Africa is charting a different road to electric mobility with motorbikes and versatile 3-wheelers

Zimbabwe's electric vehicle revolution began on rural dirt paths, with three-wheeled vehicles carrying essentials for markets, farming, and healthcare in areas where transport has historically been scarce. This electric transformation, spearheaded by local social enterprise Mobility for Africa since 2019, has benefitted rural women entrepreneurs through a lease-to-own scheme for solar-powered tricycles, known as "Hamba," meaning "go" in the local Ndebele language.

These electric tricycles, designed for rural entrepreneurs, can carry heavy loads and travel long distances on a single charge, making them a cost-effective alternative to petrol-powered vehicles. For farmer Agefi Mutambo, the owner of an electric three-wheeler since 2021, the transformation has been significant. She now makes multiple deliveries a week, transporting large quantities of produce and even providing transportation for neighbors to the hospital.

While electric cars gain traction in wealthier markets, smaller vehicles like motorcycles and three-wheelers are proving to be a promising route to electric mobility, especially in rural communities. Africa, which holds vast reserves of critical minerals for electric vehicle batteries, remains a minor player in the global EV market.

Despite challenges like unreliable electricity infrastructure and weak regulation, the market for small electric vehicles is growing, particularly for income-generating applications. Electric three-wheelers, in particular, offer an affordable and environmentally friendly solution for everyday transport, deliveries, and commerce in Africa.