The electric motor company, Ampersand is set to convert all motorcycles into electric vehicles in Kigali, Rwanda. The project was first announced last year when the government issued a national policy to eliminate gas-fueled motorcycles in the country.
Josh Whale launched Amperstand in May 2019 to offer electric mobility solutions for thousands in Rwanda. It is an electric motor manufacturer in Kigali that is building electricity-powered two-wheelers that are designed to be cheaper alternatives to gas-fueled motorcycles. It began a pilot last year with a fleet of 20 electric motorcycles. In August 2019, it partnered with the government for the e-motor project.
Rwanda is the first country to issue a policy that will eliminate gas-fueled motorcycles in Africa. In line with the policy, Amperstand is building EVs to replace gas-fueled motorcycles for commercial riders in Kigali. It fabricates custom batteries and uses second-hand body parts to optimize the cost of production.
See also: JET Motor, a Nigerian Automobile Company Set to Manufacture Africa’s First Electric Vehicles
Most riders lease bikes to ride as a source of livelihood. The cost of procuring petrol leaves them with little or no profit at the end of each day. The e-motors are cheaper to maintain when compared to the old motorbikes. It will help riders save as much as $700 annual petrol cost.
The business model is simple. Riders can either lease or purchase the electric vehicles at affordable rates. The rider also pays for a maintenance plan that is lesser than the combined cost of servicing and oil treatment. There are both charging and battery swap stations in strategic locations to ensure that riders never run out of charged batteries.
Ampersand has been tasked with producing 5000 EVs in partnership with the government. It plans to take this business model to the neighbouring countries of Kenya and Uganda.
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