Kenya's Arc Ride Gets $5M to Expand Battery Swap Stations

Electric motorcycles could transform transportation in Kenya, but most riders can't afford the battery that powers them. Arc Ride found a solution that's now catching the attention of global climate investors.

The Nairobi-based startup just secured $5 million from the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank's private investment arm. It's the latest in a series of major commitments totaling $20 million that could help electric motorcycles become the norm across East Africa.

Founded in 2019 by Joseph Hurst-Croft, Arc Ride removes the biggest barrier to electric vehicle adoption. Instead of buying an expensive battery with their motorcycle, riders purchase just the bike. When their battery runs low, they swap it for a fully charged one at stations scattered throughout the city.

The company has installed battery-swapping cabinets at petrol stations, small shops, and warehouses across Kenya. This turns a purchase that costs thousands upfront into a manageable daily expense, similar to buying fuel.

The model is working. Earlier this year, British International Investment committed $5 million in debt financing. In September, Mirova International added $10 million over five years to fund more swapping stations and batteries.

The Ripple Effect

Arc Ride's success signals something bigger happening in East Africa's clean transport sector. Global climate financiers are pouring money into the region because they see it as ready for electric mobility at scale.

The IFC investment brings more than just money. The World Bank's backing helps reduce risk for other private investors who might follow. IFC also plans board-level involvement to help Arc Ride meet international environmental and social standards, opening doors to even more funding.

As Arc Ride expands into new African markets with this Series A funding round, thousands more riders could access clean, affordable transportation. Each new swapping station makes electric motorcycles more practical, creating a network effect that benefits everyone who joins.

The company's research and development investments mean the technology will keep improving. Better batteries, faster swaps, and more locations could make fossil fuel motorcycles feel outdated within years, not decades.

Clean transportation is becoming the easier choice, one battery swap at a time.