Bolt Launches Electric Tricycles in Lagos to Reduce Carbon Emission

Emma Okonji

Bolt, a ride-hailing platform with operations across African countries, Nigeria inclusive, has officially launched its Electric Tricycles (EV) in Lagos, a major move aimed at solving climate change challenges by reducing carbon emission from Nigerian roads, generated by vehicles using fossil fuels to power internal combustion engines. 

With the launch, Bolt is also empowering Nigerian drivers through lower operational costs and more accessible paths to vehicle ownership. 

The launch marks Bolt’s latest investment in building transport solutions tailored to the realities of African cities, focusing on financial inclusion, income growth, and long-term sustainability for drivers.

According to the ride-hailing company, Bolt’s EV tricycle rollout is designed to directly address the economic pressure that drivers face amid rising fuel prices and vehicle maintenance costs. 

Through a ‘Lease-to-Own’ model in partnership with SGX Mobility, drivers can access brand-new electric tricycles with no upfront payment and own the vehicle outright after 24 months of consistent use.

Drivers participating in the programme will operate exclusively on the Bolt platform and within SGX- managed fleets, with continued access to preferential lease terms based on weeklyperformance benchmarks. The new EV tricycles also introduce a lower-cost category for riders,particularly in high-density, lower-income areas where traditional ride-hailing options may be tooexpensive or unavailable.

Speaking at the launch event, Bolt’s Regional Director of Rides Operations, Africa and International Markets, Caroline Wanjihia, said: “The initiative is about transforming howmobility works for the people who power our platform, the drivers, by giving them tools to reduce fuel spending, avoid upfront vehicle costs, and eventually own their tricycles, we’re putting more control and earning potential directly into their hands. Nigeria, with its vast and dynamicpopulation, is key to our strategy of making mobility economically viable and accessible foreveryone.”

General Manager, Bolt Nigeria, Osi Oguah, said: “The launch is a major step in addressing two critical challenges in Nigeria’s transport sector – driver income and commuter access. Byintroducing electric tricycles with flexible, lease-to-own options, we’re helping drivers savemoney, own their vehicles, and build sustainable livelihoods. We have an ambitious target of having 1,000 electric tricycles by the end of2025.”

SGX Mobility Executive, Dr. Dele Awofala, said: “At SGX, we believe in creating entrepreneurs, enhancing economic growth and solving climate change challenges. Our approach to e-mobility is not just about replacing combustion engines with electric mobility, it’s about creating a sustainable, affordable and inclusive system that works for everyone, including riders, drivers, investors and the planet.”

Addressing the issue of charging stations for the EV batteries, the Technical and

Project Supervisor at SGX Mobility, Abdul Matin, said the company had established 10-Door capacity charging stations at different locations in Lagos, where tricycle drivers could swap batteries that are fully charged from a charging station. 

“The capacity of the lithium battery is 3.6 kilowatts and it can operate for two days, covering a distance of 80km before it can get discharged. The battery level is always displayed on the dashboard, to enable the driver to see the level of depletion and know when exactly to swap with a fully recharged battery from any charging station,” Martin said.  

Lagosians were advised to enjoy the ride by ordering a tricycle within their vicinity, through the mobile app.