Kenyas new e mobility player taps Car & General as local distributor

Skoot Technology introduced the Skoot e3W electric tuk-tuk after about two years of pilot testing in Nairobi. /HANDOUT

.

A new electric three-wheeler has entered Kenya’s public transport market following the completion of its pilot phase for the Kenyan market.

The latest entry comes on the back of increased competition where companies have been seeking to expand electric mobility options for tuk-tuk operators in Nairobi.

Skoot Technology introduced the Skoot e3W electric tuk-tuk after about two years of pilot testing in Nairobi, where the company evaluated durability, maintenance needs and driver experience under typical operating conditions.

The launch was done in partnership with India-based battery-swapping firm SUN Mobility and will tap Car & General as its distributor.

Skoot Technology CEO and co-founder Sacha Cook said the company is expanding its push into electric mobility with the new three-wheeler, describing it as part of a broader plan to roll out connected transport and energy solutions.

“The Skoot e3W is built on this foundation, an easy‑access electric vehicle, revamped for working drivers and managed through your mobile phone. Smart gas and 2-wheelersarecomingnext,bringingmoreconnectedexperiencestoeverydaylife.”

According to the firms, tuk-tuk operators in the pilot programme travelled roughly 150 kilometres daily.

Battery-swap costs were estimated at about Sh650 a day compared with about Sh850 for diesel, although actual costs depend on usage and fuel prices.

SUNMobility Co-founder and CEO Ajay Goel, said theaim istomakeelectricmobilityaffordable,and aftersuccessand scale-upin India, the company is expanding into Kenya with Skoot.

“Ouruniversalbatteryswappingsolutions arebuiltforhard-working2 and 3-wheelerdriverseverywhere, whodepend on ustomake their living. Over the coming months, we are expanding the network and launching a series of exciting and affordable vehicles.”

The vehicle uses a Piaggio-designed three-wheeler platform fitted with swappable batteries that can be exchanged at designated stations instead of being charged for hours.

The Skoot e3W will be offered on lease terms starting at about Sh1,200 per day, including maintenance. Drivers can use a mobile app to manage payments and locate battery-swap stations.

Electric three-wheelers are being promoted as a way to lower fuel costs and emissions in Kenya’s growing informal transport sector, where tuk-tuks are widely used in urban and peri-urban areas.

However, the expansion of such vehicles depends on the availability of charging or battery-swap infrastructure, financing options for drivers and long-term reliability in local operating conditions.

Kenya has seen increasing interest in electric motorcycles and three-wheelers as policymakers push for cleaner transport.

Several companies have announced pilot projects or partnerships targeting commercial drivers, who face rising fuel costs and competition in urban transport markets.