A few days ago, something unusual caught my attention while driving to work (though I could have chosen to commute with the Buga e-bike).
Approximately 7 out of every 20 boda bodas on the road were electric.
What stood out was their sleek, modern designs and silent rims gliding through traffic with an almost effortless grace—a sharp contrast to the clunky frames and noisy engines of their fuel-powered counterparts. Certainly, not the kind of trend you’d have noticed a few years ago.
In Kenya and Rwanda, electric two-wheelers are steadily becoming more common, turning heads and sparking conversations—especially in the last-mile delivery business.
So, is this just another fleeting trend, or are we witnessing a groundbreaking innovation in logistics that could change how businesses operate? Perhaps one you need to catch before it leaves you behind.
In this blog, we’ll explore how electric bicycles and motorcycles are silently but boldly changing the face of last-mile delivery in our cities and discover whether this movement is one you can afford to miss.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Last-Mile Delivery?
Last-mile delivery refers to the final step of the supply chain, where goods are transported from a central hub to their final destination.
It involves the processes and strategies that oversee the final leg of the delivery journey, ensuring goods are efficiently transported directly to the customer's doorstep.
In Kenya, the last-mile delivery landscape has experienced significant growth. According to the Communication Authority of Kenya's Fourth Quarter Sector Statistics Report (2023/2024), the number of outgoing domestic courier parcels increased from 1.7 million to 1.9 million, marking a 60.8% annual variation.
This upward trend reflects the rising demand for fast and reliable delivery services as businesses and consumers continue to embrace e-commerce and digital trade.
Why last mile delivery is important.
Last mile is the most critical component of the supply chain. It is a direct link to the end customer - the final touchpoint.
Whether you're a business delivering essential goods or an e-commerce platform fulfilling customer orders, this stage is crucial in ensuring efficiency and reliability.
By optimizing this stage, businesses can:
Reduce delivery expenses
Improve fleet operations with smart route planning
Ensure faster and more reliable deliveries
Enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty
Maximize profitability through operational efficiency
Why Electric Bicycles and Motorcycles?
Technological advancements and increased industry competition have driven the adoption of electric bicycles and motorcycles in last-mile delivery.
Courier companies are progressively adopting technology to improve efficiency and tracking abilities, enabling businesses and customers to track deliveries in real-time.
Electric vehicles provide a distinct advantage by reducing operational costs, eliminating fuel expenses, and contributing to environmental sustainability—a critical consideration in today’s business landscape.
Additionally, the expansion of inter-county trade has increased the need for dependable delivery services.
As businesses expand beyond local markets, there is a need for quick, reliable, and affordable delivery options to keep up with customer expectations.
The Role of eWAKA in Last-Mile Delivery
eWAKA Mobility Limited is reshaping last-mile delivery with a comprehensive ecosystem that addresses common industry challenges.
Their long-term subscription plans provide businesses with essential services, including electric bicycle and motorcycle maintenance, rider training, replacement parts, safety inspections, and insurance—ensuring smooth and reliable operations.
At the heart of our solutions is a range of electric bicycles and motorcycles tailored for urban and inter-county deliveries.
The Shujaa 2.0 Cargo E-Bike is built to last and is perfect for last-mile deliveries, capable of carrying loads up to 200kg.
Additionally, eWAKA’s Jasiri Electric Motorcycle is a game-changer for high-demand delivery services. With its powerful electric drivetrain, extended battery life(up to 150km), and low maintenance requirements, the Jasiri offers superior performance for businesses that need speed and efficiency without the high fuel cost.
We have created a comprehensive ecosystem featuring a software platform that links riders with delivery assignments, enabling African businesses to allocate orders, monitor deliveries in real-time, and handle payments seamlessly via a unified, self-service system.
Through our platform, businesses can create delivery tasks, monitor orders, track riders and their goods to improve delivery time, and spot delays before they become issues.
