Kenya’s Mazi Mobility launches its Electric Motorcycle
Kenya’s mobility tech startup Mazi Mobility locally known as “bodas” has announced the launch of its electric motorcycle fleet to accelerate the efficient transition, and also promote affordable and clean transportation in Nairobi.
Its primary electric motorcycle, the Magnus 3000 (M3K), offers a better service than a petrol-driven motorcycle. The startup is also introducing battery swapping stations that will see will see Mazi lease batteries to boda boda riders on a per-use fee to provide on-demand energy, reducing transportation costs by 50 percent, through its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model.
The MK3 is unique and offers users a choice between a single and dual battery, capable of up to 70 kilometers and 140 kilometers respectively.
Satgana, a global venture builder on a mission to launch and fund responsible startups has supported Mazi Mobility’s development by way of its funds and support.
Jesse Forrester, the co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) at Mazi Mobility said that the startup is happy to provide more transport efficiency for road users through the adopted technology.
“We are also developing a smart swapping station network to cater to the rider’s biggest concern – range anxiety. Through sensor technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and our algorithms we are optimizing route selection in a bid to avoid minimal disturbance to an ongoing trip.
“At Mazi, we believe that Africans should be able to move efficiently and affordably across cities at less than the price of personal vehicle ownership while reducing CO2 emissions. What industry is better to see this change than the boda one? Mazi is taking a long approach to mobility, we don’t want to just have the same status quo but with electric vehicles. At Mazi we move people, data, and things” Forrester said.
“The urgent need to decarbonise our economies places transportation at the cusp of a fundamental shift towards electric solutions and mobility in Africa is ripe for disruption. As such, Satgana is beyond excited to be involved in the launch of Mazi and truly believes in the founding team’s ability to make it happen,” said the founder and CEO of Satgana.
Forrester added that Mazi would soon be raising further funds to help its planned expansion beyond its Nairobi headquarters.
“We are planning to grow over the next few years across East Africa and eventually to the continent and beyond. Moreover, we see opportunities in various modes of transport including tuktuks, 14-seaters, buses, and long-distance travel” he said.