On the busy streets of Addis Ababa, a quiet yet powerful shift is happening. More and more, the city’s bustling motorcycle taxis and delivery bikes—mainstays of Ethiopia’s commercial nerve—are turning electric. And while government regulations have paved the way, it’s an unlikely group leading the charge: gig workers.
From delivery riders to couriers and two-wheel taxis, gig drivers are seizing the economic benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) and playing a pivotal role in the shift from fuel-powered to electric-powered transit in Ethiopia. And they’re finding a key ally in Dodai, a local electric motorcycle startup.
Dodai, which assembles its electric bikes in Addis Ababa, is one of the early movers in Ethiopia’s EV market. Yuma Sasaki, the Japanese entrepreneur who founded the company in 2021, says the target is to make electric mobility affordable and accessible in Ethiopia, where economic necessity drives demand for cost-effective, sustainable alternatives.
“We have over 7,000 e-motorcycles on the roads of Ethiopia, which speaks to strong demand and user acceptance," he tells WT. "Owners of Dodai bikes use their vehicles to enter the gig economy and secure well-paid work in industries such as delivery or logistics."
For gig workers, switching to electric bikes offers substantial cost savings on fuel, potentially increasing their earnings and lowering costs, according to Sasaki. “One bike equals one job,” he says, explaining that the affordability and reliability of Dodai’s electric bikes are creating economic opportunities while lowering environmental impact.
The financial benefits are not limited to the cost of fuel alone. Sasaki notes that maintenance of traditional motorbikes is expensive, while the reliability and longer lifespan of Dodai’s electric bikes provide workers with the stability needed to grow their businesses.
“One success story involves a delivery driver who switched from a fuel-powered motorcycle to a Dodai electric bike and reported 80-90% savings on fuel and maintenance,” Sasaki shares.
