The Rwandan government is set to issue a national policy-guideline that will eliminate gas motorcycle- taxi, in a bid to pave way for e-motos.
According to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, they will find a way to replace the old motorcycles with electric motos and to urge the cyclists not to resist the process. In his words, “We will find a way to replace the ones you have now. We urge taxi-moto operators to help us when the phase-out process comes.”
According to the Director-General for the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority Patrick Nyirishema, the President’s announcement aligns with a national e-mobility plan in the works for the East African nation. He said the policy has been prepared, but yet to be passed, as it is under an approval process. He revealed that the country will start with moto-taxis, then move to buses and automobiles.
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According to him, “Once the policy is out, we’ll no longer permit any motorcycle that is not electric to be added to the fleet.” He also stated that the country’s regulators will create an appropriate evolution period for taxi operators to move to e-motos.
It’s not news that on-demand motorcycle startups have been giving local motorcycles a run for their money. The African motorcycle market is worth about $4 billion and different ride-hailing startups such as Max.ng, ORide, Gokada, and SafeBoda have expanded to tap into the African market. Max.ng, for instance, is looking to leverage its $7 million-plus acquired fund to launch e-motorcycles that will be powered by renewable energy.
The Director-General for Rwanda’s Utilities Regulatory Authority, Patrick Nyirishema confirmed Ampersand, a Kigali based venture, as a partner for the e-motos project. He noted that the startup is already piloting EVs and charging systems in Rwanda.