ARC Ride Expands Electric Motorcycle Sales to South Africa

ARC Ride, a startup based in Nairobi, is set to launch its Panther electric motorcycle in South Africa, specifically targeting commercial fleets in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The company is bringing a battery-swapping model that has been successful in Kenya to a market where commercial motorcycles are less prevalent.

With the rise of last-mile delivery services and the high cost of fuel for riders, ARC Ride sees an opportunity to introduce a more efficient workhorse on South African roads. The company owns the batteries, allowing riders to avoid the upfront cost of purchasing them.

In Kenya, battery swaps cost as low as KES 185 ($1.40), with daily packages ranging from KES 350 ($2.70) to KES 450 ($3.50). ARC Ride's automated stations can complete a battery swap in under 60 seconds.

The Panther motorcycle will be priced at R22,500 ($1,390), which is approximately R500 ($31) less than the Big Boy Superlight 200.