On any given day in Kampala, the streets are clogged with traffic, and the air is thick with exhaust fumes, which city prefect, KCCA, has attributed to motorbike taxis, commonly known as boda bodas.
With an estimated 350,000 of these motorbikes operating in the city, Lord Mayor Eriasi Lukwago says their contribution to air pollution, noise, and greenhouse gas emissions is definitely high.
But the arrival of the electric motorbike, according to experts, could be a game changer, offering solutions to the long standing pollution challenges the city has been grappling with.
The eco-friendly bikes are not only transforming the way people move around the city but also offering a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable alternative to traditional fuel-powered motorcycles.
According to Victor Getenya, Head of EV at Watu Uganda, the direct contribution of EV bikes to environmental sustainability is immense.
“Electric bikes run on rechargeable batteries, which means no petrol is needed. This significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to combat air pollution. This shift is crucial in addressing climate change and improving the quality of urban air, “he said.
He explained that electric motorbikes also produce zero tailpipe emissions, which is especially important for cities like Kampala, where poor air quality is linked to respiratory issues and other health problems.
According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for about 7,000 premature deaths annually in Uganda. Can we include the year the WHO made this claim?
He said allowing electric bikes to equally compete with combustion powered motorbikes on the market will improve air quality in the city, leading to a healthier environment for all its residents.
“Noise pollution, another major problem in cities, is also tackled by electric motorbikes. Traditional petrol engines are notorious for their loud noise, especially during peak hours, creating a constant hum in the urban environment. In contrast, electric bikes operate quietly, leading to peaceful streets and a calmer atmosphere. Having a mix will therefore improve the quality of life for residents,” he said.
Currently, electric motorbikes account for about 10% of the Bodaboda fleet in Kampala. This figure is notable, especially when compared to neighbouring East African countries.
He said Watu Uganda has deployed thousands of electric bikes across Kampala, significantly enhancing urban mobility.
Affordability
Although electric motorbikes cost a little more than their ordinary counterparts, Getenya said Watu Uganda has a financing model aimed at reducing the upfront burden of acquiring the bikes, in order to drive adoption.
“As an asset financing company, we have a model for financing EV bikes, and as we speak, adoption is gaining ground. We have introduced financing options that allow riders to pay for their electric bikes in affordable installments, and this has brought many on board, including those who don’t have access to bank loans,” he said.
He noted that while the initial cost of an electric bike may be higher than that of a petrol-powered one, the long-term savings are significant.
Electric bikes require much less maintenance, with no oil changes or frequent repairs, which enables riders to save up to UGX 500,000 annually on maintenance costs.
On top of that, riders can save between 10,000 to 20,000 Shillings daily, depending on how much they use their bike.
He said:” as more people adapt to the EV bikes, the trickle-down effect will be immense. With each saving made, investment is also made, which results in a greater impact on the economy, and the household as a whole.”
