Kathmandu— In Gombe, Nigeria, a subtle shift is occurring on the roads as electric motorcycles increasingly appear alongside traditional petrol-powered vehicles. This change isn't driven by environmental policy, but by the sharp rise in fuel prices following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy in May 2023, forcing many to reconsider their transportation and livelihood options. While still relatively expensive, early adopters report significant savings on fuel and maintenance costs, offering a potential solution to both economic pressures and growing concerns about air pollution.

Subsidy Removal Sparks Price Surge

President Tinubu’s decision to end the longstanding petrol subsidy triggered a dramatic increase in fuel prices across Nigeria. In Gombe, petrol now sells for approximately 1,365 naira ($1) per litre, compared to around 200 naira (15 cents) before the removal. This surge has significantly impacted transport costs and household budgets nationwide. The World Bank notes that road transport is a major contributor to air pollution in Nigerian cities, with vehicle emissions exacerbating harmful particulate matter levels.

Riders Report Cost Savings

Ayuba Abubakar, a farmer in Gombe, switched to an electric motorcycle after learning about it from a friend. He was surprised by the bike’s efficient battery usage during a trip between Gombe and Kumo, stating he can often complete a full day of riding without needing to recharge. He estimates savings of around 5,000 naira ($3.7) per week on fuel expenses, while also avoiding common mechanical issues associated with petrol bikes. Ahmed Aminu noted he no longer spends money on engine oil, and Yakubu Sule cited the quiet operation as a key benefit.

Challenges to Wider Adoption

Despite growing interest, unreliable electricity supply poses a significant hurdle to widespread adoption of electric motorcycles in Nigeria. Many households experience limited access to power, receiving only a few hours per day. Muhammad Abubakar, CEO of clean-energy company Sustenaa, warns that charging bikes with generators would simply shift emissions rather than eliminate them. He advocates for solar-powered battery-swap stations as a more sustainable solution and stresses the need for government support in reducing import duties on components, establishing recycling standards, and integrating electric mobility into existing solar projects.

Potential for Air Quality Improvement

While currently a niche option, electric motorcycles offer a potential pathway to improved air quality in Nigeria’s major cities. Abubakar points to the alarming levels of smoke emitted by petrol-powered bikes daily in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, suggesting that even converting a fraction of commercial fleets could lead to noticeable improvements.

Electric motorcycles remain relatively expensive for many Nigerians, but as fuel prices stay high and battery-swap infrastructure develops, they may become an increasingly viable transportation option across the country.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.