By Juliet Umeh
In a bold move to combat carbon emissions, alleviate soaring fuel costs, and revolutionize urban mobility, a ride-hailing platform Bolt has launched its electric tricycle, e-trike, service in Lagos, Nigeria.
The initiative, rolled out in partnership with SGX Mobility, marks a significant step toward sustainable transportation, particularly in underserved and high-density areas of the city. It also aims to empower drivers economically through reduced fuel dependency and a lease-to-own vehicle scheme.
Bolt’s Regional Director of Rides Operations for Africa and International Markets, Caroline Wanjihia, noted:
“This isn’t just a mobility upgrade—it’s a pathway to economic empowerment. We’re lowering the barrier to vehicle ownership, slashing fuel expenses, and creating long-term opportunities for drivers who power our platform.”
Under the model, drivers can acquire a new electric tricycle with an upfront payment of N208,000 and gain full ownership after 24 months. Operations will be exclusive to Bolt’s platform and the SGX-managed fleet, with a 50% commission model shared between the two partners.
Bolt Nigeria’s General Manager, Osi Oguah, emphasized that the innovation tackles two of Nigeria’s most pressing transportation issues:
“We’re addressing low driver earnings and limited mobility in underserved communities. With a target of deploying 1,000 electric tricycles by the end of 2025, this initiative will bridge crucial transport gaps.”
The Lagos rollout builds on Bolt’s 2020 pilot project in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, which served as a foundation for scaling cleaner mobility alternatives across Nigeria.
Executive at SGX Mobility, Dr. Dele Awofala stressed the urgent climate and economic drivers behind the shift:
“Nigeria’s transport sector is the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions—tricycles and motorcycles emit three times more pollution per kilometre than cars. Meanwhile, fuel prices have surged over 200% since May 2023. We need urgent, practical solutions.”
He added that electric mobility represents a “transformational opportunity” for Nigeria—one that can reduce pollution, lower costs, create dignified jobs, and draw investor interest.
Bolt and SGX say their vision goes beyond Lagos, with plans to expand electric mobility solutions across multiple Nigerian cities—contributing to climate goals while driving inclusive growth.