A few significant findings reported as a result include:
1. Lower Costs, Higher Profits
Our electric bicycles and motorcycles help businesses eliminate fuel expenses and lower operational costs.
Their simple mechanics reduce maintenance costs, as secondary batteries and electric drivetrains require fewer repairs than petrol-powered bikes.
2. Sustainability & Carbon Footprint Reduction
We are also helping businesses reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. This aligns with global sustainability goals, making businesses more environmentally responsible while lowering their carbon footprint.
3. Reduce Traffic congestion in urban areas
According to the World Economic Forum, a 36% increase in the number of delivery vehicles is expected by 2030. This will cause congestion to rise by over 21%, equalling an additional 11 minutes of commute time for each passenger daily.
By utilizing our comprehensive strategic solutions, such as order batching and intelligent route planning, businesses decrease daily trips, cut operational expenses, and alleviate traffic congestion.
Choosing the Best Electric Vehicle for Last-mile delivery for your business.
Having established the crucial role of electric bicycles and motorcycles in last-mile delivery, how can a business owner or independent delivery rider determine which option is most suitable for them?
Selecting the wrong electric vehicle (EV) for last-mile delivery could significantly harm your business's efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Here’s how to make an informed choice:
✅ Performance Metrics
To optimize your last-mile deliveries, track performance indicators such as delivery speed and customer satisfaction.
If speed and longer-distance coverage are a priority, consider an electric motorcycle with a powerful motor and an extended battery life.
These features ensure faster deliveries over a wider range, which is especially beneficial for businesses managing high-volume orders or express services.
Reliable delivery directly enhances your business’s reputation and encourages repeat customers.
✅ Average payload per delivery
A versatile, lightweight electric vehicle is ideal for businesses handling light parcels or food deliveries over short distances.
For example, the Shujaa 2.0 electric bicycle is specifically designed for this purpose, offering excellent handling and energy efficiency.
However, for businesses that need to transport larger or heavier loads, opting for an EV with a higher payload capacity and robust suspension ensures efficiency without compromising on delivery timelines or vehicle performance.
✅ Rider Training & Support
Choosing an electric vehicle aligned with rider training capacity ensures safer, smoother, and more cost-effective deliveries.
Rider training and support are essential when choosing an electric vehicle for last-mile delivery. For example, EVs with advanced features, like high-performance electric motorcycles, may require more extensive training than simpler electric bicycles.
Proper training in battery management, vehicle handling, and safety ensures riders can operate efficiently and avoid issues like battery degradation or accidents.
Businesses should also prioritize ongoing support services, ensuring riders have the skills and resources needed for efficient delivery operations.
If you're still unsure about what type of electric vehicle would best serve your business, don't worry.
Book a free consultation with us today. We will help you get started right away.
Take away | Don't be Left out!
Today, last-mile delivery is growing more than ever, with electric bicycles and motorcycles emerging as the preferred option for businesses aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce expenses, and maintain a competitive edge.
In Kenya and Rwanda, the adoption of electric two-wheelers is on the rise, fueled by technological advancements, growing inter-county trade, and the need for sustainable transport solutions.
Delivery companies increasingly opt for electric vehicles to improve tracking capabilities, lower operational costs, and satisfy the growing demand for quick and dependable deliveries. Whether transporting food, packages, or essential goods, businesses require vehicles that balance speed, cost-effectiveness, and durability.
This is where eWAKA steps in.
With tailored solutions like the Shujaa 2.0 electric bicycle for short-distance, light parcel deliveries and Jasiri, a high-performance electric motorcycle for businesses prioritizing speed and payload capacity, eWAKA ensures that delivery operations remain seamless.
Our long-term subscription plans cover maintenance, rider training, insurance, and spare parts, reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency for businesses and independent riders alike.
Looking to optimize your delivery with electric vehicles?
Book a free consultation today and take the next step toward smarter, greener, and more cost-effective last-mile logistics.
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