For years, electric vehicles in Nigeria were seen as too expensive, too risky, and too far away. But Lagos-based Orbit Electric Automobile Limited is betting that the solution may not be flashy electric cars, but strong, affordable electric motorcycles designed for everyday riders.
Its flagship model, the Orbit CF-1, is built with the mission to cut costs for riders and logistics companies while offering a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to petrol-powered bikes. The CF-1 can reach 85 mph, carry loads up to 100kg, and run for 110 km on a single charge, powered by a 72V/30A enhanced battery designed to withstand Nigerian roads and weather.
“People want transport they can trust, afford, and maintain,” said Kenneth Ukpabia, CEO of Orbit Electric. “That’s why we focused on affordability, durability, and after-sales support. We’re building not just a bike, but a system riders can depend on.”
Built for savings
Fuel prices remain a heavy burden for riders. At an average of $0.90 per litre, a petrol bike costs around $27 monthly to run on fuel. By comparison, an Orbit CF-1 costs about $17 in electricity, a savings of over 35% each month. With Nigeria’s logistics riders averaging 90–100 km per day, these savings can be the difference between profit and loss for small businesses.
Orbit also offers hire-purchase financing to spread costs. With a ₦270,000 down payment on a bike priced at ₦1.8 million, riders can pay in instalments. Partnerships with microfinance banks and government-backed schemes further lower barriers by cutting interest rates nearly in half, from around 30% to 15%.
Smart and durable by design
Beyond cost, Orbit has focused on durability. Its CF-1 features waterproof battery casings, puncture-resistant Nigerian-made tires, and IoT-enabled smart connectivity for GPS tracking, battery health checks, and remote shutdown in case of theft or loan default. Each battery delivers over 2,000 charging cycles, lasting years before replacement.
“We know riders worry about breakdowns,” Ukpabia said. “That’s why we train local roadside mechanics and partner with parts dealers. Riders can always find support nearby.”
Scaling for the future
Demand is already outstripping supply. Orbit says units are often sold out before they even arrive. To meet this, the company is pushing local production of components such as tires and, soon, batteries—aligned with Nigeria’s government policy requiring 30% local content in EV assembly.
With Lagos’ population of 30 million, Orbit has no shortage of customers at home. Expansion across Africa is possible, but the firm insists Nigeria must come first. “The challenge is not demand, it’s supply,” Ukpabia said.
For many Nigerians, the promise of e-mobility is no longer a distant dream. With lower costs, financing options, and a bike designed for local realities, Orbit is showing how two wheels could power the country’s clean transport future.
Read more on Auto Boss: Meet Kenneth Ukpabia, the founder who turned petrol pain to electric gain
