'Green bikes' take to the roads in Nairobi

As in most African countries, road conditions in Kenya can be poor, which is one of the main factors in a high number of traffic accidents. Kenya has an extensive road network that covers 160,886 kilometers, yet less than 50 percent is considered as being in good condition.

"Our e-bikes travel at speeds of 32 to 48 km per hour," Zhang said. "They can be charged from a regular electricity socket and are extremely affordable.

"For the cost of riding a bus or matatu (privately owned minibus) in the current congestion, and considering the safety concerns attributed to motorbikes and their riders, the e-bike saves time, increases productivity, supports a working nation, and is reliable and cost-effective."

The e-bikes' slower speeds make them a safer option compared with conventional motorbikes, which can reach speeds of 120 km/h and over, he added.

Meanwhile, the National Transport and Safety Authority has threatened to push for higher taxation on motorcycles if industry players do not help to curb the number of accidents.

"We'll push the government to re-introduce the punitive tax on the sector if the companies involved don't work together to educate riders on road safety and discipline," said Francis Meja, the NTSA's director-general.

The NTSA is a national body aimed at harmonizing operations of key road transport departments, as well as helping to effectively manage the transport sub-sectors and minimizing the loss of life through road accidents.

Importers of motorcycles currently pay a 10-percent import duty on completely knocked-down units, or CKD units, which are assembled locally, while fully built units attract a 25 percent tax. In 2008, the authority reduced import tax on CKD units from 16 percent to protect local assemblers against cheap imports.

Zhang said the biggest advantage his e-bikes have over other means of transport in Kenya is that they do not need to be registered with the NTSA because they do not have engines, therefore are not categorized as motor vehicles.

"I held a meeting with the NTSA, and we agreed that, since the bikes do not have an engine capacity, they do need any form of registration."

He also added that the company plans to open an assembly plant in Nairobi in the next five years that will not only reduce the price of the e-bikes, but also provide more employment opportunities for Kenyans. The company currently has a workforce of 30 locals and three Chinese directors.

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