Rwanda announced on Monday that it will no longer register petrol-powered motorbike taxis starting next year as part of its push to transition to electric vehicles.

“The goal is to promote the use of cleaner, more efficient energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore in an interview .

This new regulation will apply only in the capital city of Kigali and will affect motorbikes used as taxis, which are the primary mode of public transport in the area.

To support this transition, Rwanda has implemented several subsidies, including reduced electricity costs for charging and tax incentives for battery manufacturing companies.

The ministry estimates that there are approximately 110,000 motorbikes in Rwanda, with around 30,000 located in Kigali, of which 70,000 are used as taxis.

Eve Kayiranga, manager of SAFI Universal Link, one of the Rwandan companies selling electric bikes, praised the announcement as “a significant step forward for a greener city.” She added, “This policy not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also reflects the progress being made in developing supportive infrastructure for e-mobility in Rwanda.”

Drivers have also welcomed the shift to electric bikes. Alfonse Mbarabuceye, 32, noted that his daily income has increased by 50% since he switched from petrol in 2022. “It has greatly reduced my maintenance costs, as I only need to change the battery once or twice a day,” he explained.