Bolt has introduced electric tuk tuks, and e-bicycles on its platform as the European ride hailing company focuses on greener transport options in the food category in Kenya.

The company says the initiative seeks to reduce Bolt’s environmental footprints while also fulfilling the demand for light, smart and green modes of transport in the country.

Bolt, in a statement on Monday, said it will also curb the problem of constant fluctuating fuel prices, which take the most significant part of operating cost for drivers and couriers.

“This is a great step towards realizing environmentally conscious ways for people to move around in the city, reduce our ecological footprint, decrease air pollution and increase access to clean transportation modes. We also trust that this is a stride forward to mitigate the impacts of constant fluctuating fuel costs and will stabilize the growth and sustainability of driver earnings and cost of doing business,” said Hillary Miller-Wise, Regional Director, Bolt Africa.

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Bolt's electric tuk tuk aunched in Nairobi. PHOTO/BOLT. 

He added, “We believe that the future of urban transport is a network of on-demand services which include electric vehicles, tuk tuk, bikes and other light vehicles.”

The company said the electric bicycles and tuk tuks will be used by Bolt Food couriers only as the taxi firm widens its expansion plans and include them into the ride-hailing business.

Bolt delved into the food delivery business in March due to the pandemic and said it had experienced incredible growth in Nairobi giving users access to a variety of restaurants.

It added that it will be making deliveries using the newly launched tuk tuks and bicycles within Nairobi before it expands the services into other towns across the country.

“Our customers will now have more eco-friendly and sustainable options to choose from while still enjoying the same great door-to door deliveries experience from Bolt Food,” said Edgar Kipngetich Kitur, Country Manager, Bolt Food.

Bolt Food couriers display the e-bikes launched. PHOTO/BOLT

He added, “We are committed to transforming the food delivery sector in Kenya and we continue to invest in innovative products that enhance quality service delivery and great customer experiences at affordable costs.”

The new e-bikes and e-tuk tuks are expected to expand options for Bolt delivery business and create more jobs for couriers and providing Bolt’s clients with more options.

Bolt was the first company to launch electric bike-sharing services in Europe to become the first on-demand transportation platform to have electric bikes, scooters and ride-hailing under a single brand in one app.

The firm recently also launched Bolt Green ride category in Nairobi having electric and hybrid cars to ensure eco-friendly rides and increase access to clean transportation modes.

Kenya now becomes the first African country where Bolt has introduced electric bikes, electric tuk tuks and e-bicycles and the company plans to expand to other African markets.