Electric motorcycles, or e-motos, are reshaping the way people travel across East Africa, and Rwanda is quickly becoming a hub for this green revolution. At the heart of this transformation is Ampersand, a company pioneering battery-swap technology that makes electric mobility practical, affordable, and sustainable. With thousands of electric bikes already on the road and more stations popping up each month, this shift is more than a trend—it’s a game-changer.
Speed and Efficiency: Battery Swaps in Under Two Minutes
One of Ampersand’s key innovations is its battery-swap stations, designed to minimize downtime and keep e-moto riders on the road. Instead of waiting hours to recharge, riders can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in under two minutes. This quick process helps commercial motorcycle taxi drivers, known locally as “moto-taxi” riders, to maximize their daily earnings.
With more than 18,000 swaps conducted daily across Rwanda and Kenya, these stations are proving their value. Each station is equipped with multiple charging units to handle demand during peak hours. A notable setup in Nairobi includes 36 charging docks and 150 lithium-ion batteries, ensuring constant availability.
Smart Tech for Smarter Mobility
Riders use the Ampersand Driver App to monitor battery levels, find nearby stations, and check in digitally. This tech-driven approach makes the whole system seamless. Swaps cost around $1.60, and payments are fully digital. Riders only pay for the energy they use, making it both fair and efficient.
In Kigali, riders like Numukobwa Dative rely on the app daily. After purchasing her e-moto for $2,100 through financing, she now earns up to $23 per day, a 35% increase over her petrol-bike income.
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Sustainability Through Solar Power
Ampersand’s eco-conscious mindset goes beyond electric motors. In 2024, the company teamed up with CrossBoundary Energy to integrate solar energy into its battery-swap stations. A pilot project in Nairobi now runs on a 37kWp solar PV system, reducing reliance on the grid and cutting emissions even further.
In Rwanda, where over 60% of electricity is generated from renewables, solar integration fits seamlessly with the country’s green ambitions. This move also helps reduce operational costs and improves infrastructure reliability, especially in rural areas.
Cleaner Air, Healthier Cities
Each Ampersand e-moto eliminates about 2 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Collectively, the fleet has helped avoid 12,000+ tons of emissions to date. Traditional petrol motorcycles emit around 11.78 kg of CO₂ per 100 km, while electric alternatives cut emissions by 75–95%, especially when powered by renewables.
The shift to electric is also helping clean up Rwanda’s urban air. With transport accounting for 13% of national emissions, replacing petrol motos with e-motos is a major win for air quality and public health.
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A Boost for Riders and the Economy
Ampersand’s impact goes far beyond cleaner air. Its battery-swap model helps riders save around $700 annually on energy costs. This represents a 45% increase in net earnings compared to gas-powered bikes.
Moreover, the company’s growth is creating jobs. With over 300 employees, Ampersand assembles 100 e-motorcycles and 140 batteries each week. Over 60 women are part of its driver network, with female technicians like Lydia Micomyoza leading the way in technical roles.
The economic ripple effect is substantial. From technicians managing battery swaps to vendors servicing riders, the entire transport ecosystem benefits from the rise of e-mobility.
Long-Term Vision and Regional Expansion
Ampersand has ambitious goals: to deploy 600,000 e-motos by 2030 and 5 million by 2033 across East Africa. Currently, it operates more than 5,700 e-motorcycles across Rwanda and Kenya, supported by 25 battery-swap stations.
Strategic partnerships with companies like TotalEnergies and CrossBoundary Energy are helping Ampersand scale its infrastructure quickly. Financing partners such as M-Kopa, Watu, and Jali Finance also allow riders to purchase e-motos affordably over 24-month plans.
This scalable model is opening up new markets, with expansions planned in Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Ampersand is even inviting other EV brands to use its infrastructure, building an inclusive ecosystem for clean mobility.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
Ampersand is showing that going electric doesn’t have to mean sacrificing performance, convenience, or income. Its model is reducing emissions, creating jobs, and cutting operating costs for thousands of riders across Rwanda.
With strong support from renewable energy sources and a robust digital platform, the company is not just selling motorcycles—it’s building an entire green transport infrastructure.
Whether you’re a moto-taxi driver in Kigali or a commuter in Rubavu, Ampersand’s innovations are making electric transport a viable and affordable choice. And with platforms like auto24.rw, it’s easier than ever to find your next ride and be part of the clean mobility future.
