Articles tagged with "electric-motorcycles"
Watu’s 2024 Sustainability Report Shows Growing Electric Motorcycle Financing Landscape In Africa - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the critical role of motorcycles in Africa's transport sector, particularly in East, Central, and West Africa, where approximately 30 million internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles serve millions daily in taxi and last-mile logistics roles. The widespread use of innovative asset financing, especially through microfinance institutions and asset fintech companies, has fueled the growth of the motorcycle taxi industry, with 80% to 90% of motorcycles in many countries being financed. This established financing ecosystem has paved the way for the emerging electric motorcycle market, which is gaining traction, exemplified by Kenya where 7% of motorcycles sold in 2024 were electric, with expectations for even higher adoption in 2025. Watu, a leading asset financing company celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a key player in this evolving landscape. Specializing in secured lending for smartphones and two- and three-wheeled vehicles, Watu operates in seven African countries and has financed over 600,000 vehicles, primarily ICE
energyelectric-motorcyclessustainable-transportationAfricaelectric-vehiclesasset-financingmicrofinanceElectric Vehicle Electricity Consumption In Kenya Up 300% In 12 Months - CleanTechnica
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reported a significant surge in electric vehicle (EV) electricity consumption, with a 300% increase from 1.26 GWh to 5.04 GWh in the financial year ending June 2025. This growth aligns with the rise in registered electric vehicles, which reached 6,442, predominantly electric motorcycles (about 90%) used mainly in the motorcycle taxi (boda boda) and last-mile delivery sectors. Kenya is a regional leader in electrifying this sector, driven largely by private startups operating within the "boda belt"—a region spanning from Tanzania to Senegal where motorcycle taxis are common. To encourage EV adoption, Kenya introduced a special e-mobility electricity tariff with lower rates than standard commercial and residential tariffs, including reduced off-peak pricing. EPRA is also considering removing the 15,000 kWh consumption cap on this tariff to further incentivize fleet electrification, especially for buses. Beyond EV
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclese-mobilityKenyaenergy-consumptionelectric-transportationWhen Lightning Strikes Twice: The Ducati V21L's (Almost) Final Thunder - CleanTechnica
The article highlights Ducati’s groundbreaking V21L electric motorcycle, which has significantly advanced the performance standards of electric racing in the 2025 FIM MotoE World Championship. Weighing just over 216 kilograms after battery improvements, the V21L has consistently broken records and posted lap times competitive with traditional Moto3 combustion-engine bikes. Ducati’s engineering innovations, including higher energy density battery cells, corner-specific traction control, and chassis refinements like an extended wheelbase and adjustable swingarm pivot, have collectively transformed the bike’s handling and speed, effectively closing the gap between electric and combustion racing machines. The 2025 season reached a dramatic climax at the Misano round, where intense competition among riders like Alessandro Zaccone, Mattia Casadei, and Lorenzo Baldassarri kept the championship undecided until the final race in Portugal. Despite the V21L’s dominance and the thrilling racing it enabled, the MotoE series is facing an “indefinite hiatus,” casting uncertainty on the future
energyelectric-motorcyclesDucati-V21LMotoE-World-Championshipbattery-technologyelectric-racingenergy-densitySpiro Kenya Is Taking E-Mobility Countrywide - CleanTechnica
Spiro Kenya is rapidly expanding its electric mobility (e-mobility) operations across the country, focusing on electrifying Kenya’s large motorcycle taxi industry. Unlike many companies that began in Nairobi, Spiro strategically launched in Mombasa in September 2023 to serve an underserved market before expanding to Nairobi in June 2024, covering the greater metropolitan area including Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos counties. The company has since extended its reach to Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Nandi County, Kisumu, Kisii, and Kakamega, deploying hundreds of electric motorcycles at a time and establishing a presence in 22 counties with over 7,500 electric motorcycles and more than 200 battery swap stations. Spiro’s battery charging infrastructure includes various types of swap stations: brick-and-mortar shops housing up to 24 batteries, automated unmanned stations with app-controlled access for 12 batteries, and modular racks configured based on electricity capacity. These stations
