Skoot Technology, an electric mobility firm, has introduced its new electric three-wheeled vehicle, the Skoot e3W, in Nairobi, Kenya. This innovative tuk-tuk design is a collaboration between Skoot and Car & General, utilizing a Piaggio framework along with SUN Mobility's battery-swapping technology. The electric tuk-tuks have been rigorously tested over two years to ensure efficiency under various load and road conditions in the urban setting of Nairobi.

The introduction of the battery-swapping model significantly enhances operational efficiency for tuk-tuk drivers, allowing them to change depleted batteries in mere minutes instead of waiting for a full charge, which could take much longer. Economic metrics reveal that drivers who cover approximately 150 kilometres a day could reduce their daily costs from around Sh850 in diesel to about Sh650 with battery swaps, resulting in potential savings of up to 30%. This cost-efficient alternative not only benefits individual operators but could lead to a broader shift towards electric mobility in urban transportation.

In addition to the operational benefits, the Skoot e3W is accessible through flexible leasing options that start at Sh1,200 per day, which includes maintenance services. Riders will also have access to a mobile app that facilitates lease management, locating battery swap stations, and obtaining delivery contracts, paving the way for a modernized approach to the tuk-tuk business in Nairobi. This move reflects an increasing trend in urban areas toward sustainable transport solutions that aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.