Zembo

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$34.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Safeboda, based in Uganda

Countries

Uganda

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is currently in the prototyping phase and not yet manufactured at scale. 20 motorcycles are currently in the test phase as of 2020.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

User Provision Model

Zembo collaborated with SafeBoda, a local ride-hailing app with a reputation for reliable drivers, to facilitate their entry into the market.

Distributions to Date Status

Over 2000 electric motorcycles serviced by over 60 charging stations all over Kampala

Design Specifications

Zembo, or Zero Emission Boda vehicle, is an electric motorcycle intended to replace the boda boda taxi drivers in Uganda. The vehicle has replaceable batteries, which can be replaced at dedicated stations in 2 minutes. The vehicles are made available to users through a lease scheme enabling them to acquire the vehicle after 2 years. On one battery charge, the vehicle can drive in a range of 50-80 km.

The Li ion batteries used are recycled from old laptops and turned into rechargeable batteries for the motorbike. Once they have been used again, they are re-recycled into power banks for further usage.

Technical Support

Replacement of the discharged batteries is available at charging stations.

Replacement Components

Batteries

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Zero emission vehicle and increased profit by 60% through the lease and rental scheme.

Vetted Performance Status

Successful tests by the ride hailing app Safeboda, covering 40,000 km in one year. Six models of the motorcycle were tested in order to verify its function.

Safety

Safety should be taken when handling the batteries. Potential hazards include traffic accidents or pedestrian crashes, especially when sufficient training has not been received.

Complementary Technical Systems

Charging stations

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Involvement of local authorities in the development is intended to ensure alignment with country goals in terms of clean energy transport means.

Evaluation methods

Evaluation methods include testing and user feedback gathered from Zembo drivers, positive feedback from drivers, and users of the service.

Other Information

More information are included in the following articles;

1. MIA Spotlight: The Solar Powered Motorcycle for Africa

2. Clean transportation needs smart grids

3. Zembo nabs $3.4 million from Toyota, DOB Equity and InfraCo Africa to grow its motorcycle startup in Uganda

4. Uganda's motorbikes go green