As petrol prices soar, electric bikes gain ground in Nigeria

In Gombe, Nigeria, the streets are increasingly filled with the quiet hum of electric motorcycles, a subtle but growing shift in urban transport. This change is driven not by environmental policies, but by the sharp increase in fuel prices following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the nation's fuel subsidy in May 2023. The subsidy's end has forced many Nigerians to reconsider their travel and livelihood options.

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I usually spend the day moving around Gombe without charging. When I travel to remote areas, I charge it.

Petrol prices have surged to about 1,365 naira ($1) per liter in Gombe, a stark contrast to the previous 200 naira (15 cents). This dramatic rise has inflated transport costs and strained household budgets nationwide. The economic pressure is compounded by growing concerns over the environmental impact of Nigeria's aging fleet of gasoline-powered motorcycles, which contribute significantly to urban air pollution, according to the World Bank.

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My charger once burned out because I didn’t use a stabiliser. Apart from that, I’ve had no major maintenance costs.

For riders like Ayuba Abubakar, an electric motorcycle represents a significant cost saving. He estimates saving around 5,000 naira ($3.7) weekly on fuel. Despite the ongoing savings on fuel and reduced maintenance needs, Abubakar notes that the initial purchase price of these bikes, around 1 million naira ($735), remains a significant hurdle for widespread adoption. "Even with those savings, the price needs to come down for most Nigerians to afford it," he told Al Jazeera.

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Even with those savings, the price needs to come down for most Nigerians to afford it.