Uber launches UberMoto in Ibadan, the latest of its product offerings in Nigeria

Ride-hailing company, Uber, has announced the addition of a motorbike section, UberMoto, to its product offering in Nigeria.

The novel service, which will commence operations in Ibadan, is a two-wheeled low-cost alternative and smart mobility choice for city people who want to negotiate traffic more quickly and efficiently.

In a statement released on Monday, Uber Country Manager, Tope Akinwumi explained that UberMoto is an expansion of the company’s service to offer mobility solutions in the city via trusted motorbikes (Okadas) with safety, dependability, and simplicity only a touch away.

According to the company, residents of Ibadan may now move about the city with a less expensive option by requesting motorbikes (Okadas) using the Uber app.

Building on existing successes

The company began operations in Lagos in 2014. Two years later, it expanded its services to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. In 2019, it also expanded its cab-hailing service to Benin City, the state capital of Edo.

Uber has also expanded into the Lagos waterways market with UberBOAT, a boat taxi service developed in collaboration with Texas Connection Ferries, a Lagos-based ferry operator, and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

Uber began operations in Ibadan in October 2021 with UberX, a product offering with a N100 minimum rate. The e-mobility company claims that rides on UberX are 78 per cent cheaper than others.

UberX has been servicing clients in Nigeria for over four years and employs over 20,000 drivers. With this incursion into bike-hailing, more Nigerians would be economically empowered as a result of this expansion.

Uber’s new entry into the okada market through UberMoto is commendable and will undoubtedly build on the success of SafeBoda, a similar bike-hailing service that launched its operations in the same city in 2020.

As we recover, we recognize the importance of continuing to develop solutions that meet the needs of consumers looking for smart mobility solutions, while also providing new income streams and earning opportunities for drivers,”

Tope Akinwumi, Uber’s Country Manager in Nigeria.

“It makes sense for us to develop a product that will assist customers to reach their destination faster. This is where we can utilize our technology, and we are delighted to bring UberMoto to make this a reality,” Uber’s country head said.

UberMoto offers the same level of door-to-door safety as any other Uber service, including injury protection, 24/7 support, and driver background checks and screenings.

Uber’s mission is to constantly develop new goods and services to assist in improving the app’s customer and driver experience.

“We are pleased to be able to increase our alternatives and provide a larger and more cost-effective range of options for both riders and drivers throughout the city while effortlessly negotiating traffic,” Akinwumi finishes.

Riders in Ibadan may request a ride on UberMoto by simply opening the app and tapping on UberMoto, then selecting cash or card as their payment method.