energyelectric-motorcyclesbattery-swap-stationse-mobilityKenyasustainable-transportationelectric-vehicle-infrastructureWhy Electrifying Motorcycles In India Is Important - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical importance of electrifying motorcycles in India, where two-wheelers constitute over 70% of all mobility and consume 60% of the country's gasoline. Despite scooters achieving around 20% electric vehicle (EV) penetration, motorcycles lag significantly at just 0.1%, leaving a vast segment of the market reliant on petrol-powered vehicles. India has approximately 250 million motorcycles, nearly all petrol-fueled, with 20 million new sales annually. Given that motorcycles make up two-thirds of two-wheelers and are widely used across Indian cities—many of which suffer from severe air pollution—transitioning to electric motorcycles is essential for reducing harmful emissions and improving public health. Ultraviolette, an Indian electric motorcycle manufacturer, currently offers two models, the F77 Mach 2 and F77 Superstreet, and plans to launch a scooter (Tesseract) and an adventure bike (Shockwave) by early 2026, with over 70
electric-motorcyclesIndiaclean-energyelectric-vehiclestwo-wheel-mobilityEV-adoptionsustainable-transportationKenya’s High Import Duties On Electric Cars Stall Adoption - CleanTechnica
Kenya stands to gain significantly from accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption due to its exceptionally clean electricity grid, with renewables accounting for around 90% of power generation. This clean energy base means that increasing EV penetration could lead to substantial CO2 emissions reductions. Notably, Kenya has made considerable progress in electric motorcycles, with their market share rising from 0.5% in 2021 to 7.1% in 2024, indicating a move toward mass adoption. Electric tuk tuks and buses have also seen modest uptake, with 4% and 1.1% market shares respectively in 2024. However, electric car adoption remains very low at just 0.18% of new vehicle registrations. The primary barrier to electric car adoption in Kenya is the high import duties and taxes imposed on these vehicles, which significantly inflate their final cost to consumers. For example, the BYD Sealion 7’s price nearly doubles after including import duties and VAT, rising
energyelectric-vehiclesKenyarenewable-energyelectric-motorcycleselectric-busesgreen-economyThe Birthplace Of The Boda Boda Is Electrifying Thanks To Pioneers Like Zembo - CleanTechnica
The article highlights Uganda's pivotal role in the origin and ongoing evolution of the boda boda motorcycle taxi industry, which began over 50 years ago with pioneers like Ali Mayende. Today, boda bodas are a vital mode of passenger and small goods transport across Africa, with nearly 30 million motorcycles operating continent-wide. Despite their prevalence, about 99% of these motorcycles still rely on internal combustion engines, presenting a significant opportunity for electrification. The shift toward electric motorcycles is primarily driven by local startups within the so-called “boda belt,” a region stretching from Tanzania to Senegal, where motorcycle taxis dominate commercial transport. A leading example of this transition is Uganda-based Zembo, a pioneer in Africa’s electric motorcycle sector. Zembo’s electric motorcycles have made substantial impacts, particularly in last-mile delivery services for companies like Glovo, where 40% of couriers now use electric bikes with plans to increase this share. Zembo’s fleet has contributed to significant carbon emission reductions—over 2,
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclestransportationAfricaclean-energysustainable-mobilityZambia’s Removal Of Customs Duties On EV Imports Spurs Growth In EV Adoption - CleanTechnica
About a year and a half ago, the Zambian government implemented policies to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption by removing customs duties on electric motorcycles, cars, buses, trucks, and related accessories like charging systems. Additionally, excise duty on hybrid vehicles was reduced from 30% to 25%. This policy shift has led to significant growth in EV registrations: from just 62 EVs registered as of July 2023 to 269 by July 2025, marking over 330% growth in two years, albeit from a small base. Despite this progress, EVs still represent a small fraction of Zambia’s overall vehicle market, which saw 86,846 vehicle registrations in 2023 and a total vehicle population of over 823,000. Most vehicles imported into Zambia are used internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, primarily from Japan, which are more affordable for the average consumer compared to new vehicles. The removal of customs duties on EVs, including used EVs,
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-adoptioncustoms-dutiesZambiaelectric-motorcyclescharging-systemsAmpersand, Africa’s Electric Mobility Pioneer, Secures Major Investments To Scale Clean Transport in East Africa - CleanTechnica
