Public transport in Nigeria, as we know it, is beginning to change. The public transport we are mostly familiar with usually involves boarding a cab or a bus and waiting for other passengers to fill up the vehicle (if you’re lucky, you’re the last passenger to get in the vehicle), the vehicle then heading for your destination. Once again, you’re lucky if your destination is by the side of the main road. Otherwise, you would have some trekking to do.
Today, however, ride-sharing businesses like Uber and Bolt (Taxify) have redefined the way we get around. All you have to do now is to open an app, and order a cab like you would order a shirt from an online store, the cab meets you wherever you are and takes you to your final destination. And surprisingly, these businesses are quickly becoming more popular by the day because of the things they have to offer; comfort and ease.
It only makes sense that more and more people are interested in partnering with these businesses as drivers due to their lucrativeness. However, these companies have standard requirements for the cars they want. Any car that fails to meet these requirements is not accepted. More on the requirements later.
And now to the important question; what are the best cars to use for ridesharing businesses like Uber and Bolt (Taxify) in Nigeria?
Factors to consider before registering your car with Uber, and Bolt (Taxify)
There are some factors you need to consider before you decide to register for these ride-sharing companies. Before making this list, I put these factors into consideration myself. You should do the same.
- Fuel Efficiency
Trust me. You don’t want to use a car that drinks fuel thirstily for a ride-sharing business. Otherwise, you would end up eating deep into your profit because of the voracious fuel demands of your car.
- Cost of repair and maintenance
Cars, like every other machine, develop faults from time to time. Consider how much it would cost to repair and maintain a car before putting it up for a ride-sharing business.
- Condition of the car
Do not use a problematic car for ride-sharing businesses. I repeat. Do not use a problematic car for ride-sharing businesses. Ignore that piece of advice only if you are ready to risk spending all your earnings and more on the car.
Now, straight to the list.
Best Cars to use for Uber and Bolt (Taxify) in Nigeria
Toyota Corolla
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you. I mean, it is one of the most popular cars in Nigeria, so, it only makes sense that it’s the first on the list. However, this car isn’t on the list because of its popularity. Rather, it is on the list because of what it has to offer.
Toyota Corolla is a well-built and well-designed car. It is very fuel-efficient and durable. The 1.8L engine option of the Corolla can get you as far as 30 miles on just one gallon of fuel. Furthermore, the cost of maintenance and repair is cheap. It also features a banging sound system and cool air conditioning. When you buy a Corolla, you are sure to get value for your money. You can even get more if you put this car up for ride-sharing with popular ride-sharing companies like Uber, and Bolt (Taxify)
>>Check out the price of different Toyota Corolla model years
Honda Accord
Here’s another car that easily makes it to the list. To be candid, this car is not far behind the Toyota duo, Camry and Corolla when it comes to their popularity in Nigeria, and this is not surprising.
Just like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord gives you the best driving experience without having to tear out your pockets for it. The car also economizes fuel pretty well and is quite durable. The entertainment system in the car is undeniably cool and there’s always enough space in the interior to feel comfortable.
>>Get familiar with Honda car models and their prices.
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry is another car from the factories of Toyota that easily makes this list. The first reason to justify its appearance on this list is its fuel economy.
In addition, it is similar to other Toyota cars in that it doesn’t always cost much to repair and maintain, making it a perfect car for ride-sharing businesses.
Honda City
Agreed. This isn’t exactly a popular option. However, it could quickly become a favourite option when you realize that its 1.5L engine option can take you to a distance of 32 miles on just one gallon. Amazing, right?
There’s more. The sleek look of the car is another great feature that helps this car make the list. You can find a Tokunbo Honda City 2009 model for about N2.65 million while a Nigerian-used Honda City 2009 model costs just a little less than N2 million.
Uber and Bolt Requirements
Remember I mentioned something about ride requirements earlier? Here’s the gist. You can’t just use any cars for Uber, or Taxify. Your car has to meet some standards before it is approved. You would have to take the car to the company for inspection so there’s hardly a way to cheat the requirements. While most of the requirements of all the companies are the same, some very few requirements are still quite unique to each ride-sharing company.
Bolt (Taxify) Vehicle and Driver Requirements
To complete your signup successfully, you will need to provide the necessary documents and meet the requirements below:
Driver Requirements
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Attend driver training for service quality and use of the Bolt driver application.
Vehicle requirements
- Vehicle licence
- Insurance Certificate
- Proof of Ownership
- Certificate of Road-Worthiness
- autogenous Vehicle Inspection Report.
Accepted vehicles for Lite (Lagos only)
- The vehicle is a model between 2002 and 2004
- The vehicle is a 4-door sedan or SUV
- The vehicle is in excellent condition
- The vehicle must accommodate at least 4 passengers.
Accepted vehicles for Comfort (Abuja only)
- The vehicle is no older than 10 years
- The vehicle is a 4-door sedan or SUV
- The vehicle is in excellent condition
- The vehicle must accommodate at least 4 passengers.
Accepted vehicles for XL (Lagos only)
- The vehicle is no older than 15 years
- The vehicle is an SUV or mini-van
- The vehicle is in excellent condition
- The vehicle must accommodate at least 6 passengers.
You can visit the Bolt AutoGenius portal to view example models of accepted vehicles.
Note: 2-door sedans and hatchbacks are not acceptable.
Uber vehicle requirements in Nigeria
Which car is right for you? Make sure it meets the vehicle requirements in Nigeria, and remember that you’ll make more money if you keep your costs low.
Your vehicle must-haves
- The model year 2000 or newer
- 4-door car
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- A working radio
Your paperwork
- Vehicle inspection report
- Vehicle insurance
- Roadworthiness certificate
- A valid Hackney permit
Vehicle options in Nigeria
UberX
The majority of riders choose uberX. You can use the most recent models to drive with uberX in Abuja or Lagos.
Additional requirements
- 4-door sedan in good condition
- Seat at least 4 passengers in addition to the driver
- Working windows and air conditioning
- No full-sized vans or trucks
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
Car model year 2000 or newer qualifies to drive with uberX. View our list of popular models, but others may qualify.