Electric Tricycles Unveiled by Bolt in Lagos, Nigeria
In a significant move towards sustainable urban transit, Bolt has launched its first fleet of electric tricycles in Lagos, Nigeria. This initiative is part of Bolt's broader push towards low-emission transport across Africa, aiming to introduce cleaner mobility options and potentially reduce fuel costs for drivers by up to 40%, according to a 2023 UN report.
The exact number of electric tricycles launched by Bolt in Lagos remains undisclosed. However, these battery-powered vehicles are intended to cut pollution in the city, which is a key source of air pollution. Despite the growing interest in electric vehicles, they remain rare in Nigeria's informal transport sector.
Bolt's shift towards green mobility could position it as a significant player in Africa's clean mobility future. The move reflects a growing private-sector interest in sustainable urban transit, with similar EV pilots launching in East Africa, including in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
In Kenya, Bolt has partnered with BasiGo and Ampersand to test electric bikes in Nairobi. Meanwhile, in Rwanda and Uganda, foundational infrastructure enhancements and continent-wide partnerships are creating a conducive environment for future EV expansion.
The expansion of Bolt's electric transport service to other Nigerian cities will likely be influenced by government policy, charging infrastructure, and maintenance networks. Analysts suggest that Lagos could serve as a testbed for broader EV integration across West Africa.
While details on the battery specifications of Bolt's electric tricycles in Lagos are not provided, the company's partnership with TRÍ and Watu aims to leverage carbon markets and climate finance to fund infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging stations, thereby lowering financial barriers to EV adoption.
As Bolt's EV integration and broader e-mobility initiatives continue to advance through partnerships and pilot programs, the market remains in a growth and scaling phase rather than full deployment. However, the initiatives underway set the stage for broader electric vehicle integration in these West and East African cities.
References:
[1] Bolt and partners launch eco-mobility plan to accelerate electric mobility in African cities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bolt.eu/en/news/bolt-and-partners-launch-eco-mobility-plan-to-accelerate-electric-mobility-in-african-cities
[2] Kenya to upgrade electricity grid to better integrate renewable energy. (2021, July 22). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/africa/kenya-upgrade-electricity-grid-better-integrate-renewable-energy-2021-07-22/
[3] Electric moto-taxis could reduce pollution in Lagos, improve mobility. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bolt.eu/en/news/electric-moto-taxis-could-reduce-pollution-in-lagos-improve-mobility
- In an effort to promote a cleaner lifestyle, Bolt is exploring the integration of electric gadgets into their transportation services, as seen in their partnership with TRÍ and Watu for charging infrastructure.
- As Bolt expands their network of electric-vehicles beyond tricycles, they aim to introduce a wide variety of sustainable mobility options, including electric bikes, in cities like Nairobi, Kenya and Rwanda and Uganda.
