ROAM PARTNERS WITH BOLT

Roam Partners with Bolt!

• Roam and Bolt collaborate to offer affordable electric motorcycles to drivers in Kenya through M-KOPA, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility.
• Riders on the Bolt platform will be able to access a Roam Air for as low as KES 10,000- 15,000, through M-KOPA vehicle financing.
• Through reduced operational costs and increased efficiency, the partnership aims to empower drivers economically and create a positive impact on local communities.

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 Nairobi, Kenya - 23rd April, 2024 - Roam has joined forces with Bolt, a global mobility company, to provide drivers access to Roam Air electric motorcycles, through M-KOPA,  an African-based fintech platform.

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Thanks to this collaboration, both new and existing Bolt drivers will enjoy the opportunity to lease a Roam Air at discounted rates compared to current market prices. Guided by the simple philosophy that "The best product for a market must also be developed, manufactured, and designed in that market," Roam is taking significant steps to ensure that the "Future is electric" journey progresses in Africa.

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The rollout of Roam Air aligns perfectly with the recent launch of Kenya’s National E-mobility Policy, aimed at promoting local production and assembly of electric vehicles. 

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“Our at-home and portable charging options, extensive Roam Hub service network, and dual battery system empower delivery riders to increase efficiency without worrying about battery depletion," remarked Roam's Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Mikael Gånge."Through this strategic partnership with Bolt, we're not only promoting sustainability but also remarkably cutting operational costs for Boda riders, making a meaningful impact where it matters most and creating a better future for all."

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Just like Roam, Bolt is committed to enhancing driver earnings by reducing operational costs in the market and moving towards eco-friendly urban mobility, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Bolt boasts over 150 million customers in more than 45 countries and 500 cities across Europe and Africa.

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Caroline Wanjihia, Regional Director, Ride-Hailing Operations, Africa & International Markets, expressed excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to introduce our electric bike fleet as part of our ongoing efforts to support and empower our drivers. This marks a significant milestone in Bolt's mission to provide sustainable and financially viable transportation solutions in Kenya. By leveraging electric vehicles, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also aiming to enhance driver earnings and improve overall economic stability within the communities that we serve. Considering all financial incentives and reduced operating costs, drivers participating in this pilot launch could see significantly increased daily earnings compared to petrol motorcycles. This initiative underscores our commitment to driving positive change and fostering economic empowerment within our driver community."

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M-KOPA, Kenya's largest financier of electric motorcycles, has already financed approximately two-thirds of the electric motorcycles on Kenya's roads. Through this collaboration, Bolt will leverage M-KOPA’s fintech platform to make ownership of the Roam Air affordable by substantially reducing the expenses associated with electric motorcycles for drivers. This approach is expected to lead to approximately 40% savings in total ownership costs compared to a fuel motorcycle.

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By subsidizing the cost of the vehicle, Bolt enables drivers to choose an electric motorcycle at a price equal to or below that of a comparable petrol alternative. With reduced energy and maintenance expenditures, drivers can potentially decrease their vehicle operating costs by up to 75%. Riders on the Bolt platform will be able to access a Roam Air for as low as KES 10,000- 15,000, through vehicle financing, enabled by the partnership.

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David Damberger, Managing Director - M-KOPA Mobility, added: “As the leading financier of electric motorbikes in Kenya, we’re committed to redefining mobility in Kenya through affordable financing solutions for electric motorbikes, particularly for the underbanked. Partnering with Bolt represents a significant leap towards this goal, enabling us to broaden our reach and support more customers in transitioning to sustainable transport solutions. Already, we have made substantial inroads since launching our Mobility division in 2022. With over 2 million motorbikes navigating Kenya's roads, now is the time for us to extend our reach, as we set to positively impact the environment significantly by reducing carbon emissions and saving on fuel costs—an essential keystone of Kenya's sustainable development."

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