Built by Hand, Pushed by Foot
It doesn’t run on fuel, and it isn’t powered by electricity. Yet in the bustling streets of Goma and the rugged terrain of North Kivu, the chukudu hauls everything from bananas to bricks. This handmade wooden vehicle, designed for strength and economy, has carried livelihoods on its two wheels for decades.
Crafted by local hands and powered by human effort, the chukudu remains essential in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the story of how a wooden scooter became an economic engine.
A Creation of Necessity
The chukudu first emerged in North Kivu in the 1970s, during a time of economic strain under Mobutu Sese Seko. Its simple but effective design—a long wooden frame, two wheels, handlebars, and a knee pad—enabled workers to move large cargo without relying on expensive fuel or machinery.
Chukudus are typically made from hard mumba or eucalyptus wood, with old tires repurposed as wheel treads. In Goma, they form the backbone of local transport, carrying up to 800 kilograms (1,800 pounds) of goods at a time.
An Economic Lifeline
In 2008, a chukudu sold for around $100, with materials costing roughly $60. By 2014, prices ranged from $50 to $150. Despite the cost, these vehicles were in high demand. Operators could earn $10 to $20 daily—ten times the average local income.
The investment could be repaid within six months. Built in as little as one day, a chukudu typically lasts two to three years. Riders propel it with one foot while kneeling on a padded deck or, on downhill stretches, ride it like a scooter.
Adapting to Every Load
Chukudus are adapted to suit their cargo. Some include a hole in the deck to hold firewood upright, others are fitted with large baskets for produce. Builders often add suspension systems made from springs or rubber to cushion heavy loads. At military checkpoints, chukudus loaded with fresh produce routinely pass inspection.
They are a common sight in the streets of Goma, weaving between motorbikes and foot traffic, operated by young men who often push their goods for hours across the city.
Still Rolling Strong
Though modern vehicles pass them on paved roads, the chukudu continues to serve in ways trucks cannot. Its ability to navigate tight paths and carry enormous loads with minimal cost keeps it relevant in a changing economy.
Across eastern Congo, the sight of a chukudu—stacked with plantains or charcoal, pushed with determination—is as familiar today as it was decades ago. Built by local ingenuity, the chukudu rolls on.
In eastern Congo, a wooden scooter built without an engine hauls loads heavier than some pickup trucks.
Called the chukudu, it’s made by hand, pushed by foot, and carries everything from bananas to bricks—fueling trade and survival across North Kivu and Goma…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/09WPR1FlA3
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 4, 2025