Consumer view: How my electric motorcycle saves me money

From the newsletter

Spotlighting a specific consumer, we this week feature John Karanja, an electric motorcycle owner based in Nairobi, Kenya. After 11 years of riding a petrol-powered motorcycle, he decided to switch to an electric one over a year ago. He spends about $1.55 daily to charge, which saves $4.70 daily, making it a significant addition to his earnings. 

• Weatherproofing and battery durability remain key design challenges for electric two-wheelers, he says, particularly in regions prone to heavy rains, where reliability issues can severely disrupt a rider’s ability to work and earn consistently.

• Meanwhile, growing access to flexible financing options in Kenya is driving adoption, making it easier for riders like John to embrace cleaner, more cost-effective transport while comfortably repaying the investment through their daily fares.

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For over a decade, John navigated Nairobi’s bustling streets on a petrol motorcycle, serving as a ride-hailing driver in areas like Muthaiga. His journey, however, was riddled with strain that compounded over the years. 

“What frustrated me the most were the high running costs — fuel prices kept going up, and I had to fuel daily, which added up to around $6.20 per day. On top of that, maintenance was a constant headache. Every two weeks, I had to spend $4.65 to $5.43 on oil changes, air cleaners, and paying a mechanic,” he says. 

Despite his commitment to his work, these challenges made it increasingly difficult to take home a meaningful portion of his earnings.

Everything changed when John made the switch to a Roam electric motorcycle. The impact on his finances was immediate and transformative, he says. Daily fuel expenses, which had been a relentless burden, were replaced by a modest $1.55 for electricity. This translated to a daily saving of $4.65 — a significant amount that quickly added up over weeks and months. 

For John, the switch meant more than just financial relief; it allowed him to take home a greater share of his income, offering newfound stability and the ability to cover other expenses with ease.

“The extra money means I can now save or use it to cover other expenses without struggling. Honestly, the switch to electric has allowed me to take home more of what I earn,” says Mr Karanja. 

The benefits extended beyond his wallet. Physically, the difference was profound. Long hours on his petrol bike had left him exhausted, with engine vibrations and constant gear shifting taking a toll on his shoulders, arms, and back. Nairobi’s notorious stop-and-go traffic only added to the strain. 

“There are fewer vibrations, so even after riding the whole day, I don’t feel as drained. And because it’s automatic, I don’t need to worry about changing gears every few seconds in traffic,” he says. 

The financial benefits of the electric motorcycle also played a pivotal role in helping John manage his loan repayment. Initially set to clear the loan within 18 months, he managed to complete it in just nine, thanks to the significant savings from reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

“The financial pressure was way less than when I was running the petrol bike. That’s why I always advise other riders — if you budget well and stay disciplined, the electric motorcycle can literally pay for itself,” adds Mr Karanja. 

However, the transition to an electric motorcycle has not been all plain sailing. Charging his electric motorcycle turned out to be both convenient and cost-effective. Battery capacity remains a key concern — longer-lasting batteries would enable him to cover more miles without frequent recharges. Additionally, the rainy season exposed a critical weak point. Water occasionally interfered with the battery, making it difficult to power on the bike. 

“The main issue is battery capacity — I wish Roam could improve that so the batteries last longer and give me more mileage between charges. Another problem is during the rainy season. When it rains, I sometimes struggle to power the bike on because water affects the battery. It can get really frustrating when I have a customer, and the bike won’t start because of water interference,” he says. 

John’s positive experience didn’t go unnoticed by his peers. He successfully inspired at least five of his friends to transition to electric motorcycles, demonstrating the substantial savings and improved quality of life the switch offered.

“Once they saw the savings I was making, plus the ease of riding, it wasn’t hard to convince them.We often talk a lot about the future of transport, and honestly, I believe electric is the way to go. If I ever decide to buy a car, I won’t even think twice — it will be electric,” he adds. 

Mr Karanja’s  story is a testament to the transformative power of electric mobility, not just for individuals but also for the broader community. As he rides through the streets of Nairobi, he embodies a vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future — one where technology and innovation pave the way for progress.