Ampersand, a leading electric mobility company in East Africa, has secured significant investments to accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles and related infrastructure across the region. The company’s ability to structure blended finance has attracted both equity and catalytic junior debt from investors such as BII, Seedstars Africa Ventures, Gaia Impact, and Raspberry Syndicate. This combined capital will enable Ampersand to expand its electric motorcycle fleet, battery swap network, and charging infrastructure, supporting thousands of motorcycle taxi drivers with cleaner, more affordable transportation options. The article highlights the broader context of electric mobility in Africa, particularly the rapid growth of the electric motorcycle market within the “boda belt,” a region stretching from Tanzania to Senegal where motorcycle taxis dominate public transport. Nearly 30 million motorcycles operate in this sector, with almost all currently powered by internal combustion engines, presenting a large opportunity for electrification. Electric motorcycles offer significant benefits, including reduced air pollution and approximately 45% annual savings on fuel and maintenance costs for drivers, which
electric-mobilityelectric-motorcyclesclean-transportAfricaenergy-transitionelectric-vehiclessustainable-transportationTDK Ventures Invests in Ultraviolette to Accelerate Electrification of Motorcycles - CleanTechnica
TDK Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of TDK Corporation, has invested in Bangalore-based Ultraviolette, a leading Indian innovator in high-performance electric motorcycles. This investment aims to accelerate the electrification of India’s two-wheeler market, the largest globally and a critical sector for reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner urban mobility. With the Indian electric two-wheeler market projected to exceed $50 billion within the next decade, Ultraviolette is well-positioned to lead this transition through its mid-premium electric motorcycles and scooters, combining advanced design, performance, and safety features. Ultraviolette’s flagship models, including the F77 MACH 2 and F77 SuperStreet, have received major industry awards, while upcoming products like the Tesseract scooter and Shockwave motorcycle have already secured over 70,000 paid bookings, totaling more than $120 million in order value. The company is expanding rapidly, with a distribution network across 20 Indian cities and plans to reach
energyelectric-motorcycleselectric-vehiclessustainable-transportationclean-mobilityTDK-VentureselectrificationTDK backs Ultraviolette with $21M to take India-made electric motorcycles global
Indian electric motorcycle startup Ultraviolette has secured $21 million in an all-equity funding round led by TDK Corporation’s corporate venture arm to accelerate its global expansion. Having recently entered 10 European countries, Ultraviolette plans to quadruple its European presence, enter markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and expand its product lineup to 14 models by early 2027. The Bengaluru-based company launched its flagship F77 Mach 2 model in 2024, followed by the F77 SuperStreet, and also offers the lightweight Shock Wave motorcycle and the Tesseract scooter, which features advanced assisted-driving technology. Ultraviolette’s vehicles are equipped with eSIM connectivity and a proprietary predictive maintenance system accessible via a mobile app. Founded in 2016 by CEO Narayan Subramaniam and CTO Niraj Rajmohan, Ultraviolette aims to create electric motorcycles that rival the performance of 150cc to 800cc internal combustion engine sports bikes, distinguishing itself from the low
electric-motorcyclesUltravioletteelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyeSIM-connectivitypredictive-maintenanceelectric-mobilitySpiro Deploys 500 Electric Motorcycles in Uganda In One Day! - CleanTechnica
Spiro has achieved what is likely the largest single-day deployment of electric motorcycles in Africa by rolling out 500 bikes in Uganda, followed by an additional 300 and 150 bikes in the subsequent days. The company plans to scale up to deploying 175 to 200 motorcycles daily. Gaurav Anand, Spiro’s Country Head for Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, leverages over a decade of experience in Africa’s automotive sector, including eight years in Uganda’s motorcycle market. Motorcycles are a critical part of Uganda’s economy, being the second largest employer after agriculture, with widespread use in commercial operations known as boda bodas. Monthly motorcycle sales in Uganda have ranged from 8,000 to 12,000, mostly internal combustion engine (ICE) models, though recent increases in registration costs and new digital number plate requirements have slightly slowed growth. Spiro’s market entry strategy focused on integrating with Uganda’s existing motorcycle ecosystem rather than pushing electric bikes through heavy marketing. They emphasized firsthand rider
electric-motorcycleselectric-vehiclesUgandaclean-energytransportation-electrificationsustainable-mobilityelectric-transportationKenya’s First Business Financing Program For Electric Motorcycles Kicks Off With 600+ Units - CleanTechnica
