E-Motorbike for Kenya in a Nutshell

By Milena Heusser

Moto-Taxi boda bodas, a common use of motorcycle in Kenya

Abstract

In many African countries, motorcycles are a key driver of the economy and society. There are problems associated with this mode of transportation that could find a solution in electric motorcycles.

The Context

This blog specifically refers to Kenya, a state that represents this situation, as the largest and fastest growing vehicle segment is two-wheelers, both because of their accessibility in terms of cost, which is low compared to other motorized vehicles, and because of the low travel time they provide.

The concern

There are several reasons why this prevalence of motorcycles is a cause for concern.

Motorcycle accidents cause thousands of deaths and millions of injuries each year, accounting for more than 26 percent of all road traffic deaths in the sub-Saharan region. 

Moreover, considering only the popular use of motorcycles, motorcycle-taxi (see image 1), there are about 30 million people who spend 120 million dollars a year on fuel, which is one of the biggest costs they face.

In addition, motorcycles contribute to environmental pollution and climate change by emitting high levels of greenhouse gases and particles.

Finally, communities are affected by engine noise and motorcycle-related crime.

In conclusion, the issue addressed is that, like every nation in the world, African countries need transportation systems that are safe, eco-friendly, and accessible to all.

The solution.

The Stakeholders, among them STIMA, engaged in developing a solution, suggested Electro-Mobility, which involves two main interventions.

On the one hand, the introduction in Kenya of electric motorcycles that are roughly the same price as gasoline-powered motorcycles.

On the other hand, the introduction of battery exchange stations. With an exchange price of 3 dollars per 100 km, the electric motorcycle is 30% cheaper than the gasoline motorcycle. The STIMA model of a swapping station (see image 2) is a modular container with operators, allowing for larger batteries, around 30 kg, creating new jobs and avoiding self-service. 

Electro Motorcycle and swapping station in Kenya

The agenda

The agenda for the transition to electric mobility pursues big goals.

• By 2026: 770 million tons of CO2 avoided, and 250 million cumulative savings on riders.

• Within the next two decades, manufacturers of 70% of the vehicles used in Kenya have committed to end production of ICE vehicles.

• By 2050, more than 80% of sales in all segments are expected to be electric.

The obstacles

The main obstacle to this operation can be summarized by two problems.

A huge need for operation, since it is estimated that 100,000 swapping stations are needed, and a huge capex need.

the response

STIMA's response to the main obstacles involves two approaches.

1. Being ubiquitous:

Allow each company to become a battery exchange station and develop an operator application that can help with supervision.

2. Be extra-financial:

Monitoring batteries and maximizing revenue generation from assets. Trying to combine low battery availability with high battery consumption and aiming to increase battery life, which is around six years.

The conclusion

In conclusion, the project follows a timeline that begins with a market analysis, follows with a technology implementation, and ends with a business building.