New EV initiative targets commercial riders 

A new initiative has been launched to bridge the vehicle?financing gap for commercial riders by integrating electric motorcycles into Ghana’s ride?hailing and delivery sector. 

The programme, a collaboration between ride?hailing company Bolt and mobility firm MAX, aims to shift riders from petrol?powered motorcycles to electric models in response to rising fuel costs and urban pollution.  

It also seeks to reduce daily operating expenses for commercial riders while creating a pathway to ownership for those excluded from formal banking systems. 

Mr Enoch Amobire, Operations Manager at Bolt, told the Ghana News Agency that the partnership was driven by a shared vision to address what he described as the “triple threat” of vehicle accessibility, high fuel costs and frequent maintenance expenses. 

“One of the biggest challenges we have right now is vehicle access and the fact that drivers’ earnings are impacted by maintenance and fuel costs,” he said. 

Mr. Amobire said the programme uses a subscription?based rent?to?own model, allowing riders to pay for the motorcycle through the Bolt app.  

“Notably, eligibility is determined by a rider’s performance and consistency on the platform rather than conventional credit scores, which often exclude hardworking drivers,” he added. 

Data from the initial rollout indicates that switching to electric motorcycles could reduce operating expenses by 40 to 50 per cent due to the removal of petrol costs and the lower mechanical complexity of electric motors. 

Addressing concerns about range and charging times, Mr Abolaji Odukoya, Country Operations Manager at MAX Mobility Ltd, said the programme relies on a battery?swapping network.  

“Instead of waiting hours for a charge, riders can visit one of over 30 designated swap stations across Accra to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in less than five minutes,” he said. 

Mr Odukoya said the initiative also provides insurance for both the motorcycle and the rider, as well as access to a specialised maintenance network to ensure commercial riders remain operational during peak periods. 

The rollout aligns with recent transport policy developments, including the legalisation of commercial motorcycle operations under the “Okada Bill” and an eight?year import duty exemption for electric vehicles used in public transport under the National Electric Vehicle Policy. 

National data shows that these incentives are having an impact, with electric vehicle registrations rising from 200 in 2022 to more than 1,200 by October 2025. 

Source: GNA 

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