The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) has announced that it has received complaints from users of Spiro electric motorcycles and confirmed that the government is taking steps to find lasting solutions.
According to MINICOM, the matter is being handled in collaboration with the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), and the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA). These institutions are jointly investigating the issues to ensure they are resolved effectively.
The announcement follows numerous complaints from riders about recurring mechanical and service-related problems with Spiro motorcycles. Reported issues include brake failures leading to accidents, shortage of spare parts, delays in battery replacement, poor after-sales service, and long waiting times to receive motorcycles after purchase.
Riders who spoke to Imvaho Nshya said these challenges have caused them significant financial losses, but they remain hopeful that the government’s intervention will bring positive change.
Sikubwaho Alphonse, one of the riders, said, “My motorcycle has already caused me to fall three times because the brakes failed. Just recently, I nearly crashed into a car. These motorcycles are a problem—riding one feels like taking a risk every day.”
He added that accessing spare parts is another major challenge, as some riders wait for more than two months to get replacements or even end up leaving their motorcycles at the company workshop with no updates.
“This situation leads to big losses. If your motorcycle stays at the workshop for three months, you stop earning income. Many riders have given up, but since the government has stepped in, we are hopeful the issue will finally be fixed,” he said.
Another rider, Gatete Jean Damascène, shared a similar experience: “I almost got into an accident in Nyabisindu because the brakes failed. Every three days I have to go back for repairs.”
Mpazimpa Félicien added, “Imagine owning a motorcycle and not finding spare parts—you could go for months without working.”
Despite these challenges, Spiro motorcycle riders say they are optimistic that the government’s involvement will bring sustainable solutions to their problems.
