Moto-taxis are a genuinely normal and widely used way to get around Kigali, and plenty of visitors use them without issue, but a few things are worth knowing before you hop on.

Regulated moto-taxis in Kigali are identifiable by branded jackets and helmets, and drivers are registered with number plates that are traceable, which is part of why the system is reasonably well organised compared with informal moto-taxi setups in some other cities in the region. A helmet is legally required for both driver and passenger, and a reputable driver will always offer you one before setting off. If a driver does not have a spare helmet, that is a reasonable signal to find a different one.

Fares are cheap, often a fraction of the cost of a car taxi for the same trip, and useful for short hops or beating Kigali’s hilly traffic, particularly at peak times. Agree the fare before you get on, since meters are not standard, and having small notes ready avoids awkward change issues at the other end.

For longer trips, at night, or if you have a lot of luggage, a car taxi or ride-hailing app is the more sensible choice. Moto-taxis suit short, light, daytime trips well rather than being an all-purpose transport solution.

The genuine safety consideration is the same as with motorbikes anywhere: traffic accidents are the real risk, not crime. Kigali’s roads are generally well maintained and orderly by regional standards, which helps, but normal caution applies, including holding on properly and keeping bags secured rather than loose over a shoulder.