Industry observers agree that the long-term success of electric mobility will depend not only on the availability of electric motorcycles but also on the supporting infrastructure, financing models, maintenance services and digital technologies that enable their widespread adoption.

Velvett Company Ltd is among the companies helping shape this new phase of Rwanda's electric mobility journey. Established in 2023, the Kigali-based company has adopted an integrated business model that combines electric motorcycle distribution, battery-swapping infrastructure, after-sales services and digital innovation, reflecting the growing recognition that electric mobility is an ecosystem rather than a single product.

The approach aligns with Rwanda's broader ambition to position itself as a regional leader in green transport and climate-smart urban development. Over the past several years, the Government of Rwanda has introduced policy incentives aimed at encouraging investment in electric mobility, creating an enabling environment for private sector participation. Companies operating within the sector are now expected to contribute not only to vehicle deployment but also to the development of the supporting services that ensure reliability and consumer confidence.

For commercial motorcycle riders, affordability and operational efficiency remain key considerations. Velvett has responded by introducing flexible rent-to-own financing options that lower the cost of acquiring electric motorcycles while enabling riders to earn an income as they work towards ownership. Complementing this financing model is a growing network of battery-swapping stations, developed through the company's partnership with SPIRO, allowing riders to replace depleted batteries within minutes instead of waiting for lengthy charging cycles.

Industry experts have consistently identified charging infrastructure and maintenance services as critical factors influencing the pace of electric vehicle adoption. Recognising this, Velvett has established a dedicated garage providing maintenance and repair services alongside genuine spare parts, ensuring that riders have access to reliable technical support throughout the lifecycle of their motorcycles. The company has also developed the V App, a digital platform intended to connect riders with passengers and delivery customers, demonstrating how technology can improve operational efficiency while expanding economic opportunities within the mobility sector.

Although still a relatively young company, Velvett has recorded significant milestones. Since August 2024, it has deployed 120 electric motorcycles and established 12 battery-swapping stations across Kigali.
It has also secured dealership and franchise agreements with SPIRO, positioning itself within one of Africa's fastest-growing electric mobility networks. According to the company's profile, it currently accounts for an estimated 15 percent of Rwanda's electric mobility market.

Beyond commercial growth, the company's activities reflect the wider economic and environmental potential of electric mobility. Its expansion plans include increasing its fleet to 500 electric motorcycles and establishing 50 battery-swapping stations nationwide over the coming years. These investments are expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions, supporting job creation and strengthening Rwanda's transition towards a low-carbon transport system.

The evolution of Rwanda's electric mobility sector increasingly demonstrates that success depends on collaboration between government, technology providers, infrastructure developers and mobility operators. Companies that invest across the value chain are helping address many of the practical challenges associated with adopting new transport technologies, from energy access and financing to maintenance and digital connectivity.

As Rwanda continues to advance its green growth agenda, integrated business models such as Velvett's illustrate how private sector innovation can complement public policy to accelerate the country's clean mobility transition. Rather than focusing solely on deploying electric motorcycles, the emphasis is increasingly on building the ecosystem that allows electric mobility to scale sustainably, deliver economic value and support Rwanda's long-term environmental ambitions.

The author Sharon Munyana, is an EV Enthusiast