Spiro signs partnership with SafeBoda co-founder to drive E-Mobility
Efforts towards a successful E-Mobility drive in the country also require regulatory frameworks that continuously highlight the need to conserve the environment.
Kaushik Burman, CEO, Spiro and Ricky, co-founder, Safeboda, after the signing of the partnership. (Courtesy)
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Stakeholders in the boda boda industry observe that more awareness campaigns can boost the uptake of electric motorbikes in Uganda, which is currently on an upward trajectory.
According to SafeBoda co-founder and director, Ricky Papa Thompson, efforts towards a successful E-Mobility drive in the country also require regulatory frameworks that continuously highlight the need to conserve the environment.
He was speaking on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Electric vehicle company, Spiro and the SafeBoda co-founder.
The event held at Spiro offices along Port Bell Road in Kampala seeks to drive awareness and adoption of Spiro's electric motorbike ecosystem among boda boda riders across the country.
"I am thrilled to partner with Spiro to champion a new era of mobility for Uganda's boda riders. Our community is the heartbeat of urban transport, and together we can drive real change, making electric mobility not just a dream, but a reality for thousands of hardworking riders across the country. I am passionate about empowering boda riders with cleaner, more affordable options that improve their livelihoods and our environment,” he said.
Ricky explained that whereas more than 1.2 million boda boda cyclists are involved in this industry, most of them make limited returns because of the high cost of fuel and extra servicing fees for the ordinary motorbikes.
“I was in the industry for 6 years, and I understand the frustrations of the riders. Imagine how much a litre of fuel costs. This has been the trend for years, and there are no signs of reducing. The message to the riders today is to embrace electric bikes, which will enable them not only to make profits but also to save the environment,” Ricky highlighted.
"This partnership is a powerful step forward in our mission to transform urban transport in Africa. By joining forces with Ricky, we are bridging authentic community connections with innovative technology to accelerate clean, affordable, and locally built electric mobility solutions across Uganda,” said Kaushik Burman, CEO - Spiro.
To boost uptake, Spiro is also working with financial institutions to enable potential clients to acquire the electric bikes through paying in installments. This means that a rider can purchase the motorbike in just a year or even less.
"Together, we aim to make sustainable mobility accessible and practical for Uganda's boda boda sector, empowering riders and communities alike. Currently, these bikes cost just sh3.8m, which is lower than the Sh5.8m charged on the ordinary bikes,” Gaurav Anand, the Country Head - Spiro Uganda.
Currently, electric motorbikes make up about 10% of the Bodaboda fleet in Kampala. However, compared to neighbouring East African countries like Kenya, where electric motorbikes account for around 15%, Uganda still has room to grow.