A Kenyan boda boda operator who purchased an electric motorcycle (Okada) through a KSh 500,000 (N2,728,392.39) loan has been compelled to return the vehicle after experiencing significant issues with its battery.
The boda boda operator, whose identity remains undisclosed, aired his grievances, highlighting that the electric motorcycle’s battery had failed to meet his operational needs.
The main concern revolved around the limited range of the battery, which allowed for just 60 kilometers (approximately one hour) of travel before requiring a four-hour recharge.
This predicament has severely impacted his business operations and income.
President William Ruto’s nationwide launch of electric motorcycles was heralded as a move to reduce operational costs for boda boda operators and promote environmental sustainability.
However, the recent incident has shed light on the challenges that these operators may face when transitioning to electric vehicles.
Electric motorcycles have been touted as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol-powered boda bodas, with the promise of lower operational costs, reduced emissions, and quieter rides.
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However, the practicality of these vehicles largely hinges on the performance of their batteries, which are vital for the day-to-day operations of boda boda businesses.
“Roam Air has two batteries. One battery with a single driver will give a range of 75km. So with two, it covers 150km. One battery takes 4 hours to charge from 0%-100%, but only 1.5 hours from 20%-100%,” said Wilson.”
We, however, have a rental program where you can get a battery quickly, which reduces the downtime to 30 seconds from any of our 4 Roam Hub stations in Nairobi (there will be 10 by the end of the year,” he added.
Netizens Reactions…
@smutoro wrote; “Lifespan can even be 2 years. The issue is performance (speed of charging) and retention while in use as well as off use…”
@PiusMuthui015 asked; “I interrogated another delivery guy and told me the battery can sustain for only 20 km. I ask myself, what will I do if I want to go and see my family in Meru?”
@julius_okuto claimed; “Electric Motorcycles are NOT for business. It is as simple as such.”
See below;
ALARM OVER M/CYCLE BATTERY LIFE
My boda guy returned his electric motorcycle to the dealer just one week after he picked it amid hope and excitement. The machine, which came with two giant batteries, was going to leave a Ksh500,000 dent in his pocket, but he reckoned that the… pic.twitter.com/nXKxzr4cli— Stephen Mutoro (@smutoro) September 6, 2023
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