Kenya’s electric motorcycles climb to 15.3% of new registrations in 2025

Kenya recorded a pronounced shift in motorcycle demand in 2025 as battery-powered models secured a double-digit share of new registrations. Electric two‑wheelers accounted for 15.3% of newly registered motorcycles last year — 25,277 units out of 168,286 new registrations — up sharply from 7.1% in 2024 and 3.6% in 2023. The trajectory reflects accelerating adoption rather than a temporary spike, supported by rising imports of used electric two‑wheelers and a growing roster of local startups selling, financing and servicing electric bikes. Practical economics are a strong demand driver: lower operating costs, simpler maintenance profiles and improving charging options make electric motorcycles attractive to commercial riders who log high daily mileage. Kenya’s largely renewable electricity mix strengthens the climate case for electrifying the taxi‑style motorcycle fleet, meaning market share gains can translate into meaningful emissions reductions if uptake continues. Experience from other emerging markets shows institutional partnerships and platform demand guarantees can de‑risk adoption by providing steady trip volumes, coordinated aftersales and access to installment finance that lowers upfront cost barriers. That lesson is directly relevant here: scaling beyond early adopters will require targeted incentives, robust distribution and aftersales networks, and financing products tailored to drivers who operate on thin margins. Key operational metrics to watch as the sector grows include vehicle uptime, average daily distance per rider, payback periods under real-world usage and default rates on installment plans. The broader motorcycle market more than doubled in recorded new registrations year‑on‑year, a surge that compounds both the opportunity and the strain on infrastructure and regulation. For manufacturers, financiers and urban planners, current momentum creates a near‑term window to cement standards, battery‑service ecosystems and commercial models adapted to motorcycle taxi operations; aligning policy and private investment could make Kenya a rapid, low‑cost decarbonisation template for other African cities.