Kenyan electric motorcycle manufacturer Roam has successfully completed a groundbreaking 6,000-kilometre journey from Nairobi, Kenya to Stellenbosch, South Africa, with its all-electric Roam Air powered entirely by solar energy. The expedition, which began on 29 September and concluded on 16 October, traversed four countries—Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana—over the course of 17 days.
The Roam Air, supported by two solar-powered vehicles, demonstrated an impressive range, covering up to 113 kilometres on a single charge and achieving 1,000 kilometres within 18 hours. The journey highlights the potential for sustainable electric mobility in Africa, according to the company, and showcases the continent’s capacity for innovation.
Masa Kituyi, Roam’s Product Owner, commented on the achievement: “Completing this journey is a historic milestone for Roam Air, proving that African innovation can thrive. The warm welcomes from local communities showed us how excited people are about electric mobility built here in Africa.”
The solar-powered motorcycle was developed in Nairobi, and Roam is committed to advancing sustainable transport solutions across the continent. The expedition received support from the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University, as well as organizations such as SANEDI, Scatec, Charlie’s Travel, and Throttle Pitstop. To further research in electric mobility, Roam has donated two Roam Air motorcycles to Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Lab.
Thinus Booysen, Professor of Engineering and founder of the Electric Mobility Lab, emphasized the significance of the journey: “This ambitious journey represents a major leap in showcasing the potential of sustainable electric mobility across sub-Saharan Africa,” he said. “Despite challenges like adverse weather and technical hurdles, the resilience of our team and the Roam Air motorcycle highlighted the power of innovation and collaboration.”
