This is another great story from Africa. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has announced a plan to phase out petrol-powered motorcycle taxis, starting January 2025. Petrol-powered motorbike taxis account for about 20% of all trips in Rwanda’s capital and significantly contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Electrifying motorcycle taxis offer many benefits. Zero tailpipe emissions, significantly improving air quality and contribute to global efforts against climate change. Electric motorcycles have a much lower operational costs compared to their petrol counterparts. With rising fuel prices, riders find that switching to electric leads to substantial savings. The Rwanda government spends about 23 billion Rwandan Francs (about 15.8 million euros) on fuel imports per year. Switching to electric motorcycles will reduce fuel import costs to about 14 billion Rwandan Francs (about 9.6 million euros).

Enter Ampersand: Pioneering Electric Mobility

A key player in this transition is Ampersand, a Rwandan company at the forefront of electric mobility solutions. Founded in 2017, Ampersand has been dedicated to providing electric motorcycles that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable for riders.

Ampersand’s electric motorcycles are designed specifically for the needs of the Rwandan market, combining durability with affordability. With a focus on local production and maintenance, Ampersand is not just reducing emissions; it’s also creating jobs and fostering economic growth within the community.

One of the most interesting features of Ampersand motorcycles is their innovative battery-swapping technology. This system allows riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at strategically located stations throughout the city. This eliminates the long downtime typically associated with charging electric vehicles, making it a practical solution for the daily hustle of motorcycle operators.

A Vision for the Future

Kigali’s commitment to phasing out petrol-powered motorcycles is bold vision for the future of mobility in the city. As Kigali moves forward with this initiative, it will hopefully inspire other cities in the region to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that could lead to widespread adoption of electric mobility solutions across the continent. Hopefully more African ebike makers will sprout up too. There are others our there, like https://www.ecobodaa.bike but the more the merrier.
More links and info: https://www.electrive.com/2024/11/06/kigali-phases-out-petrol-powered-motorcycles/
https://kigalijournal.com/ampersand-to-roll-out-600000-electric-motorbikes-in-kigali/
https://www.ampersand.solar/