Electric Motorcycles in Kenya

 Electric motorcycles have exploded in popularity across Kenya, especially for boda boda (motorcycle taxi) riders and last-mile delivery. As of early 2026, they're no longer a niche experiment — they've hit mainstream adoption.

Explosive Growth in 2025–2026Kenya's motorcycle registrations surged dramatically in 2025, with the overall market jumping ~128–145% year-over-year to around 163,000–168,000 new units. Electric models drove much of that momentum:

• Electric motorcycles captured 15.3% of all new registrations in 2025 (up from ~7.1% in 2024 and just 3.6% in 2023).
• Over 25,000 electric units were registered in 2025 alone.
• Total registered electric motorcycles exceeded 30,000 by end-2025, with cumulative EVs (mostly two-wheelers) hitting ~35,000.

This places Kenya among the world's fastest-growing electric two-wheeler markets, rivaling places like Vietnam in pace. The shift is fueled by sky-high fuel costs (boda riders often spent KSh 500–1,000 daily on petrol), lower running costs (as little as KSh 200/day on electricity vs. KSh 700+ on fuel), reduced maintenance, and innovative financing/battery-swapping models.Government support via the National Electric Mobility Policy (with tax incentives, green plates introduced in 2026, and grid/charging goals) plus renewable-heavy electricity (~90% from hydro/geothermal/solar) makes the economics compelling.Key Players and Models Dominating in 2026The market revolves around battery-swapping networks (quick 1–2 minute swaps instead of slow charging), which suit high-daily-use boda riders. Leading brands include:

• Spiro — One of the biggest, with >16,000 units deployed in Kenya by 2026 and hundreds of swap stations. Models like the Ekon 450M1 are among the most affordable (around KSh 152,000 upfront). They're expanding aggressively to all 47 counties.
• Roam — Kenyan-made pride with the Roam Air (designed for African roads, good load capacity, ~90 km range, top speed ~90 km/h). Popular for local manufacturing, strong torque for hills/loads, and positive rider reviews on reliability and cost savings.
• Ampersand — Strong in battery-swapping; opened networks to compatible third-party bikes in early 2026 (a first in Africa). Models like Gen3 (~KSh 220,000) emphasize profitability for riders.
• ARC Ride — Growing fast with swap stations in Nairobi and beyond; attracting major funding.
• Others gaining traction: Enzi G5 (praised for high torque ~384 Nm, 100–130 km range, 250 kg load capacity, 80 km/h top speed — great for heavy/cargo use), plus emerging names like Wylex Mobility.

Riders report 50–70% lower operating costs, with some saving enough to support families better. Challenges remain: rural coverage is limited, battery compatibility varies (though interoperability is improving), and upfront prices still require financing/leasing.Why It's a Game-Changer for KenyaWith over 2–3 million petrol motorcycles (mostly boda bodas) on roads, even partial electrification saves massive fuel imports, cuts urban pollution/noise, and boosts rider incomes. Electricity demand for EV charging jumped 188% in 2025, showing real usage.In 2026, expect continued acceleration: more swap stations, policy perks, and possibly doubled fleets if incentives hold. For boda riders or buyers, switching now often pays back fast — many report breaking even in months via fuel savings.If you're considering one (personal use, boda business, or delivery), test-ride Roam Air or Spiro models — the savings and performance are turning heads across Nairobi and beyond. What's your take — ready to go electric, or sticking with petrol for now?