Here is the cheapest electric motorcycle in Kenya

From the newsletter

Spiro’s Ekon 450M1 is the cheapest electric motorcycle in Kenya, costing nearly half of what its main competitor, Roam Electric’s Roam Air costs. The Ekon 450M1 costs Ksh152,000 ($1,176) to buy upfront, while the Roam Air costs Ksh296,000 ($2,289), data collected by Mobility Rising shows. Ampersand’s Gen3 costs Ksh220,000 ($1,701). 

• The pricing data is collected in the same week monthly for consistency and presented in local currency to avoid price distortion by exchange rates. We track the price of the three leading electric motorcycle companies in Kenya, which means the data may not be conclusive.  

• The difference in the prices is mainly informed by the capabilities of the individual electric motorcycle. For instance, the Roam Air has a higher top speed, power, load capacity and longer range than the Ekon 450M1, making it costlier to make. 

More details

• Our analysis shows that the price of electric motorcycles in Kenya has remained unchanged for more than five months, mainly due to the stability of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar. Kenya relies on imported electric motorcycles, either in fully-built form or as semi and completely-knocked-down (CKD) components. 

• This may however not last long should Parliament pass the proposed Finance Bill, 2025 which has proposed to remove electric vehicles, including motorcycles, and lithium-ion batteries from the list of zero-rated products starting July 2025. The reclassification of the goods from zero-rated to exempt means that local assemblers and manufacturers will lose the ability to claim input VAT on costs incurred in producing these goods.  

• In the meantime, the prices charged by Spiro, Roam and Ampersand above highlight the varying pricing strategies adopted by electric mobility companies in Kenya. Each firm sets prices depending on the model, battery capacity, range, power and financing options.

• There is no one-size-fits-all price for electric motorcycles in Kenya. There are entry-level models whose prices start at Ksh160,000, suitable for basic commuting needs. Mid-range models are typically priced around Ksh240,000, offering better battery range and durability. There are also premium models, which are high-performance electric motorcycles that cost from Ksh292,000, featuring advanced battery technology and longer mileage.

• Demand for electric motorcycles is growing fast, mainly driven by a general decline in prices. Further, while electric motorcycles have a higher upfront cost compared to petrol bikes (which range from Ksh100,000 to Ksh150,000), they offer significant long-term savings on fuel and maintenance. Financing options such as pay-as-you-go plans make ownership more accessible. 

• But with competition becoming stiffer by the day, electric motorcycle sellers are being forced to tweak their pricing strategies to gain market share. This is where significant capital injection is required. For instance, Spiro has raised more than $110 million in recent years, allowing it to price lower than its competitors. 

Our take

• The price gap between Spiro, Roam, and Ampersand is largely dictated by their motorcycle specifications. Higher-end models like the Roam Air justify their premium pricing with greater speed, load capacity, and range, catering to riders willing to pay extra for performance.

• Capital-intensive companies like Spiro ($110M+ raised) can keep prices competitively low, improving affordability and accessibility. As competition intensifies, firms may need strong financial backing to maintain attractive pricing while expanding infrastructure and production.

• The Finance Bill, 2025 is likely to be passed by Parliament. This will see the removal of zero-rated VAT status on electric motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries. EV companies should prepare early on how to manage the additional tax burden.