How Nigerians are Adopting Electric Scooters for Mobility

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are emerging as a viable mobility solution in Nigeria, where rapid urbanization and traffic congestion challenge traditional transportation. With over 60% of Nigerians living in urban areas by 2025, the demand for affordable, eco-friendly alternatives has surged. This article explores how Nigerians are adopting e-scooters, focusing on urban mobility needs, adoption trends, and barriers to widespread use, drawing from recent studies and practical examples.

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Addressing Urban Mobility Needs

In Nigeria’s megacities like Lagos and Abuja, e-scooters offer a practical response to chronic traffic gridlock and rising fuel costs. A 2024 report in Nigerian Tech Review notes that commuters lose an average of 3 hours daily in traffic, pushing demand for agile transport options. Trekk Scooters, a Lagos-based startup, has capitalized on this by deploying e-scooters in university campuses and gated communities since 2021, allowing users to rent via an app for as low as ₦10 per minute. This aligns with Nigeria’s mobile-first culture, where smartphone penetration exceeds 80%, facilitating app-based mobility solutions. Such initiatives demonstrate how e-scooters address last-mile connectivity, reducing reliance on fuel-powered okadas.

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Adoption Trends and Consumer Response

Adoption of e-scooters is growing among Nigeria’s youth and middle class, driven by environmental awareness and cost savings. A Journal of African Mobility Studies survey from 2024 reveals that 35% of urban Nigerians under 30 have used or intend to use e-scooters, citing lower maintenance costs compared to petrol vehicles. For example, Isaac Oyedokun, founder of Trekk, reported on X in March 2025 that their scooters logged over 10,000 rides in Lagos universities, reflecting student enthusiasm. Blogs like TechCabal highlight how e-scooters appeal to eco-conscious users, with models like the Rooder R3027 boasting zero-emission rides. However, adoption remains niche, concentrated in controlled environments rather than open streets, indicating a gradual cultural shift.

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Barriers to Widespread Use

Despite their potential, e-scooters face significant hurdles in Nigeria, including infrastructure deficits and affordability. A Vanguard article from February 2025 notes that poor road conditions and a lack of charging stations limit scalability, with only 50 public chargers available in Lagos. High upfront costs (around ₦150,000 for basic models) also deter mass adoption in a country where the average monthly income is ₦80,000. Moreover, safety concerns persist; a Punch Nigeria report cites 20% of surveyed users avoiding e-scooters due to theft risks in unsecured areas. These challenges suggest that while pilot projects succeed, broader use requires government intervention and investment.

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Conclusion

Nigerians are cautiously embracing e-scooters as a mobility solution, spurred by urban congestion and tech-savvy youth, yet constrained by infrastructure and economic realities. As local startups innovate, their success hinges on addressing these barriers, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s transport landscape.

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This article was first published on 21st March 2025
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