In Kigali, electric motorcycle taxis are mandatory

The capital of Rwanda will no longer accept registration of new motorized moto-taxis starting in January 2025

It was on Monday that the Rwandan government announced the news. Gas-powered moto-taxis will no longer be registered starting in January 2025. Not an easy decision considering that moto-taxis represent more than 50% of the country’s transportation methods, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

According to authorities, more than 100,000 motorcycles are currently operating in Rwanda, with two-thirds used as taxis. A minority of them are equipped with electric motors. The government has decided to take action to promote green mobility and reduce air pollution.

The government aims to encourage the transition to clean energy

The Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure spoke to AFP‘AFP. “This will help accelerate the adoption of electric mobility by providing incentives for electric motorcycles and their charging infrastructure, as well as raising public awareness of the benefits of using electric motorcycles.”

This law is accompanied by other measures to support the population in this transition. The price of electricity used to charge motorcycles will be reduced. Similarly, companies manufacturing batteries for these bikes will receive tax benefits. Some consumers even confirm that electric moto-taxis are more affordable for the wallet than gasoline-powered bikes. For example, Alfonse Mbarabuceye bought an electric motorcycle in 2022 and expressed enthusiasm to AFP. “This has significantly reduced the maintenance costs of the motorcycle. I now only need to change its battery once or twice a day.”

This announcement comes as new forms of mobility are gradually arriving in Africa. The continent would benefit from encouraging new modes of mobility to ensure a transition, especially as some regions are currently experiencing rapid development.

Read also: Four Citroën AMI will cross Africa entirely autonomously