In the three years since Spiro began operations in Rwanda, the company has distributed nearly 4,000 electric motorcycles. This initiative aligns with Rwanda's national goal to phase out fuel-powered motorcycles as part of efforts to reduce air pollution.
Joseph Nsabimana, who has been a motorcycle taxi rider for five years and has been using a Spiro electric motorcycle for two months, highlighted the financial benefits. He explained that switching to an electric motorcycle helped him save money he previously spent on engine oil.
He said, 'Every month, I used to pay about Frw 12,000 for oil changes, which adds up to Frw 144,000 annually. With Spiro bikes, that's money I now save and can reinvest in other areas of my life.'
Nsabimana also thanked the Rwandan government for introducing electric motorcycles and expressed a common wish among riders: that more charging stations be installed in various areas for convenience.
Shanton Ngabire, Spiro's Head of Sales, announced that the company plans to distribute 25,000 motorcycles this year, some of which will be offered at discounted rates. Spiro also intends to build 400 charging stations across the country.
He noted, 'Rusizi is the first district in the Western Province where we've opened a branch. Thank you for choosing Spiro. We will increase charging stations as requested. I assure you that wherever motorcycles can reach, we will install stations, not just along major roads.'
Spiro motorcycles come equipped with GPS technology, which allows the company to remotely disable a bike if it is stolen, enabling the owner to recover it easily.
Nsekarije Venuste, Head of Investment and Employment Promotion in Rusizi District, welcomed Spiro to the district highlighting that the electric motorcycles support Rwanda's green development agenda.
He added, 'I encourage all motorcycle taxi operators to adopt them. As one of their peers testified, these electric bikes are more profitable than petrol-powered ones.'
Currently, four charging stations have been set up in Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts, in locations such as Bugarama, Kamembe, Ntendezi, and Nyamasheke, with another under construction in Buhinga.
Outside of Kigali City, Spiro has opened branches in Rwamagana, Kayonza, Muhanga, and now Rusizi, with upcoming plans to expand to Karongi and Musanze Districts in the near future.
IGIHE
