KIGALI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's local start-up on Tuesday launched Rwanda's first ride-sharing electric motorcycles in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda.
The electric motorcycles which have been available in Kigali will soon expand to secondary cities of Huye in Southern Province, Rubavu in Western Province and Musanze in Northern Province, said Tony Adesina, CEO of Safi Ltd, the operator.
Users can pay through an inbuilt touch screen system by using a smart card provided by the operator, and the electric motorcycles can also be used in the way like taxis, which offer you a rider, said Adesina at the launching ceremony.
According to him, these motorcycles are equipped with rechargeable lithium iron phosphate batteries which can be used for 150 kilometers on a single charge.
"The use of electric motorcycles in Rwanda will reduce oil dependency, air pollution, growth of greenhouse gases, and promote efficient transport solutions that support green growth and innovation," he said.
Research found that fuel emissions from motorcycles and other vehicles are the leading cause of air pollution in Rwanda. The use of electric motorcycles will promote the green economy in Rwanda, said Coletha Ruhamya, director general of Rwanda Environment Management Authority.
"We are encouraging Rwandans to shift to electric mobility to save our environment from greenhouse gas emissions," said Ruhamya.
The technology company also unveiled a charging station for electric motorcycles at the ceremony.
