Boda boda riders in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya have mixed feelings about Spiro’s electric motorcycles. The company sells the bike chassis for around KSh 95,000 if paid in cash. Many riders go for financing plans instead, putting down a deposit and paying daily amounts. A full battery swap at one of Spiro’s stations costs KSh 290. That charge gives about 80 to 100 kilometres of range.
Riders own the bike itself. But the battery stays with Spiro. You can’t buy it outright or charge it at home in most cases. You have to go to their swap stations to exchange an empty one for a charged battery. Spiro says this setup keeps the starting price low and makes switching to electric easier for riders who earn daily wages.
Some riders like it a lot. One veteran rider in Nairobi said his costs dropped by 30 to 50 per cent. He used to spend close to KSh 1,000 a day on petrol. Now he pays about KSh 580 for two swaps and still has money left over. Others point out less maintenance and no noise from the engine. They say the bikes handle loads well for passenger or delivery work.
But not everyone agrees. A backlash grew in late 2025. Many riders call the model unfair. They worry the bike will become useless if something goes wrong with payments or the battery system.
Reports came out about remote locks on bikes if activity stops for a few days, like during illness or repairs. Some say long-term costs add up high, especially if you ride a lot over years.
Critics say riders get locked into Spiro’s system. No other batteries work with these bikes. Home charging is limited or not allowed in Kenya, unlike in some other countries where Spiro operates. Riders in groups online and on the streets have complained about sudden repossessions or extra fees.
Spiro has responded to the complaints. Company officials say the rules help manage risks and keep prices affordable for low-income riders. They point to rising fuel costs as the real problem.
Spiro now has over 200 battery swap stations across Kenya, mostly at petrol stations. The network covers Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, and other areas. They plan more soon.
The company started in Kenya a couple of years ago. It has grown fast with big investments. Spiro assembles bikes locally now and partners with financiers like Watu Credit and others for loans. Thousands of electric bikes from Spiro are on Kenyan roads.
Fuel prices keep going up. That pushes some riders toward electric options. But trust issues remain. Some want clearer rules on what happens if payments are missed or bikes break down. Others ask for options to own batteries fully.
This split shows in daily talks at stages and online. Supporters share savings stories. Critics warn new riders about hidden ties. For now, Spiro keeps expanding. Riders decide case by case if the switch works for them. The debate looks set to continue as more stations open and fuel stays expensive.
