As petrol prices soar, electric bikes gain ground in Nigeria | News
Electric Motorcycles Gain Traction in Gombe Amid Rising Fuel Prices
GOMBE, Nigeria — On a recent weekday morning in Pantami District, the streets of Gombe are bustling with motorcycles ferrying students, workers, and traders. However, an increasing number of electric motorcycles are joining the ranks, providing a quieter alternative. This shift is primarily driven by soaring fuel prices, rather than environmental policies.
One passerby was taken by surprise when the horn of an electric motorcycle sounded behind him, as the vehicle glided almost silently past. Unlike their petrol-powered counterparts, electric motorcycles emit no exhaust fumes.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement in May 2023 to eliminate Nigeria’s longstanding fuel subsidy, many riders have turned to electric options to alleviate the financial burden from escalating fuel costs. This decision has prompted a reevaluation of transportation methods across the country.
The cost of electric motorcycles typically hovers around 1 million naira (approximately $735), which may be prohibitive for some households. Nonetheless, those who have made the switch report significant savings on fuel and maintenance expenditures.
Fuel Price Surge Following Subsidy Removal
Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, led to a sharp rise in fuel costs nationwide. In Gombe, petrol is currently priced at about 1,365 naira ($1) per liter, up from approximately 200 naira (15 cents) before the subsidy was lifted. This increase has raised transportation expenses and posed financial challenges for many households in Nigeria.
The economic strain has coincided with heightened concerns regarding the environmental impacts from the aging fleet of petrol-powered vehicles. The World Bank identifies road transport as a significant source of air pollution in Nigerian cities, contributing substantially to harmful particulate matter levels.
Riders Share Experiences with Electric Models
For Ayuba Abubakar, a Gombe resident and farmer, the decision to adopt an electric motorcycle stemmed from a friend’s recommendation earlier this year. Following his purchase, he found that the battery held up remarkably well during his trips from Gombe to Kumo.
“I usually spend the day moving around Gombe without charging,” Abubakar noted. He has been using the bike for about three months without any significant mechanical issues commonly associated with petrol motorcycles. He estimates a weekly savings of approximately 5,000 naira ($3.70) on fuel.
“Even with those savings, the price needs to come down for most Nigerians to afford it,” he added.
Similarly, Ahmed Aminu, another rider, reported that he no longer incurs costs for engine oil, while Yakubu Sule cited the electric motorcycle’s quiet operation as a major factor in his decision to switch.
Challenges of Infrastructure and Power Supply
Despite the enthusiasm among early adopters, inconsistent electricity supply remains a significant hurdle for the broader adoption of electric motorcycles. Most households experience only limited power availability each day, complicating the charging process.
Muhammad Abubakar, CEO of Sustenaa, a clean-energy company, emphasized a need for sustainable solutions. “If we end up charging these bikes with generators, then what’s the point?” he questioned, warning that this could merely shift emissions from vehicles to generators.
Abubakar advocates for the establishment of solar-powered battery-swap stations rather than relying on individual charging at home. He also called for government efforts to reduce import duties on electric motorcycle components and to support battery recycling initiatives.
As electric motorcycles remain a niche market in Gombe, their presence offers a glimpse into potential changes in transportation practices amid rising fuel costs. With the prospect of improved battery-swap infrastructure, these quiet vehicles may play a role in addressing both economic pressures and environmental concerns in Nigeria.
