Uber on Thursday introduced its first green mobility product in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa – Electric Boda marking a significant milestone in sustainable transportation.
The electric motorcycles provided by Electric Boda offer an affordable, comfortable, and reliable means of mobility within Nairobi, while also contributing to the country’s green transformation with zero emissions.
To make going green accessible to everyone, Electric Boda trips will initially cost 15-20% less than regular Uber Boda trips.
This affordability factor aims to encourage widespread adoption of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation practices. Additionally, Uber’s launch of Electric Boda vehicles presents a remarkable 30-35% reduction in running costs for drivers, who typically face high fuel expenses.
The boda boda sector in Kenya, which employs over 1.5 million young people, contributes approximately Kshs. 202 billion to the economy annually, according to the World Bank.
Frans Hiemstra, Director and Regional General Manager, Uber Middle East and Africa, expressed the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, saying, “Now is the time to take solid steps that enhance sustainable practices, and as a business, we are proud to provide an option for emissions-free mobility in Kenya. This launch also supports our global efforts to become a zero-emissions platform by 2040.”
The introduction of Electric Boda aligns with the Kenyan government’s National Electric Mobility Plan, which aims to create a greener transportation system and implement various initiatives for sustainable road traffic management.
Imran Manji, Head of East Africa for Uber, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting national sustainability objectives, stating that they are doing their part to aid the transition to eco-friendly mobility products.
The launch of Electric Boda will provide Kenyans with one of the most affordable ways to move from one place to another, with prices 15-20% below the cost of our existing product.
Initially available in Nairobi, Uber Electric Boda plans to expand its services to other cities, enabling riders across the country to access emissions-free trips.
Safety remains a top priority for Uber, and the same safety standards, including RideCheck, 24-7 emergency response services, and audio recording, will apply to Electric Boda trips.
