M-KOPA Adds Electric Tuk-Tuks and Finances 10,000 Electric Motorcycles

Posted on : Monday, 2nd November 2026

M-KOPA has announced that it has financed more than 10,000 electric motorcycles in Kenya and is now extending its pay-as-you-go financing model to electric tuk-tuks. According to the company, customer data indicates that electric motorcycle riders save an average of Ksh530 per day compared with those operating petrol-powered motorcycles.

 

The expansion represents an important development for Kenya's transport sector, where access to affordable vehicle financing and lower operating expenses plays a significant role in helping individuals and businesses acquire income-generating assets.

 

Through its pay-as-you-go model, M-KOPA allows customers to spread vehicle payments over an extended period, reducing the initial financial burden on riders and transport operators. The approach makes electric vehicles more accessible without requiring customers to pay the full purchase price upfront.

 

M-KOPA General Manager for Mobility, Brian Njao, said that financing more than 10,000 electric motorcycles demonstrates increasing interest among riders seeking to reduce operating expenses and improve their earnings. He added that extending the same financing solution to electric tuk-tuks would enable operators to adopt cleaner and more affordable vehicles without making substantial initial investments.

 

Based on its customer data, M-KOPA estimates that electric motorcycle riders save approximately Ksh530 daily through reduced energy and maintenance expenses, supported by access to battery-swapping infrastructure. Across its portfolio of more than 10,000 financed motorcycles, the company calculates combined daily savings of approximately Ksh5.3 million, translating into an estimated Ksh1 billion annually, assuming consistent daily vehicle usage.

 

This achievement highlights the growing acceptance of electric two-wheelers among commercial riders looking for more economical alternatives to conventional petrol motorcycles.

 

Electric tuk-tuks also play an important role in last-mile transportation and small-business logistics, particularly in urban and peri-urban communities. According to estimates from the Kenya Tuk Tuk Operators Network, the country has more than 250,000 registered tuk-tuks and approximately 750,000 active drivers, alongside an estimated 250,000 owners and investors.

 

The network has identified limited access to affordable financing as one of the major obstacles facing individuals who want to purchase or upgrade their vehicles.

 

M-KOPA's latest expansion reflects the increasing importance of asset-backed financing solutions for individuals working in Kenya's informal and semi-formal transport economy. For commercial electric vehicles, particularly motorcycles and tuk-tuks, purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by total ownership costs rather than the initial vehicle price alone. Energy expenses, maintenance requirements, vehicle downtime, and access to charging or battery-swapping facilities are all important factors influencing adoption.

 

The company has also associated its expansion plans with Kenya's National Electric Mobility Policy, which provides a framework for encouraging investment and greater private-sector participation in the country's electric mobility industry.

 

M-KOPA highlighted government incentives supporting electric vehicle adoption, including zero-rated VAT on electric buses, bicycles, motorcycles, and lithium-ion batteries. Electric bicycles, motorcycles, and lithium-ion batteries also benefit from zero excise duty, according to the company.

 

As part of its electric mobility operations, M-KOPA provides financing for electric motorcycles manufactured by Ampersand, Roam, and Spiro. It has also partnered with Bolt to improve vehicle accessibility through financing solutions and incentives for riders.

 

Additionally, the company offers customers its M-KOPA Cares package, which includes flexible repayment arrangements, insurance coverage, GPS tracking, security features, and warranty protection.

 

The expansion into electric tuk-tuks will be an important step in determining how effectively electric vehicle financing can reach beyond motorcycles and support larger commercial transport vehicles. M-KOPA stated that its next phase of growth will concentrate on increasing customer access, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding financing opportunities across Kenya's growing electric transport market.