With adverse effects of climate change quite prevalent today, a silent revolution is underway as electric automobiles begin transforming the way people commute.

Compared to gas-powered automobiles, electric motorbikes offer efficiency, eco-friendliness and a touch of modern technology, experts say.

The net effect of burning fossil fuels on the environment has resulted in the destruction of the ozone layer commonly known as the greenhouse effect. This has prompted urgent push for use of e-mobility.

The greenhouse effect is the process through which heat is trapped near earth’s surface by greenhouse gases. These gases consist of carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapour.

 Water vapour, which reacts to temperature changes, is referred to as ‘feedback’, because it intensifies the effect of forces that initially caused the warming.

As of late 2023 and early 2024, Kenya had 2,079 registered electric vehicles (EVs), including motorcycles and other vehicles, with an objective of attaining five per cent of total registered vehicles by then.

Kenya generates more than 90 per cent of its power from renewable sources and has been positioning itself as a hub to lead Africa’s shift to green transport. Unlike gas-powered motorcycles, electric motorbikes produce zero emission offering a cleaner alternative that aligns with growing environmental consciousness.

Beyond environmental benefits, electric motorbikes present significant economic advantages and with the rising fuel prices, the cost of ownership of gas powered vehicles is therefore becoming uneconomical compared to electric powered ones.

Electricity is cheaper than gasoline and many models require minimal maintenance compared to their gas-powered machines, the experts say.

Charles Ndegwa, who is chairperson of Nyeri Bodaboda Association, says the cost of an electric bike currently is Sh210,000, a figure that is out of reach of the common man.

While comparing the cost of petrol driven motorcycles and the electric ones, Ndegwa says the difference is striking. For instance, a Captain motorcycle goes for Sh168,000 while a TVS motorcycle goes for around Sh205,000.

He nevertheless commends the machines for their versatility and commendable horsepower, which enables them to match conventional ones.

Ndegwa says Nyeri only needs to have reliable charging stations for the electric motorcycles and vehicles adding: “Initially our members were reluctant to adopt the concept of electric motorbikes because they thought that they were not as powerful as the traditional motorbikes. We once did a test with the electric motorbikes near Green Hills Resort and were amazed the bike was able to carry two people. This settled the question about their durability and ability to provide services to the public.”

At the core of these sleek motorbikes, lies a powerhouse that often goes unnoticed: the battery.

Understanding how these batteries function not only illuminates the technology behind electric motorbikes but also highlights their role in shaping the future of urban mobility.

Electric motorbikes primarily run on lithium-ion batteries which have become the gold standard in the industry due to their high energy density, lightweight design and longevity. The battery comes with 72 Volts 20 Amp and can be charged at home and from a normal socket or at a charging station.

When the adaptor displays red, it means that the battery is not fully charged. You can know it’s fully charged is when it displays a green light on the adaptor.

When you charge an electric motorbike, electricity flows into the battery where it undergoes a chemical reaction. When the rider accelerates, the stored power energy is released as electricity, powering the electric motor that drives the bike.

James King’ori, is a resident of Othaya but plies his bodaboda business in Githurai, Nairobi, using an electric motorcycle.

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On average King’ori revealed that he spends Ksh200 ($1.54) daily for charge, enough to run the bike for an entire day. He however laments about lack of charging stations in the country, which he attributes to the slow adoption of e-mobility into the rural areas.

“I used to spend Ksh600 (4.63) daily on fuel on my earlier motorcycle and some more money on servicing. Today, I only spend Ksh200 ($1.54) daily on charging. Unfortunately lack of charging stations in the rural areas is one of the major impediments in the adoption of electric motorcycles in many areas. Many rural areas lack sufficient infrastructure for charging electric motorbikes forcing operators to make longer journeys in order to have them charged,” he pointed out.

Ultimately, one can say, as technology continues to evolve, the future for electric motorbikes and motor vehicles appears quite promising.

• A Tell / KNA report / By Samuel Maina and Geoffrey Chaura