Electric mobility isn’t just a global trend — it’s a local opportunity. And few South African founders understand that better than Fezile Dhlamini, the entrepreneur behind Green Scooter, Africa’s first electric motor-tricycle designed for commuters and delivery fleets.

Fezile didn’t start with capital or connections. What he had was a clear problem to solve: the need for affordable, eco-friendly, and practical transport in cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Soweto. Today, Green Scooter is producing the Zbee, a three-wheeled electric vehicle that runs on regular plug power, has a top speed of 60km/h, and offers up to 120km of range on a single charge.

But building Green Scooter wasn’t a straight line.

After facing constant rejection from investors and institutions in 2018, Fezile made a tough call — he paused, started another company in marketing and software, and used the profits to fund his original vision. That pivot turned out to be the move that kept Green Scooter alive. He reinvested every cent into prototyping, importing initial models from Sweden, and eventually setting up local assembly operations in Centurion.

Now, Green Scooter offers both rent and rent-to-own options, starting at around R5,345/month. Its vehicles serve commuters, delivery services, courier companies — and even burger chains like McDonald’s. Two models are available:

• The Zbee RS, designed for passenger rides with space for three people.

• The Zbee Cargo, a delivery-focused model with secure compartments and serious storage capacity.

And it’s not just about the product. Fezile is focused on building an ecosystem. Plans are in place to localize more of the production process, including body manufacturing and battery packing, all within Gauteng. It’s a strategic move to create jobs, own more of the value chain, and build a truly South African EV company.

Throughout our conversation on the podcast, Fezile spoke openly about the mindset shifts that helped him stay committed — and the importance of fighting for quality over quick wins.

“People disregard quality. It’s easy to run to China and find a replica, but it’s the quality that matters at the end of the day,” he said.

His story is a powerful example of what it looks like to build in the real world: navigating policy gaps, bootstrapping without funding, and creating locally relevant solutions that can scale.

🔌 What to Learn from Green Scooter

• Start with the problem. South Africa’s public transport system still leaves millions stranded. That’s the gap Fezile focused on.

• Leverage what you have. When investors said no, he used his skills to build other ventures — and redirected those earnings back into his core idea.

• Think ecosystem. Fezile isn’t just selling scooters. He’s thinking about manufacturing, distribution, and long-term value creation.

Green Scooter is still early in its journey, but it’s already laying the foundation for what local electric mobility can look like on the continent — accessible, sustainable, and proudly built in South Africa.