Africa's Electric Motorcycle Riders Demand Change as Battery Swaps Open Up
Electric motorcycles are becoming more common across Africa, with companies like Ampersand, ARC Ride, Roam, and Spiro leading the shift. Yet riders continue to face major challenges, from incompatible batteries to limited access to charging points. Now, changes are underway to address these issues and improve conditions for drivers.
For years, African e-mobility firms have operated closed systems, where motorcycles, batteries, and charging stations only work within their own networks. This lack of interoperability has caused problems for riders, who often find themselves stranded when batteries run low and no compatible swap stations are nearby. Some have even lost earnings after their bikes were remotely disabled due to inactivity.
In November, hundreds of Kenyan e-bike riders took to the streets in protest. They demanded more swap stations and open access across different networks. Their frustrations were echoed by podcaster Francis Kibe Njeri, who highlighted how battery incompatibility and remote lockouts were hurting drivers' livelihoods.
Ampersand has now announced plans to open its battery-swap network to other manufacturers. This would be the first such system in Africa, allowing compatible bikes from different brands to use its infrastructure. Meanwhile, Spiro, the continent's largest e-bike firm, already runs over 1,200 swap stations and has deployed around 60,000 electric motorcycles.
Riders have welcomed these developments, hoping they will lead to fewer disruptions and better earnings. The shift could also help the sector grow, despite ongoing challenges like fragmented infrastructure and inconsistent policies.
The move toward interoperable battery-swap systems marks a significant change for Africa's e-mobility industry. Riders will gain more flexibility, reducing the risk of being stranded and improving their income stability. If successful, this approach could set a new standard for electric transport across the continent.
