In Nairobi’s busy streets, the shift from petrol-powered motorbikes to electric models is gaining notable momentum, driven largely by rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The conflict, initiated in February by the United States and Israel, has indirectly spurred increased adoption of electric motorbikes across Africa, particularly in fuel-import-dependent countries like Kenya.

Motorbikes, commonly referred to as “boda-bodas” in Kenya, are integral to the country’s transport and informal economy, carrying passengers and goods throughout urban centers. For many operators, the transition to electric vehicles is proving financially advantageous. Wisly Onyaiti, a boda-boda driver in Nairobi, estimates daily savings of about 2,000 shillings (approximately $15) by switching to electric, a substantial amount in a country where many workers earn less than $100 monthly. Onyaiti, a student of criminology and digital marketing, describes electric motorbikes as a “game-changer” for his livelihood.

Fuel price increases—up roughly 22 percent since the onset of the Middle East conflict—have accelerated demand for these vehicles. According to the E-Mobility Association of Kenya, sales of electric motorbikes have surged by around 40 percent over the past three months. Several companies, including ArcRide, Ampersand, and Roam, are competing in this expanding market, but Kenya-based startup Spiro has emerged as the dominant player, accounting for about 90 percent of national sales.

Spiro’s Nairobi manufacturing facility operates with streamlined efficiency, producing over 400 motorbikes daily at full capacity. Since entering the Kenyan market in September 2023, the company’s sales have grown from 4,000 units in 2024 to 14,000 in 2025, with a target of 50,000 for 2026. Spiro also operates in Uganda, Rwanda, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, and Cameroon, counting approximately 100,000 of its electric two-wheelers currently in use across Africa. Expansion efforts aim to triple this figure by year-end. Policy support is reinforcing the trend: Rwanda has banned traditional motorcycles in its capital, and Uganda is actively encouraging a swift transition to electric motorbikes, with these two countries alone representing a potential market of 1.5 million customers.

Industry experts note the faster pace of transition in Africa compared to Western markets, as motorbikes serve predominantly as commercial transport rather than recreational vehicles. Hezbon Muse, Kenya director for Ampersand, highlighted that in high fuel-cost environments, even modest savings are significant. Electric bikes are relatively affordable, with starter models priced around $750; customers rent batteries separately, exchanging them at stations across cities. Battery swaps take about two minutes, providing a range of approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles), and cost about 265 shillings ($2), roughly half the equivalent price of petrol.

Despite the overall growth, challenges remain. Supply chain disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict have increased costs for parts, most sourced from China. Additionally, currency volatility is prompting Chinese suppliers to demand payments in yuan rather than U.S. dollars. Joe Croft, founder of ArcRide, observed that these factors are offset by the substantial fuel savings experienced by users amid rising petrol prices. Croft also noted the war’s unexpected role in expanding electric vehicle markets while reducing reliance on the dollar in transactions.

Kenya’s electricity supply, predominantly derived from renewable sources such as geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power, enhances the environmental appeal of electric motorbikes. Industry leaders like Spiro’s Raymond Kitunga suggest that Africa’s experience with this green transition offers valuable lessons for the wider world.