Former Uber East Africa GM Pilots Bike Renting Business in Nairobi
These electric-powered bicycles could be rented from KES 750 to KES 1000 for 2 hours
- A former Uber East Africa general manager is running a pilot program for a bicycle renting business in Nairobi.
- These electric-powered bicycles could be rented from KES 750 to KES 1000 for 2 hours, although the couple is yet to settle on a fixed price.
- The pilot program will start in national parks before rolling out to select areas around Nairobi and Mombasa
A former Uber East Africa general manager is running a pilot program for a bicycle renting business in Nairobi. Loic Amado and his wife Valery Super are repurposing bicycles formerly operated by Uber’s Jump bikes division.
The couple aims to try and help solve transportation challenges faced by people while moving. These electric-powered bicycles could be rented from KES 750 to KES 1000 for 2 hours, although the couple is yet to settle on a final price.
“The team and I looked at what to do with the bikes that were not going back into circulation after the Jump division closed and thought it wise to repurpose these beautiful bicycles and help solve transportation challenges faced by these young learners,” Amado said.
That price might not be that affordable for many, but the bikes pack some tricks that might make the offer somewhat attractive to Nairobians.
First, they are electric-powered, which ensures you don’t do much heavy lifting while riding. With a battery included, the bicycles offer a boost of up to 32 kilometers per hour. The available pedal-assist feature also means less straining while riding.
According to Nation, a single charge lasts for “a couple of hours,” and it takes “minutes” to replenish the battery. And if the battery is depleted while you’re on your commute, you can replace it easily.
The couple is eyeing to avail the service in select areas around Nairobi and Mombasa. Some of these areas include Karura Forest, Ngong Forest, Hell’s Gate, Diani Beach, and Watamu.
If all goes well, the service might also allow you to rent bicycles for your short trips around the bustling Nairobi CBD, which is nothing short of chaotic and quite difficult to maneuver using a car let alone a bicycle, and in the suburbs like Karen.
Pilot Program
The two have donated over 100 out of the 500 bicycles to a primary school in Dagoretti. Another 150 will be designated for the rental service, and the couple will also offer the remaining bikes to schools in similar areas.
The pilot program will start in national parks before rolling out the same to the aforementioned areas under their couples’ radar.
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