Nigerians switch to electric bikes as fuel prices soar

In Gombe, Nigeria, the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023 led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, from about 200 naira per litre to 1,365 naira. This economic pressure has prompted some residents, like farmer Ayuba Abubakar, to purchase electric motorcycles, which cost about 1 million naira. These bikes are quieter and have lower maintenance costs, saving riders like Ayuba about 5,000 naira per week in fuel expenses. However, the high upfront cost makes them inaccessible to many, and Nigeria's unreliable electricity supply poses a challenge, as charging with generators would negate environmental benefits. Battery recycling is also a concern as the market grows. Despite these hurdles, the trend is slowly expanding, offering a glimpse of how economic factors are reshaping transport in Nigeria.