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Stakeholders in Kenya’s mobility and green transport sectors have flagged a central barrier slowing uptake of electric bikes (e-bikes): low awareness and information gaps, especially among riders and informal operators.
Nairobi, Kenya — September 25, 2025
Stakeholders in Kenya’s mobility and green transport sectors have flagged a central barrier slowing uptake of electric bikes (e-bikes): low awareness and information gaps, especially among riders and informal operators. The finding comes as the country pushes for greener urban transport to curb costs, emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
The Standard reports that while more riders are experimenting with “silent” two-wheelers in Nairobi’s business districts, the profit narrative — that e-bikes offer better margins — has not convinced many traditional boda boda operators.
Damien Gueroult of Watu Credit (an asset financer) stated:
“It is not because ICE (internal combustion engine) is better, but because of awareness.”
Market commentary (TechTrends KE) notes that although financing schemes like “Ride Now, Pay Later” are available, they have not fully closed the adoption gap, partly because e-bike costs remain high for many delivery riders.
Kenya has policy incentives for electrification: in recent years, excise duty on EVs has been reduced, VAT zero-rating is being applied to electric motorcycles and bicycles, and a special e-mobility tariff is in force.
Infrastructure is slowly growing: battery swapping stations and charging hubs are being deployed, especially in Nairobi and peri-urban zones.
Kenya’s electricity mix is largely renewable and most of the population is connected to the grid — factors seen as strengths for e-mobility expansion.
However, gaps remain: infrastructure coverage is uneven, regulatory frameworks around battery safety and interoperability are weak, and local assembly is still nascent.
From many stakeholder interviews and sector reports, the missing link is not technology or policy alone — it is perception, knowledge, and trust. Key nodes:
|
Barrier |
How It Shows Up |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Low awareness / misinformation |
Riders may not fully understand total cost savings, battery-swap models, or long-term benefits |
Without understanding, many stick to familiar petrol bikes |
|
Skepticism & resistance to change |
Reluctance to adopt new tech, fear of breakdowns, doubts about battery life |
Heightens perceived risk; acts as behavioral inertia |
|
Cost transparency and financial literacy |
Riders may not see clear breakdowns of fuel vs electricity savings or returns on investment |
Without clear math, financing pitches fail |
|
Limited demonstration & trust-building |
Few large-scale pilots or public showcases in many counties |
Operators see only theoretical benefits, not tested ones |
|
Fragmented messaging & lack of coordinated communication |
Multiple players marketing in silos, inconsistent claims about range, costs |
Confusing narratives reduce confidence |
In sum: even with incentives and infrastructure emerging, if the potential users don’t believe it or don’t “see it working in practice,” adoption stalls.
Risks
If information gaps persist, uptake will remain patchy and confined to early adopters, undermining economies of scale.
Misleading claims or failed pilots may lead to reputational damage, eroding trust in the sector.
Stakeholder fragmentation (financiers, manufacturers, government, transport unions) may continue to produce mixed messaging.
Opportunities
Targeted awareness campaigns, rider education, demonstration fleets and “ride trials” could shift perceptions.
Partnering with boda boda unions, local media, and grassroots networks could amplify credible user stories.
Incentives tied to uptake (e.g. subsidized first-year insurance, guaranteed buy-back) may help lower psychological barriers.
Integrating financing and awareness: e.g., including breakdown simulations, real-life user testimonials, and total cost-of-ownership calculators in credit offers.
What to Watch
Whether government or industry launches national awareness or pilot programs for e-bike adoption.
Growth trends in urban vs rural counties: whether less served areas begin adopting as awareness spreads.
Financing uptake rates: which schemes (leasing, microloans, pay-as-you-go) succeed in conjunction with education efforts.
Changes in regulations or standards for batteries, safety, swapping interoperability, which may influence trust.
