Tag Archive: Africa

  1. Africa’s transition to electric motorcycles

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    Source: The Pack Image credit: Ssenyondo Gabriel, Unsplash

    Motorcycles are considered a key pillar in the African urban mobility sector, with millions being used as taxi vehicles. In recent years, the market has become increasingly electrified, thanks to lower costs and several start-ups in the region offering convenient offerings for motorcycle taxi drivers.

    Many taxi drivers in the region have transitioned to using electric motorcycles due to them requiring less maintenance, lower operating costs (approximately 30–40% less), and playing a role in reducing urban pollution. Riders who have switched to electric versions have reportedly managed to increase their daily earnings, as they no longer have to spend a large amount of their income on petrol and repairs, as they had with their previous ICE models.

    African start-ups electrifying motorcycle taxis

    There has been an emergence of African start-ups aspiring to supply this market by innovating their own electric motorcycles, especially for taxi drivers and delivery fleets, with many integrating battery-swap infrastructure, direct fleet management and financing solutions into their vehicle offerings.

    E-motorcycle adoption by region

    Although e-motorcycle start-ups are emerging all over the continent, the epicentre of motorcycle electrification is East Africa, especially the countries of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, where there are millions of motorcycle taxis in daily operation. For example, in Kenya, e-motorcycles are experiencing rapid growth rates with a 15.3% market share recently reported, demonstrating how quickly the market is expanding.

    As motorcycle taxi riders travel large distances and depend on their bikes for income, they are very sensitive to fuel costs, which makes electric motorcycle adoption economically more attractive, as well as convenient with battery-swap networks and flexible financing models.

    It has been anticipated that although Africa’s electric motorcycle industry is still fairly new, its potential for growth is significant. As there are already millions of users and many e-motorbike start-ups all over the continent, increasing usage could reshape urban mobility and decrease fuel dependence in the region. Global manufacturers may also look to capitalise on supplying this promising market in the next decade.

  2. A GoFundMe highlights cycling cities: The African experience

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    Source: GoFundMe

    A groundbreaking initiative is underway that highlights how African cities are leading the charge in sustainable urban mobility through cycling.

    The project, spearheaded by a dedicated non-profit organization, focuses on documenting the stories of cities that have become global leaders in bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Through the book “Cycling Cities,” this initiative aims to showcase how 17 cities across Africa—from Aba to Zomba, including major hubs like Cairo and Cape Town—have successfully integrated cycling into their urban environments.

    “Cycling Cities” isn’t just another book; it’s a tool for sustainable change. By bringing together interdisciplinary voices from across Africa and Europe, this project provides invaluable insights into how cycling has historically shaped African cities and how it can continue to do so in the future. The book aims to support African authors by bringing their crucial research into the spotlight, fostering a broader understanding of the continent’s unique approach to sustainable mobility.

    This initiative also addresses the growing concern of neocolonial pressures on African nations. As global powers push for a future dominated by next-generation electric vehicles—often only affordable to the wealthy—the book argues that Africa’s cycling legacy offers a far more equitable and sustainable path. For over a century, Africans have adapted cycling to meet their needs, finding autonomy and sustainability within colonial and postcolonial systems. This overlooked history provides valuable lessons that can guide global efforts to create more sustainable cities.

    The project’s broader goal is to enhance the capacity of the “Think Bike” movement across Africa. By supporting this book, backers are not only helping to publish critical research but are also contributing to the distribution of learning materials in schools and libraries across the continent. These resources will help educate communities on the benefits of cycling and inspire the development of more bike-friendly cities.

    With a network of partners including academics, policymakers, activists, artists, and students, the success of “Cycling Cities” promises to strengthen and expand the community of cycling advocates across Africa. The more books distributed, the stronger this community becomes, paving the way for a sustainable and cycling-friendly future in cities across the continent.

    Donate to the GoFundMe here.