Motobike 101

Motobikes are motorcycles that have been converted into awesome modes of transportation all over the city of Kigali. Besides the general rules like, do not lean too hard in any one direction as you may tip over the bike, there are some general ‘rules of engagement’ for those who decide to take the cheap compromise between buses and taxis.

1) The drivers have a vested interest in your safety as it is totally tied to their own. A driver wants to crash as much as you, dear rider, want to. Unlike the bus drivers who are comfortable with the safe bubble a bus gives them between their riders and the pavement, moto drivers have no such bubble and therefore always make sure to do things like make you put your helmet on even if you just did your hair for the first time in a month and are on your way to a club.

2) Like so much in life, the first time is the scariest. You won’t know where to put your hands, you’ll appear to driving directly in to oncoming traffic and your driver may or may not pick up their cell phone and take a call. Refer to rule 1 for the later situation and for the others, just open your eyes and enjoy it. It’s more enjoyable than walking, faster, and a great way to see the city. The RAs personally enjoy because we often get crap (or no) directions to places so we just ask the motos to take us there.

3) Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate. There will never be a time a moto or a taxi driver will start off at a fair price. If you want that luxury – ride the bus friends. I prefer to ask a local what they would pay and work with that number. Later at night is more expensive, but the buses aren’t running so they have a bit of a monopoly during those hours. Don’t fret though – you’ll learn what the price SHOULD be pretty quickly and if they know you know, then they won’t mess with you.

Let your hair down, jump on a moto and enjoy it! It’s the one epic convenience that Africa has over the US. And I’ve been in more accidents with taxis (1) than I have in motos (0) – so that ratio should give you full confidence to hop on the back and ride on.