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Ride-hailing company Bolt has launched electric tricycles in Lagos, marking a major step in its push for sustainable transport in Nigeria’s largest city.
The company, in partnership with Lagos-based SGX Mobility, began deploying 25 electric tricycles this May. Each tricycle, known locally as “keke,” costs ₦3.2 million and is available to drivers through a lease-to-own scheme. Drivers pay a ₦208,000 down payment and can spread the remaining balance over 18 to 24 months, with weekly payments of ₦32,000 or monthly payments of ₦156,000.
Bolt says its new electric tricycles are designed to cut drivers’ running costs. “We’re betting on driver economics. EV tricycles have lower running costs. And with our lease model, drivers can own their vehicles in two years, while saving on fuel and maintenance from day one,” said Caroline Wanjihla, Bolt Africa’s spokesperson, at the launch event.
Unlike petrol-powered tricycles, the electric models operate on a battery swap system. Drivers can exchange batteries at a swap station in Surulere for ₦6,500 per day-about half the daily fuel cost for a traditional keke. The tricycles can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and run for as long as 12 hours on a full charge.
Bolt’s lease-to-own model aims to address common complaints about inflexible repayment terms and high default rates seen with other ride-hailing platforms. The company has set its driver commission at 15%, lower than the 25% charged on cars, and says it will adjust the model if needed.
The launch comes as many Lagos drivers look for alternatives to petrol vehicles due to rising fuel prices. Some have tried converting to compressed natural gas, but high conversion costs and unreliable refueling infrastructure remain challenges.
Bolt plans to expand the electric tricycle program to other Nigerian cities and African countries if the Lagos rollout proves successful.
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