This project explores the feasibility of establishing a universal battery swapping and charging infrastructure to support the adoption of electric motorcycles in Uganda and the UK. The team, led by Dr. Chris Byaruhanga, a lecturer and researcher at Kyambogo University in Uganda, aims to address the challenges of accessibility and convenience for electric motorcycle users by creating a standardised, cross-brand solution for battery swapping and charging.
“In both Uganda and the UK, motorcycles have become essential for transportation and delivery services, and with the shift towards e-mobility, there’s a growing need for supportive infrastructure,” explains Chris.
Joining Dr. Byaruhanga on this ambitious project are Dr. Dilum Dissanayake, an Associate Professor of Transportation Planning at the University of Birmingham, and Eng. Ivan Ssensamba, an experienced engineer in traffic systems and data analysis. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in transport policy, data analysis, and infrastructure development, and are well-positioned to tackle the complex landscape of electric motorcycle infrastructure in both countries.
The growing adoption of motorcycles in Uganda and the UK, each with unique motivations and challenges, provides the backdrop for this project. In Uganda, the popularity of Boda-Boda motorcycles as a flexible and efficient mode of public transport highlights the need for sustainable alternatives. In the UK, motorcycle registrations have risen in recent years, partly driven by the pandemic’s surge in delivery services and a push toward decarbonising transport by phasing out fossil-fuel motorcycles by 2035. While electric motorcycles present a promising solution, their success depends on the availability of widespread, convenient charging and swapping stations—a critical gap in both countries.
“Currently, Uganda has isolated battery swapping stations operated by individual companies, which limits accessibility and requires riders to locate specific brand stations,” notes Chris.
This lack of a universal infrastructure presents both logistical and practical challenges for electric motorcycle riders, reducing the appeal of e-mobility. The project aims to investigate the technical and financial viability of a unified battery-swapping network, which would streamline access and support the adoption of electric motorcycles across diverse brands and regions.
The feasibility study will take a participatory approach, involving key stakeholders in both Uganda and the UK to gather insights on their needs and expectations for a universal swapping and charging hub. The project will begin by identifying the current electric motorcycle service providers and mapping existing battery-swapping locations. Motorcycle associations and relevant stakeholders in both countries will also be engaged to explore potential collaborations and partnerships for a universal infrastructure.
Workshops will be held with stakeholders to examine current challenges, business models, and opportunities for standardisation. These sessions will focus on addressing the project’s central question: “Is it feasible to establish a universal battery charging and swapping hub for electric motorcycles?” Additionally, interviews and surveys with stakeholders will help capture data to understand operational models and user needs in the context of battery swapping and charging.
The main outputs of this project will include a comprehensive map of existing infrastructure and a feasibility report. The map will offer a visual overview of current battery-swapping locations, aiding users and operators in understanding the existing landscape. The feasibility report will provide technical, market, and financial analyses, delivering insights into the potential of universal, standardised battery swapping and charging. This report will also offer guidance on optimal business models and operational strategies for current retailers, helping both companies and motorcycle riders make informed decisions about adopting electric motorcycles.
This FTVG-funded project holds significant promise for transforming the electric motorcycle ecosystem in Uganda and the UK. A universal battery-swapping infrastructure would increase the convenience and appeal of electric motorcycles, supporting sustainability goals and aligning with global trends toward e-mobility.
“If successful, this universal infrastructure could pave the way for more affordable and accessible electric mobility in countries with diverse transport needs,” says Dilum.
The findings of this feasibility study will provide critical guidance for policymakers, transport planners, and business leaders, offering a replicable framework that could extend beyond Uganda and the UK. By fostering collaboration across stakeholders, this project aims to demonstrate the potential for scalable, standardised infrastructure that makes electric mobility a viable choice for more riders worldwide.