Ampersand Energy is an electric mobility and energy technology company based in Rwanda that pioneered Africa’s first commercial battery-swap network for electric motorcycles. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on replacing petrol motorcycles—widely used for taxi and delivery services across Africa—with electric alternatives that are cheaper to run and cleaner for cities.

At the heart of Ampersand’s model is its battery swapping system. Instead of charging a battery for hours, riders stop at an Ampersand swap station and exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in about one to two minutes. This makes electric motorcycles viable for intensive, all-day commercial use, where downtime directly affects income. The swap stations are distributed across urban areas, allowing riders to operate much like they would with petrol refueling.

Ampersand operates on a Battery-as-a-Service approach. Riders typically do not own the battery; they pay per swap. This reduces the upfront cost of electric motorcycles and shifts battery maintenance and lifecycle management to the company. As a result, many riders experience significantly lower daily operating costs compared with petrol bikes, due to cheaper electricity and reduced maintenance.

The company’s network is considered Africa’s first battery swap network at commercial scale, particularly for two-wheel electric vehicles. Ampersand has deployed thousands of electric motorcycles and built a growing network of swap stations, primarily in Rwanda and Kenya. This scale and real-world commercial adoption distinguish it from pilot projects or small experimental charging setups elsewhere on the continent.

Beyond cost savings, Ampersand Energy’s impact is environmental and social. Electric motorcycles on its network produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce air pollution in dense urban areas, while also cutting carbon emissions. By lowering fuel and maintenance expenses, the system also improves rider incomes and supports a more sustainable urban transport ecosystem in East Africa.

According to the internet