ARC Ride expands electric motorcycle operations into South Africa

Kenyan startup ARC Ride has expanded into South Africa, introducing its Panther electric motorcycle to target the last-mile delivery sector in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The company utilizes a battery-as-a-service model, allowing riders to swap depleted batteries for charged ones at hubs or unmanned cabinets in less than a minute.

The Panther is priced at approximately R22,500 (roughly $1,390). ARC Ride claims the electric model can reduce weekly operational costs by up to 20% compared to traditional petrol motorcycles. This economic advantage is tied to fluctuating fuel prices; while current savings are estimated between 20% and 35% depending on the region, rising petrol costs could further widen the gap between electric and internal combustion engine expenses.

To support this expansion, ARC Ride recently secured $33.3 million in Series A funding, which included $10 million in debt via British International Investment’s Kinetic program. This capital is intended to address the high initial investment required for battery infrastructure and swapping stations.