For weeks, popular Kenyan podcaster and radio presenter Francis Kibe Njeri has used his social media platforms to spotlight a problem he says many electric motorcycle riders face but few companies in the industry acknowledge: batteries unable to be swapped across networks and motorcycles that can be remotely disabled after periods of inactivity.
Electric motorcycles, also known as electric mobility bikes or e-bikes, are gaining ground throughout Africa, led by companies such as Ampersand, ARC Ride and Roam. The continent’s largest e-bike firm, Spiro, operates more than 1,200 battery charging and swap stations and has deployed about 60,000 electric motorcyles, according to its most recent public filing in late 2024.
Njeri claims in his widely shared posts that some operators’ remote lockout features have rendered electric motorcycles unusable, stranding riders who depend on them for their livelihood. He is among many calling for more open, standardized battery systems.
“It is not fair that we purchase the bikes, but the battery remains the property of the manufacturer, and we can only use their stations and not charge them at home,” Njeri said.
EV bike riders take to the streets
TNAM
