Uber pilots two wheeler service in Johannesburg, eyes untapped South African market

Mobility giant Uber is accelerating its push into Africa’s two-wheeler market with the pilot of Uber Moto in Johannesburg. The company is targeting an underserved segment in a nation where motorcycle taxis have yet to gain widespread formal traction.

The ride-hailing giant said its two-wheeler option aims to solve “first- and last-mile” transportation gaps in South Africa’s economic hub, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative, particularly in areas with limited public transit. This contrasts sharply with many other African countries where motorcycle taxis – colloquially known as “boda-bodas” or “okadas” – are a staple of urban mobility.

“This pilot phase isn’t just about affordability; it’s about bringing safe, scalable mobility options closer to the people who need them most,” stated Deepesh Thomas, Director General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa. He reaffirmed that Uber Moto is not here to compete, but to complement the existing transport ecosystem.

That message was echoed in the safety briefing by Collen Mphabantshi, Uber’s Head of Platform Safety for the region, who spoke on the platform’s safety commitments — from helmet hygiene and visibility gear to emergency response integration and rigorous driver onboarding.

While a 2022 FIA Foundation report estimated 27 million registered motorcycles in sub-Saharan Africa, with 80% used for taxi or delivery services, South Africa’s urban centres have not seen a formally recognised motorcycle taxi industry emerge on a similar scale.

Uber’s strategic deployment of Uber Moto in Johannesburg signals an intent to cultivate this nascent market. The company is vying for a piece of the broader Sub-Saharan African two-wheeler market, valued at an estimated $815.49 million in 2024. This market is forecast to surge to $1.51 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.80%, according to industry projections.