10 new ambulance power bikes joins emergency healthcare in Lagos

The Lagos State Government has handed over 10 new Motorcycle Response Unit (MRU) Ambulances, popularly called Ambulance Bikes, to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

The move is to cut down emergency response times and improve pre-hospital care across the State.

The motorcycles are designed to navigate through Lagos traffic, narrow streets, and hard-to-reach areas to enhance quicker interventions in emergencies where minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

The Motorcycle Response Units (MRU) ambulance is a 220 CC superbike and is equipped with three specially designed aluminium storage bins, two units of sphygmomanometer, two units of stethoscope, two units of pulse oximeter, two units of portable nebulizer machine, two units of glucometer machine, AED, Forceps, Portable oxygen, two sets of EPTY protective rider boots, two sets of dukati infrared helmets, two sets of iridium portable satellite two-way radios and one unit of siren and bar light.

Speaking at the inauguration held at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, described the development as another innovative step that reinforces the State’s leadership role in healthcare delivery and emergency preparedness.

Ogunyemi explained that the bikes, manned by trained paramedics, would provide immediate first aid and basic life-saving support before the arrival of fully equipped ambulances, particularly in cases of minor emergencies where prompt treatment could stabilize patients.

“The Ambu-bikes are Lagos’ solution to the peculiar traffic challenges of a mega city. They will get to people quicker than the traditional ambulance, provide immediate treatment, and then call for a bigger ambulance if necessary. This way, lives are saved in record time,” she explained.

According to her, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s swift approval of the project demonstrates his commitment to quality healthcare under the THEMES+ agenda.

“Once we presented the data, Mr. Governor immediately approved this innovation. It’s about access, quick response, and saving lives. This is Lagos once again showing leadership in healthcare innovation, the first of its kind in Nigeria,” Ogunyemi added.

She further emphasized that the motorcycles were not mere transport tools but were fitted with essential emergency gadgets such as defibrillators, oxygen tanks, nebulizers, and other first aid equipment.

The Special Adviser reassured residents that the move was also cost-effective, adding that “it costs far less to deploy an Ambu-bike than a traditional ambulance, yet it achieves faster response in situations where every second counts. It’s about efficiency, effectiveness, and better outcomes for Lagosians.”

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, said the new MRUs were part of a broader five-year master plan to transform pre-hospital emergency care in the state, with significant investments already made in mobile intensive care units, communication systems, and staff motivation.

Ogboye added that the system is fully integrated with LASAMBUS’ communication and data platforms.

“When a call comes in, the dispatch officer decides whether to deploy a bike, an ambulance, or both. The bikes buy time, the ambulances complete the task. It’s part of an interconnected system that also feeds data for planning and performance review.”

Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, hailed the gesture as a long-awaited innovation, describing it as a game-changer for emergency services in Lagos.