Plug-and-Play E-Bikes Launched in Rwanda, Togo and Kenya

Africa’s largest electric vehicle provider, Spiro, is rolling out plug-and-play EV motorcycles across Rwanda, Togo and Kenya, following a successful pilot of the service.

Spiro is partnering with utility company Bboxx for the project, leveraging Bboxx’s distribution network to connect the e-bikes, allowing users to swap bike batteries at Bboxx shops and distribution centers when they require a new charge.

The project is aimed at connecting affordable and energy-efficient transport to customers in East and West African markets whose livelihoods rely on ease of mobility.

"This partnership with Bboxx marks a significant leap in our journey to revolutionize Africa's transportation landscape,” said Jules Samain, Spiro’s CEO. “By leveraging Bboxx's extensive distribution network, we're able to provide affordable and sustainable transport options, empowering countless communities while making significant strides in Africa's clean mobility transition."

The partners have also jointly developed a safety and onboarding process for users, with technical testing, speed and safety training, and access to protective clothing, including helmets.

Spiro (previously M auto) has already rolled out 4,500 electric bikes in Rwanda, Benin and Togo, and in April the company announced plans to put 140,000 electric motorcycles in Uganda over the next five years. 

The bikes are intended primarily to replace motorcycle taxis, also known as boda bodas, an increasingly popular method of transport in the region. Spiro’s announcement comes during a widespread push for electric transport, with the Ugandan government announcing its collaboration with Spiro in April as part of its plan to incentivize drivers’ transition to clean energy bikes.

Under the project in Uganda, Spiro will also establish more than 3,000 recharging and battery-swapping stations.