Riders tackling Rwanda’s steep hills and uneven roads now have a new electric motorcycle designed with their needs in mind, as Spiro has unveiled the EKON M1 V3. The launch took place on Friday, August 14, at Expo Ground in Gikondo and featured performances, including one by Rwandan rapper Riderman. The M1 Version 3, also known as the 450 Akon, is the eighth motorcycle model introduced by Spiro since it started operating in Rwanda in November 2022. “This motorcycle was never going to be just another product in our range,” said Amit Chawla, Managing Director of Spiro Rwanda. “When we looked at what our riders face every day, from the hills and road conditions to the need for affordability and easy maintenance, we knew we needed to develop something built specifically. The EKON M1 V3 is our answer.” ALSO READ: Spiro expands as soaring fuel prices supercharge Rwanda’s shift to e-mobility Annet Dengeri, Senior HR at Spiro Rwanda, said the motorcycle was developed in line with the company’s plans and customised to Rwanda’s terrain, customer needs and required development standards. “Spiro operates in eight African countries, and the terrain is not the same in all of them. The specialty of this new model is that it can handle mountainous terrain like that of Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills,” she said. More power, clearance and comfort The motorcycle has a mid-drive motor capable of producing up to 9 kilowatts and more than 260 Newton-metres of torque. It has up to 200mm of ground clearance, while its upgraded 130mm brakes are designed to reduce stopping distance by 15 per cent. It also comes with stronger shock absorbers, a seat that is 73 per cent thicker than previous versions and a 16-litre storage compartment. The motorcycle has real-time tracking and remote immobilisation technology, aimed at improving security for riders who depend on their motorcycles for their livelihoods. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Inside Spiro’s drive to build Rwanda’s e-mobility ecosystem through local assembly, mechanic training Lower running costs, faster battery swaps Spiro says the EKON M1 V3 is up to 35 per cent more affordable than a comparable petrol motorcycle, while its spare parts cost about 40 per cent less. A depleted battery can be replaced with a fully charged one in less than two minutes at a Spiro swapping station, and the motorcycle can cover more than 120 kilometres per swap under ideal conditions, according to the conpany. Dengeri said Spiro is also expanding its battery-swapping infrastructure to cope with the growing number of electric motorcycles. Taxi-moto riders put the new model to the test For taxi-moto operators who tested the new motorcycle, its higher ground clearance, suspension and stability were among its main attractions. Lydvine Benimana, a taxi-moto operator in Kigali, said previous motorcycles were too low for some of the mountainous areas where he rides. “The new one is higher. I have ridden it and really liked it,” he said, citing its comfort, design, shock absorbers and braking system among quality features. Amiel Mfashwenimana, another taxi-moto operator, said the motorcycle’s length gives it greater stability when passing over potholes. He also praised its protected shock absorbers, stronger brakes and larger seat, saying the features make it more suitable for Rwanda’s uneven roads. “I have become one of the customers of this bike,” Mfashwenimana said. Spiro will take the EKON M1 V3 across the country through a nationwide roadshow, giving potential buyers an opportunity to see and test the e-motorcycle at its swapping stations. Spiro targets wider e-mobility growth Spiro operates across eight African countries, with more than 120,000 electric motorcycles on the road, over 2,500 battery-swapping stations and more than 47 million battery swaps recorded. The company is also expanding its regional production and assembly operations as it seeks to build electric vehicles for African markets and beyond. The launch also saw Spiro enter into a partnership with LOLC Unguka Finance to expand access to financing for electric motorcycles. Roshan Gunawardena, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of LOLC Unguka Finance, said the partnership would enable the microfinance institution to reach customers beyond areas covered by its existing 18 branches. “We have 18 branches across Rwanda, and through our partnership with Spiro Rwanda, we will be able to reach areas we have not reached before because we will go there together with Spiro,” he said. The partnership is expected to support Spiro’s target of selling 100,000 electric motorcycles in Rwanda.
