Kano Residents Turn to Bicycles and Electric Bikes as Fuel Prices Soar

• Rising fuel costs in Kano, now N1,150 per liter, drive residents to abandon cars for bicycles and electric motorcycles as alternatives
• Many residents report significant transportation cost increases, prompting a shift to more affordable commuting options like cycling and tricycles

In Kano State, rising fuel costs, which have now reached N1,150 per liter, are prompting many residents to abandon their cars in favor of more affordable options such as bicycles, electric bikes, and commercial tricycles.

Observations by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday revealed that the streets now have fewer cars, while more people opt for walking, cycling, or riding electric bikes.

Isa said he resorted to the use of a bicycle because was cheaper and affordable.

A student, Aminu Ishaq, who rides a bicycle to Kano Polytechnic daily, says that it is a big relief to his ageing parents, who can afford the high transport cost.

“I don’t waste time waiting for a tricycle. I am always in school on time. I am full of energy,” Ishaq said.

A civil servant, Muhammad Sadiq, said he had now adjusted to breaking his journey to the office by trekking halfway to the Federal Secretariat before boarding a commercial tricycle.

“What I do now is to break my movement, trek to a point then take Keke from there. I will save at least N300.

“Since the increase in pump price, many riders packed their tricycle and went into other businesses,” he said.

Another resident, Ali Abdullahi, also said since the increase he had abandoned his vehicle for electric bike, saying that it saves cost.

“I have two cars. I sold one and bought an electric motorcycle for N900, 000 which is easier to maintain,” he explained.

A businessman, Tasi’u Murtala, who bought an electric motorcycle recently said that he spends N5,000 daily to fuel his car.

According to him, he bought an electric bike for N750, 000 which is cost-effective, describing the vehicle as cost-effective.

“When the motorcycle is fully charged, it covers 60km before its battery runs down. I use electricity, solar or a generator set to recharge it daily,” he explained.