MAX Takes Its Electric Motorcycle Model to Ibadan

MAX is expanding its electric motorcycle operations to Ibadan, adding another city to its growing network across Nigeria. The company says the rollout will be the first large scale introduction of its electric mobility model in the city. For Ibadan’s commercial riders, the move could offer an alternative to petrol-powered motorcycles at a time when fuel costs remain a major expense. MAX already operates in several Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abeokuta, Onitsha, Osogbo, Ilorin, Iseyin, Ekiti, Mararaba, Nasarawa and Lokoja. The company has spent the past few years building a network of electric motorcycles, charging stations and rider support services. In Lagos, where its operations are most established, MAX says it deployed more than 2,000 motorcycles in the last quarter alone. The challenge now is to replicate that success in Ibadan.

More Than Just Motorcycles

Rolling out electric vehicles requires more than simply putting bikes on the road. Riders need places to charge their vehicles, access to maintenance support and a system that allows them to keep working without lengthy interruptions. To support the expansion, MAX says it is growing its charging network and strengthening the services that support daily operations. According to the company, its platform has supported more than 58,000 riders across 18 cities, completed over one billion trips and covered 5.5 billion kilometres.

Lowering the Cost of Entry

One of the biggest hurdles for many riders is the cost of acquiring a vehicle. MAX offers instalment based payment plans that allow riders to pay over time instead of making a full upfront purchase. The company says this makes vehicle ownership more accessible and gives riders an opportunity to build their businesses gradually.

What MAX Says About the Expansion

Afeye Momoh, Vice President of Marketing at MAX, said the company has received consistent interest from people in Ibadan asking when electric motorcycles would arrive in the city. “We’ve been getting questions about Ibadan for a long time,” Momoh said. “It’s a city we’ve wanted to grow in, and we’re pleased to finally begin rolling out electric vehicles there. We’ve seen how riders in other cities have benefited, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the market responds.” Aderonke Olubowale, Senior Vice President of Partner Operations, said the focus is on ensuring riders have the support they need from the start. “Access to the vehicle is only one part of the equation,” she said. “We also need to make sure riders have the tools, support and infrastructure required to operate successfully every day.”

A New Market for Electric Mobility

Electric motorcycles still represent a small share of Nigeria’s transport sector, but interest has grown as operators look for ways to reduce running costs. For MAX, the expansion into Ibadan is another step in a broader effort to grow its presence across the country. Whether the model gains the same momentum it has seen elsewhere will depend on how riders and commuters respond in the months ahead.