Businesses across Africa are constantly seeking efficient and cost-effective transport solutions to keep their customers satisfied.
As cities grapple with traffic congestion and pollution, electric bikes have emerged as the new standard, transforming the delivery and logistics sectors.
Equipped with electric motors providing pedal assistance, electric bicycles are proving to be safer, more nimble, easier to maneuver, and more cost-effective than fuel motorbikes (bodas) or even traditional bicycles for making deliveries.
Skeptical? Let's break it down.
Delivery Time
To remain competitive, businesses must deliver as many orders as possible in the shortest time.
A 2021 study revealed that electric bicycles deliver goods 60% faster, dropping off 4 extra packages than traditional vehicles in busy business centers. They are immune to traffic and congestion.
Our own data shows that our delivery riders complete 20% more trips per day when using our flagship eWAKA electric bikes-Shujaa 2.0 cargo bike.
They are small, agile, and easy to park. This agility is made possible by a robust motor, a large-capacity battery, and pedal assist functionalities, allowing riders to travel faster through traffic and cover longer distances with less effort.
This also means that riders can make more deliveries (and earn more money) per shift than ever before.
Operational Costs
Cutting operational costs and boosting profits are primary goals for businesses, especially in the delivery sector. Electrification offers a significant economic advantage by reducing fuel costs and maintenance expenses, resulting in substantial long-term savings for businesses.
Charging a cargo bicycle, for example, takes less than 3 hours and costs less than 50 KES (less than half a dollar) in stark contrast to the hefty fuel costs of petrol bikes.
Plus, eWAKA offers regular checkups and fine-tuning for optimal bike efficiency. Our e-bikes help cut fuel and maintenance costs by up to 50% and CO2 emissions by 90%.
A study by Inno Energy reports that logistics companies could save over half a billion Euros using electric delivery fleets. In Europe, companies like Amazon and Domino's have incorporated e-bike fleets in their business and reported significant cost savings.
Increased supply of riders
Companies can expand their fleets rapidly since riders don't require a driving license, and this approach is especially beneficial for women, who have traditionally been underrepresented in the delivery sector due to a lack of adequate vehicles.
This strategy not only broadens the recruitment base but also provides a competitive advantage by equipping employees with bicycles that riders enjoy using.
Significant (co) branding advantage
A dedicated fleet of cargo bicycles (or motorcycles) serves as a mobile advertisement for businesses.
As these growing number of ebike riders, wearing reflectors with the company names, navigate through cities, they act as moving billboards for delivery companies or small businesses. This enhances brand visibility and helps connect with potential customers.
Environmental Impact
Finally, fleet electrification provides an environmental benefit by decreasing carbon emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting a cleaner, healthier planet.
The last-mile delivery sector is one of the largest polluters in the supply chain, emitting over 1.4 billion tonnes of CO2 in Africa. Switching to electric bikes is not only appealing but necessary for our future.
By addressing CO2 emissions now, businesses can mitigate risks associated with future climate-related disruptions, ensuring long-term climate resilience and sustainability.
The eWAKA Advantage
Electric cargo bicycles are well-suited to Africa’s growing online sales boom. More companies are recognizing the benefits of selling and delivering products using cargo bicycles.
Easy to drive and requiring no driver's license, our Shujaa model is particularly adapted to local road infrastructure. With anti-puncture tires and a heavy payload capacity of up to 180kg (including the rider), the #Shujaa2point0 requires little effort thanks to its three modes of assist (throttle, 5 levels of pedal assist, and 7 gears) and powerful motor.
In Nairobi’s CBD, where motorcycles are prohibited, the Shujaa 2.0 can adeptly maneuver through traffic, effortlessly passing through tight areas inaccessible to motorcycles. In Kigali, our e-bikes scale the hills effortlessly.
This cargo ebike meets various needs, carrying light and heavy loads while being nimble in traffic. It is accessible to all ages and genders without a driving license, with no fuel costs and low maintenance costs.
Switching to electric is a smart move for any rider wanting to enter the delivery space, any business seeking to increase sales and lower operating costs, and anyone looking to make money while caring for the environment.
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The #shujaa electric cargo bike is also transformative in peri-urban areas. Fitted with a footrest, you can customize your bike to ride your kid to school or attach a trailer for bulkier cargo.
For those preferring our tested electric motorbike #jasiri, we offer a sleek electric motorcycle with a powerful motor, dual battery capacity of up to 160 km range, robust enough for commercial use.
For non-delivery purposes, our state-of-the-art Buga is the ultimate commuter bike. From off-road adventures to daily commutes, the Buga e-bikes have you covered. As the first e-bike SUV in Africa, the Buga is ideal for recreational riders and those using e-bikes for commuting or off-road riding.
Its full suspension system ensures the highest level of shock absorption for the smoothest rides. With hydraulic disc brakes and a 52V 20Ah battery, the Buga provides the most comfortable experience.
eWAKA’s Impact
In just two years, eWAKA has made a significant impact:
Economic and Social Impact:
We have deployed close to 500 e-bikes for commuting and delivery, creating over 550 new jobs in Kenya alone. Seventy-five percent of these positions are held by people under 25 and women.
These efforts have facilitated 300,000 green deliveries, resulting in a 39% increase in riders' take-home pay. Moreover, our initiatives have provided riders with access to financial literacy and insurance, enabling some to return to school, start new businesses, and support their families.
Our training programs are building a new set of skills in mechatronics, engineering, app development, digital marketing, fleet management, data analysis, sales, and more.
Environmental Impact:
Our operations have covered 60 million green kilometers and avoided 3000 tons of CO2 emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
Take Away
The future of e-bike delivery looks bright, with continued growth and innovation expected in the coming years. As more companies adopt e-bikes for delivery and new technologies are developed, we can expect significant business growth and a transformation in urban transportation.
The environmental benefits, cost savings, and improved delivery times make #ebike delivery an attractive option for businesses looking to start or enhance their delivery services.
The impact of eWAKA goes beyond providing easier and cleaner transport. We change lives by increasing income opportunities and household disposable income, training in new skills, and new job opportunities.
Make the switch to electric. Hama na eWAKA Mobility Limited.
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