Bolt Launches Electric Keke in Lagos as Drivers Complain About 30% Commission
Ride-hailing firm Bolt has launched its first fleet of electric tricycles in Lagos, marking a fresh move in its electric vehicle (EV) expansion across West Africa. The company says the initiative, developed in partnership with Lagos-based SGX Mobility, will reduce fuel dependency and lower operating costs for drivers—many of whom have long complained about the high commission charged by the platform.
Starting May, 25 electric tricycles—known locally as keke—will hit Lagos roads as part of a pilot phase. Riders can now select electric tricycles directly in the Bolt app.
Each EV costs ₦3.2 million, but Bolt is offering a lease-to-own model requiring just ₦208,000 as down payment, with flexible repayment options over 18 to 24 months. Weekly lease payments are pegged at ₦32,000, while drivers are expected to pay ₦6,500 daily to swap batteries—a cheaper alternative to daily petrol costs, which can double that amount.
“This launch is about building an ecosystem, not just introducing vehicles,” Tech Cabal quoted Caroline Wanjihla, Bolt Africa’s spokesperson, at the launch event on Wednesday. “We’re betting on driver economics. EV tricycles have lower running costs. And with our lease model, drivers can own their vehicles in two years, while saving on fuel and maintenance from day one.”
However, Bolt’s move comes at a time when many of its drivers are raising concerns about its current 30% commission rate—one of the highest in Nigeria’s ride-hailing market. The newly introduced electric tricycle model, according to Bolt, will carry a lower 15% commission to improve affordability. Yet, this is higher than 10 percent currently being charged by InDrive.
