defined by scale, partnerships and continued investment in clean transport technologies.
