In a move to reform the boda boda industry in the East African country, Germany based electric vehicle company, Ampersand has announced its plans to start the trials of its electric motorcycle taxi (e-Moto) services in Rwanda.
Josh Whale who is the Ampersand founder stated that “This may be the world’s first truly mass-market electric vehicle that’s cheaper and better than its petrol counterpart. The biggest opportunity for kicking-off a global mass-market electric vehicle revolution is not sedans for the middle classes of Europe or Japan, but inexpensive motorcycle taxis in Africa and other emerging markets.”
Ampersand E-Moto initial project trial show an average of 65km range per charge, with the boda bodas reaching a top speed of over 80km/h.
The company, which has been operating in Kigali, Rwanda says the electric motor gives the e-Moto greater torque and carrying power, and says this advantage has seen it outperform the incumbent 125cc petrol bikes on speed, climbing and acceleration tests.
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Eng. Coletha U Ruhamya, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, says, “Rwanda welcomes Ampersand’s efforts to develop clean and low carbon motorcycles for our citizens. As electric motorcycles emit less CO2 than petrol motorcycles, they are the best solutions to air pollution currently affecting our environment.”
Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, The Minister of State in Charge of Transport says, in relation to the Ampersand e-Moto, “The use of electric vehicles is not a matter of if, but it is question of when and how.”
E-Motos is calculated to generate a 75% net reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions compared to petrol bikes. Per annum fuel savings are projected at upwards of US$900 per bike.
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