Uber South Africa is actively exploring a transition to electric motorbikes for its Uber Moto service, aligning with its wider global commitment to sustainability and a strategy focused on low-cost, quick mobility solutions. This consideration follows the successful launch of its electric vehicle (EV) category, Uber Go Electric, in Johannesburg the previous month, which already boasts 70 electric cars on the road and plans to expand to 350 by the close of January. The company has stated its long-term ambition is to support a fully electric fleet globally by 2040 and progressively introduce greener mobility options, according to Deepesh Thomas, General Manager for Uber sub-Saharan Africa.
The Uber Moto service itself was launched in February 2025, initially as a pilot in Johannesburg’s north-western suburbs, including areas around the University of Johannesburg, Braamfontein, and Melville. Due to strong demand for short-distance trips, the service has since rapidly expanded to over twenty areas within the city, now covering locations from Sandton to Alexandra, with thousands of rides completed monthly. Uber Moto’s introduction was intended to test an affordable, “last-mile” solution in dense urban corridors where mobility gaps are most visible, with fares starting at approximately R18.
The current motorbikes and drivers utilised for Uber Moto are supplied by its fleet partner, Africa Moova, a collective of local taxi associations, and are not electric at present. Thomas confirmed that the exploration of electric two-wheel options is an active component of Uber’s broader sustainability commitment. The expansion of Uber Moto is viewed as a demonstration of how low-cost mobility can significantly improve access for riders and create more reliable earning potential for drivers, directly addressing the challenge of millions of South Africans who lack access to affordable, dependable transportation.
Despite motorbikes traditionally not being a popular transport mode in South Africa—unlike other parts of the continent—Uber Moto’s success indicates a high demand for this new category in addressing the affordability and reliability gap.Thomas highlighted the evolving use case, noting that the service has expanded beyond previously excluded communities to become an option for professional commuters, evidenced by sightings of suit-wearing passengers being dropped off in Sandton, a scenario previously unimaginable for the service.
The shift to electric bikes is seen as a way to enhance driver earnings due to the lower running costs (less spent on fuel) and potential for more uninterrupted time on the road, assuming the necessary infrastructure is in place. Uber already employs electric bikes for its delivery services in various international markets through its collaboration with Valternative Energy. The economic advantages of electric vehicles are clear: lower maintenance requirements and cheaper “fuel” costs directly translate into higher net income for the earners.
However, the viability of a large-scale electric two-wheeler fleet hinges critically on the development of robust charging and battery-swap networks. As reported by Takealot Group CEO Frederik Zietsman in an October interview with TechCentral, while electric delivery bikes offer advantages, successful adoption is dependent on the right infrastructure, specifically a battery-swap model. He stressed that a system where drivers can quickly exchange batteries at vendors, akin to filling up a petrol tank, requires significant partnership and investment to establish the necessary infrastructure channel.
Uber has indicated that while it is keen to expand Moto to other South African cities, its primary focus is on responsible scaling. Future expansion will be strictly guided by supply readiness, ensuring every driver is fully vetted and trained, and maintaining strong safety standards for both riders and earners. This measured approach is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability, reliability, and affordability of the category as it grows nationwide.