Africa’s Electric Motorcycle Manufacturers Get Ready for the Next Phase as Adoption of Electric Motorcycles Accelerates

Africa’s electric motorcycle industry is entering a pivotal stage as adoption accelerates across the continent. With over 30 million internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle taxis currently in operation, the transition to electric models is driven by the high costs and maintenance demands of fossil fuel-powered bikes, alongside low rider profits. The emergence of established financing schemes and battery-as-a-service models has significantly lowered barriers to entry, encouraging more than 100 companies to develop electric motorcycles tailored to African markets. Leading the sector, Spiro has deployed over 100,000 electric motorcycles and established a vast network of battery swapping stations, facilitating more than 30 million battery exchanges. The company’s recent acquisition of Coexlion, a motorcycle engineering and design firm with global experience, aims to bolster its product development and localisation efforts. This move is expected to enhance Spiro’s ability to design motorcycles suited to the unique road conditions and usage patterns found across Africa, leveraging Coexlion’s expertise alongside Spiro’s existing research and development capabilities. Meanwhile, Roam, one of the sector’s pioneers, has launched the Roam Air Gen 3, featuring a redesigned battery optimised for commercial riders. The new battery boasts rapid charging capabilities, GPS tracking, water resistance, and robust safety features, making it particularly suited to the demanding boda boda market. A recent durability test, where the battery was run over by an 18-tonne truck and continued to function normally, underscores the industrial-grade build quality and reliability necessary for the harsh operating environments faced by riders. These advancements indicate a shift in the industry’s focus from merely proving the viability of electric motorcycles in Africa to refining and scaling products that meet the continent’s specific needs. With growing market shares—such as Kenya’s electric motorcycle sales exceeding 16%—manufacturers are now concentrating on enhancing performance, durability, and localisation to make electric motorcycles the preferred choice for millions of users. This next phase promises to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, supporting both economic and environmental goals across Africa.