About us

Since 2010

EURIST e.V. has been supporting its African partner organisations in improving conditions for male and female cyclists – and those who would like to become cyclists. As a bicycle taxi, as a cargo bike for sale on the local market or as an ambulance for better accessibility to medical facilities.

Since 2017

EURIST e-bikes are now hitting the roads in Uganda in a pilot phase. They have covered more than 20,000 km with the energy of the African sun – and made everyday life easier for many people. The results are clear: the African E-Bike is a multi-talent. The results are clear: the African E-Bike is a multi-talent. An e-bike increases the radius of action, increases the load volume, is finally a fast and comfortable means of transport for poorer people and offers completely new (emission-free!) possibilities of use – at low costs and often more income for the users.
Our partner in Uganda has been FABIO (First African Bicycle Information Organisation) for a decade now. Katesi Najiba, director of FABIO sums up the pilot phase like this:

“People were totally enthusiastic. There was a lot of excitement right from the start of the project and everyone wanted to be part of it. Even motorbike taxi drivers are hugely interested because they can own the bikes themselves instead of borrowing the bikes for their job.”

The first phase of the project came to an end in January 2019. “It was an absolute success, no question about it! But it can only be the beginning,”says Patrick Kayemba, the director of EURIST Africa.

And Bjarne Mädel, German actor, was able to see for himself in spring 2019:

in 2021/22

e-bike service centres are to be established in several regions.
With its initially planned 30 e-bikes, each centre will also include a bike-sharing station to generate income for employees. Some of the bikes will be provided as e-bike ambulances, e-cargo bikes as well as e-bike taxis. A special “water e-bike” will make daily commutes easier for women and significantly improve access to clean water.

A solar panel on the roof or electricity from a local water mill (hydropower) is used to charge the batteries, and electricity is also provided for a router Publicly accessible, free internet will increase the attractiveness of the mobility centre, making it a social meeting point – as will the bike repair and battery replacement service.

“Such a continuation of the project would be groundbreaking” says Katesi Najiba. “A new mobility culture could develop through the rental station, maybe it will set a precedent and someday the whole of Africa will ride e-bikes.”

Indeed, the new e-bike service centre could not only lead to a new sales market for e-bikes in Africa, but also interest development organisations. Until then, however, there is still some work to be done:

As a non-profit organisation, one is largely dependent on partners and donations. The pilot project was funded by the Rotary Club Hamburg-Bergedorf.
Now it is a matter of seeking support from the bicycle industry, applying for funds from development organisations and making the project known throughout Africa.