ARC Ride partners with Watu to offer affordable electric boda bodas

Boda boda riders in Kenya are set to benefit from electric motorbikes, which will save them at least Ksh 350 daily on fuel and maintenance fees.

This development comes as ARC Ride, in collaboration with their financing partner Watu, introduces the highly anticipated Zoom and Corbett motorbikes.

ARC Ride’s electric motorcycles have been developed locally through extensive research to ensure they meet local needs, including optimised range, speed, and ground clearance. The bikes also require minimal maintenance as they operate without oil, chains, gears, or the need for traditional fuel.

The firm has established a network of automated battery swap stations across Nairobi, enabling riders to save valuable working hours that would otherwise be spent on charging.

Currently, there are over 50 operational swap stations in the city, with an additional 50 set to be deployed between July and September this year.

“We are offering the Zoom and Corbett motorcycles, which will contribute to supporting the government's goal of transforming the transport sector with clean and affordable mobility. Partnering with Watu ensures all riders can pay a daily fee similar to the cost of financing a petrol motorbike.

“The move is also significant because it signifies our contribution towards partnering with the government to demonstrate Kenya’s leadership in the global race to net zero,” noted George  Songe, Operations Manager, ARC Ride Kenya, during the event.

To make electric bikes more affordable, the firm has introduced a unique approach by decoupling the cost of the battery from the retail price of the bike.

Riders can opt for Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) rental packages at Ksh.350 per day or pay as low as Ksh.185 for individual swaps, making battery swaps more cost-effective than purchasing petrol.

ARC Ride's “infrastructure-first” approach places them at the forefront of Kenya's e-mobility revolution. By combining lightweight batteries, a user-friendly mobile application, and convenient swap cabinets, ARC Ride ensures a seamless experience for customers.

Riders have the choice to buy the Corbett and Zoom outright for Ksh.180,000 each, or pay as little as Ksh.450 a day through Watu.

Erick Massawe, the Country Manager, Kenya for Watu, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "We believe the future of the mobility industry is electric. Through our collaboration with ARC Ride, we aim to revolutionise the electric motorbike industry in Kenya and eventually in Africa, improving access and affordability.”