Uber unveils bike-hailing service via UberMoto in Ibadan

Uber — one of the leading global mobility companies — has launched UberMoto, a bike-hailing; with a low-cost alternative, and smart mobility option to join its product offering in Nigeria.

UberMoto will commence its operation in Ibadan with a 100 Naira minimum fare offering riders a 78 percent lower-cost alternative, two months after UberX was launched.

The product offers the same door-to-door safety features as any other Uber option such as Injury Protection, 24/7 support, including driver background checks and screenings.

Ibadan is the third-largest city by population in Nigeria after Lagos and Kano, with a total population of 3,649,000 as of 2021, and over 6 million people within its metropolitan area. Its startup ecosystem of Ibadan is ranked at number 353 globally, and shows a positive momentum increasing 601 spots since 2020. Ibadan also ranks at number 2 in Nigeria, and 3 in Western Africa.

Uber led the app-based on-demand ride-hailing market before the advent of local companies and other global brands like like Estonia mobility startup, Bolt(formerly Taxify) and inDriver.

"It makes sense for us to launch a product that will help passengers get to their destination quicker, which is where we can leverage our technology, and we are excited to introduce UberMoto to make this a reality", Tope Akinwumi, Country Manager for Uber in Nigeria stated.

As we recover, we know we need to continue to offer solutions that respond to consumers who are looking for smart mobility solutions, while providing new revenue streams and earning opportunities for drivers.

For Uber, innovative products and services to help improve the rider and driver experience on the app is a driving force; "We are excited that we are able to expand our options and provide an opportunity with a wider and more cost-effective range of options for both the riders and drivers in the city while navigating traffic seamlessly", Akinwumi said.

Just last month, Uber and a Swedish-Kenyan electric vehicle developer, Opibus signed a strategic partnership to deploy 3,000 electric motorcycles in Africa by 2022 to support Uber’s growing demand for emissions-free drivers across the continent

Related: Alternatives to Uber, Bolt: ride-hailing companies in Nigeria

Prior to UberMoto, the company in partnership with the Lagos State Waterways Authority and Texas Connection Ferrie launched UberBoat in Lagos in 2019 and has in recent times expanded its UberX product to various cities including Portharcourt.

Currently, Uber is available in over 54 cities in Sub-Saharan Africa and in over 10 000 cities in over 65 countries.

UberMoto's backstory

In 2014, UberMoto made its debut in Thailand, but after two years Uber suspended its motorcycle arm in the country due to government regulations. However, later in 2018, UberMoto launched as UberBoda in Kampala, Uganda and  six  months after its launch, the mobility company expanded the two-wheeled services to Nairobi, Kenya.