On Oct 19, Teketeke E-Mobility asked the Kenyan government to grant tax relief on electric motorcycles and three-wheelers that are assembled locally for use in agriculture.
The firm builds electric motorcycles, cargo tricycles and lithium-ion batteries, aiming at farmers who move milk and other produce to collection points, processors and markets.
Managing Director Richard Chesebeh said the electric motorcycles could cut daily milk-transport costs from KSh1,000 to roughly KSh200, although the figures have not been independently verified. He added that “they are doing it at 200 shillings a day”.
Chesebeh explained that the company’s LHP1 motorcycle can carry up to 500 kilograms, while its electric tricycle can handle between 1.5 and two tonnes of cargo.
He also noted that the motorcycle can travel 100 to 120 kilometres on a single charge and the tricycle can reach up to 150 kilometres before recharging.
In addition to new builds, Teketeke converts petrol-powered motorcycles to electric operation, but the cost of conversion, battery replacement and maintenance was not disclosed.
John Mutunga, chair of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, said electric motorcycles could help dairy cooperatives lower the expense of moving milk from collection centres to processing plants and urged farmer groups to consider the technology.
Mutunga reported that four units have been shown to the Ministry of Agriculture for possible distribution to farmer groups and quoted that “the ratio is such that it is one to five” when comparing operating costs of electric vehicles with petroleum-powered ones.