Kenya’s electric mobility sector is rapidly expanding, with over 56 active players involved in various aspects such as importation, manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and financing. Motorcycles dominate Kenya’s vehicle fleet, comprising over 50%, and are the leading segment driving electric vehicle adoption. In 2024, electric motorcycles accounted for just over 7% of new motorcycle registrations, with 4,862 electric motorcycles registered out of 68,804 total new motorcycles. This growth is expected to accelerate in 2025 as companies scale up production and innovation. A key player in this market is Roam, which recently launched the second generation of its Roam Air electric motorcycle, incorporating over 40 improvements based on user feedback. Roam’s in-house design and manufacturing highlight a strong commitment to local innovation. To address financing barriers that limit electric motorcycle adoption, Roam partnered with Fortune Credit, a licensed digital credit provider, to launch Kenya’s first business financing program for electric motorcycles. The partnership starts with
energyelectric-motorcycleselectric-mobilityKenyaelectric-vehiclesclean-transportationEV-financingSpiro's Rapid Progress On The African Continent Shows That The Transition To EVs Is Well Underway - CleanTechnica
Spiro, Africa’s largest electric vehicle company by deployed vehicles, is rapidly advancing the continent’s transition to electric mobility through its extensive electric motorcycle and battery swapping network. Operating across eight African countries—including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Cameroon—Spiro has deployed over 60,000 lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and operates a fleet of 35,000 electric motorcycles. The company’s battery swapping network has completed over 20 million swaps, making it the world’s second largest in this domain. This shift to electric motorcycles has enabled riders, such as female moto-taxi operator Ange Uwingeneye in Rwanda, to increase earnings due to lower total cost of ownership and easier vehicle operation, while collectively reducing CO2 emissions by 33,000 tonnes. Spiro’s growth is supported by four assembly plants in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria, with Kenya hosting the largest facility capable of producing 50,000 motorcycles annually and expandable
electric-vehiclesbattery-swappingelectric-motorcyclesenergy-transitionrenewable-energyelectric-mobilitysustainable-transportationRoam Launches The Second Generation of Its Roam Air Electric Motorcycle In Kenya - CleanTechnica
Roam, a leading Kenyan electric motorcycle startup, has launched the second generation of its Roam Air electric motorcycle, designed specifically with input from boda boda riders—the motorcycle taxi operators who form a critical part of Kenya’s economy, supporting around 5 million livelihoods. The new Roam Air Gen 2 features over 40 practical improvements based on real user feedback from the first generation, including a lighter frame by one kilogram for better battery efficiency and handling, a reinforced frame supporting up to 240 kilograms (20 kg more than before), and a lockable single-door battery compartment to reduce theft and simplify battery swapping. These enhancements aim to meet the rigorous demands of daily transport across Kenya’s varied road conditions. The electric motorcycle sector in Africa is rapidly growing, driven largely by private startups like Roam, amid broader regional shifts toward electric vehicles. In Kenya, electric motorcycles accounted for 7.1% of new motorcycle registrations in 2024, reflecting increasing adoption. This growth is significant given that nearly
electric-motorcycleselectric-vehiclesenergyelectric-mobilitysustainable-transportationAfrica-electric-vehiclesRoam-Air-Gen-2Torque, Trails, & Tech: Bakcou’s Puma X22 & X24 Lead The E-Moto Pack - CleanTechnica
energyelectric-motorcycleslithium-ion-batterye-motoclean-technologysustainable-transportpowertrainPhotos: Maeving unleashes all-black 90-mile range electric café racer
electric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesbattery-technologysustainable-transportationswappable-batterieseco-friendly-vehicles7% Of All New Motorcycle Registrations In Kenya In 2024 Were Electric! - CleanTechnica
electric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesAfricatransportationdecarbonizationclean-energyelectric-mobilityAfrobeats Superstar Davido & Spiro Collaborate to Launch New Range of Electric Motorcycles for Africa
electric-motorcycleselectric-mobilitybattery-swappingsustainable-transportationclean-energyAfricamotorcycle-taxiAmpersand Unveils Upgraded Electric Motorcycle Named “Alpha”
electric-motorcyclese-mobilityclean-energyelectric-vehiclessustainable-transportationcarbon-emissionsAfricaSpiro Launches In Cameroon & Tanzania
electric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesbattery-swappingclean-energydecarbonisationurban-transportAfricaAmpersand Leads The Charge As Electric Motorcycle Market Share Surges In Kigali, Rwanda
electric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesmobilityclean-energyRwandasustainable-transportationelectric-mobilityCan-Am Releases Two New Electric Motorcycles
Can-Amelectric-motorcyclessustainable-transportationelectric-vehiclesclean-technologyautomotive-innovationvehicle-electrification