Bolt, Nigeria’s leading ride-hailing platform, has unveiled a fleet of electric tricycles in Lagos as part of a new initiative to promote clean energy and boost driver earnings.
The company announced the rollout on Wednesday at a launch event in Lagos. The company revealed that SGX Mobility developed the electric tricycles — locally known as keke napep — in partnership with them. SGX is a local mobility tech firm.
As part of a pilot phase, 25 electric tricycles will hit the roads this May. Bolt plans to scale this number up to 1,000 by the end of 2025. The vehicles will be fully accessible via the Bolt app. Riders can choose them as a sustainable option for short urban trips.
Moreover, the initiative features a lease-to-own model. This allows drivers to gradually take ownership of the tricycles while also cutting down on operational costs. Battery swapping for the electric vehicles is estimated at about ₦6,500 per day — roughly half the cost of fuelling petrol-powered tricycles. Additionally, Bolt is offering drivers a reduced commission rate of 15%, compared to the standard 25% charged for car rides.
Bolt’s Regional Director of Rides Operations for Africa, Caroline Wanjihia, said the new model empowers drivers by eliminating fuel costs and upfront vehicle payments:
“We’re putting more control and earning potential directly into their hands.”
The electric tricycles can reach speeds of 80 km/h and operate for up to 12 hours on a full charge, making them ideal for daily city commuting.
Osi Oguah, General Manager of Bolt Nigeria, said the project aims to tackle two key issues: low driver earnings and limited commuter access. He added that Bolt is open to making changes based on feedback. For example, this could include adjusting payment terms or reallocating resources.
The project’s success may depend on how fast the battery-swapping system grows and how well drivers adjust to it.
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