Man builds affordable bikes for handicapped

Daniel studied welding in college, and had just graduated from DOT Rwanda’s StartUp! Program, creating his own social enterprise.

“My facilitator challenged me to identify my customer and the problems I needed to solve for them. I immediately thought of providing cheap bicycles for disabled youth in my community. I designed a simple bicycle prototype for my class and was blown away by their response. I was so motivated by the encouragement from my peers. Soon after, I started saving up for manufacturing costs”, he explained.

Rwanda is one of the main cycling countries in Africa, and handicapped people can’t afford the imported and expensive bikes available in Rwanda.

Daniel started selling his invention, and within the short time he had no more products, and the demand was increasing. His social entreprise allowed him to win the Best Innovation Award, from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, which he used to reinvest in the business.

“I am passionate about assisting the poor and marginalized in my community. That is why I sell my bicycles for 50% the cost of the imported ones from Europe and China. I still can't believe that my work was recognized by the Minister of Public Service and Labor in Rwanda!", the entrepreneur expressed.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2aLL6Ki