-
The new tricycle option targets shorter journeys within an estimated six- to seven-kilometre radius.
-
The service extends inDrive’s fair-price model to three-wheelers, offering commuters another option for affordable urban transport.
-
The launch is expected to create additional earning opportunities for tricycle drivers.
November 9, (THEWILL) – Global mobility and delivery platform inDrive has launched its tricycle service, Keke, in Nigeria, expanding its transport offerings and extending its fair-price model to three-wheelers.
The service is designed to meet demand for accessible and affordable transportation, particularly among commuters making shorter journeys within urban communities.
According to the company, the Keke option will primarily cater to trips within an estimated six to seven-kilometre radius, providing passengers with another option for navigating neighbourhoods and covering relatively short distances.
The launch also takes account of existing restrictions on tricycle operations along certain major roads and highways, with the service focused on routes where such vehicles are permitted.
The company said the new option would give passengers an additional mobility choice, combining affordability and convenience while taking safety and applicable transport regulations into consideration.
Expanding affordable transport options
The introduction of Keke adds another category of vehicle to inDrive’s Nigerian mobility operations, where commuters rely on different forms of transportation to complete journeys within and between neighbourhoods.
Tricycles are widely used for short-distance transportation in several Nigerian cities, particularly in areas where passengers need to connect to busier roads, markets, residential communities and commercial centres.
By incorporating the service into its platform, inDrive is seeking to extend its reach beyond conventional ride-hailing options and provide a transport alternative suited to shorter trips.
The estimated six- to seven-kilometre operating range also distinguishes the service from longer journeys typically associated with conventional ride-hailing.
It gives passengers an option for trips that may not require a car, while potentially offering a more affordable way to complete everyday journeys.
The company did not disclose the specific cities or locations covered at launch, the number of participating tricycle drivers, or the expected scale of the service.
READ ALSO:
New earning opportunities for drivers
The Country Manager of inDrive Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, said the introduction of tricycles extended the company’s fair-price model to a familiar and widely used mode of transportation in the country.
He said the service would provide commuters with a more accessible option for short trips while creating additional income opportunities for drivers.
“The future of mobility is not simply about moving faster; it is about enabling broader economic participation. By making mobility more accessible while creating opportunities for drivers, we are contributing to a transportation system that works for more people,” Oladimeji said.
He added that the service was being introduced within applicable regulations to give passengers another way to travel around their communities without spending beyond their means.
The launch also provides tricycle operators with an opportunity to participate in the platform’s mobility network, potentially connecting them with passengers seeking short-distance rides.
For drivers, the availability of another channel for reaching customers could support their ability to secure trips, although the financial benefits will depend on passenger demand, operating costs and the terms of participation.
The success of the service will ultimately depend on its affordability, availability and ability to operate within local transport rules.
Its expansion could also depend on how well the platform accommodates the different transport needs of commuters and drivers across Nigerian cities.
The Keke launch marks another expansion of inDrive’s mobility offerings in Nigeria, where affordability, access, and the availability of different transport options remain important considerations for urban commuters.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
