The number of electric motorbikes plying Kano city roads is swelling rapidly as the rising cost of petrol force many residents in the state to ditch their conventional fuel-consuming vehicles.
Daily News 24 reports that many residents are now opting for these eco-friendly alternatives to escape the financial strain caused by rising fuel cost, with dealers struggling to keep up with demand.
Muhammad Na Baba, a dealer of the electric bikes, confirmed the trend, stating that their sales have skyrocketed since the fuel price reached N900 per litre.
“Since the fuel price surged to around N900, our sales have skyrocketed. We initially stocked 1,000 electric bikes, but now only 50 remain. Yesterday alone, we sold 20 bikes. Some days, we sell up to 100 bikes and are even shipping them to other states to meet the growing demand,” Na Baba revealed.
READ ALSO: Transportation crisis hits Kano as petrol prices rise
He added that the affordability and advantages of electric motorbikes have also made them an attractive option for many residents.
“People are recommending these electric bikes to their friends because they save a lot of money on fuel. If the charge runs out, it only takes about four hours to fully recharge. These bikes can cover a minimum distance of 100 kilometers on a single charge,” he said.
Additionally, Baba emphasized that spare parts are readily accessible in Kano, and maintenance is hassle-free, as any qualified electrician can easily carry out repairs, providing customers with added peace of mind.
“You don’t have to spend money on fuel or frequent repairs. The bikes are silent, eco-friendly, and don’t require constant oil changes and repair like fuel bikes. Plus, spare parts such as batteries are readily available.”
He also addressed the misconception that electric bikes are more expensive, insisting that they are actually more affordable when compared to fuel-powered bikes.
“You can get an electric bike for as low as N850,000, while a fuel bike costs around N1.5 million. Plus, when you consider how much you spend on fuel, electric bikes are cheaper in the long run.”
Residents who have switched to electric motorbikes have shared positive experiences.
Surajo Ahmed from Kofar Ruwa purchased an electric bike after growing tired of the high cost of fuel.
“I was tired of buying fuel all the time, so I sold my old bike and bought an electric one. Since then, I haven’t regretted it. It has saved me a lot of money, and I no longer have to wait in long queues for fuel,” he explained.
Abba Iliyasu, a student at Bayero University Kano, agreed that the electric bike has made his commute easier, despite its slower speed.
“The only disadvantage is that it’s not very fast-it moves at 65 kilometers per hour-but it’s good because overspeeding causes accidents. It still gets me to my destination on time and I haven’t missed any class because the bike is low on charge. The money I would have spent on fuel, I’ve been using to fund my education” Iliyasu stated.
Muhammad Bello, another electric bike owner, encouraged the government to invest in infrastructure for electric vehicles.
“I can charge my bike with solar, a generator, or regular electricity, but the government can help by establishing electric power stations like filling stations for recharging. They should also distribute electric bikes, tricycles, and cars.”
He also urged people to consider switching to electric motorbikes as a smart solution to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
