Summary
- Private sector startups are driving the move towards electric motorcycles in Africa
- Significant activity for electric motorcycles is seen in East and West Africa for commercial transport purposes
- Electric motorcycles are being adopted for delivery services in Kenya
- Roam and BBROOD launched a sustainable bread delivery service in Kenya using electric motorcycles
- Roam Air electric motorcycle has a dual removable battery system with a 160 km range and various features for efficient deliveries
Article
The adoption of electric vehicles in Africa, particularly in the electric motorcycle sector, is primarily driven by the private sector, with small startups leading the way. The focus has been on countries along the “boda belt,” where motorcycle taxis are prevalent, stretching from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Dakar, Senegal. In addition to motorcycle taxis, there is also growing interest in using electric motorcycles for on-demand deliveries in regions like Kenya. Companies are starting to replace internal combustion engine vehicles with electric motorcycles for various applications, such as delivery services.
Telecommunication companies in Africa are also embracing electric motorcycles for their service delivery operations. For instance, field technicians who need to travel around cities for installations and maintenance can use electric motorcycles instead of petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. This transition not only reduces emissions but also offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution. In Kenya, Roam has partnered with Syokinet Solutions to introduce electric motorcycles for such services, contributing to the country’s shift towards sustainable transportation.
In a positive development, Roam in partnership with BBROOD has launched Kenya’s first fully sustainable bread delivery service, utilizing Roam Air electric motorcycles. This initiative not only advances clean transportation initiatives in the city but also supports local charities through the donation of unsold bread. BBROOD, known for its sustainability focus, ensures that all its products are fresh and distributed early each morning. Roam Air’s innovative design, featuring a dual removable battery system and a range of 160 km, enables uninterrupted deliveries while supporting BBROOD’s commitment to sustainability and charitable impact.
The collaboration between Roam and BBROOD aligns with their shared vision of achieving clean transport and making sustainable delivery accessible to more businesses in Nairobi. The partnership enables BBROOD to focus on providing high-quality bread to its customers while reducing emissions and improving delivery efficiency. With Roam’s technical support, BBROOD can further enhance its sustainability mission, showcasing a significant shift in the delivery landscape towards more environmentally friendly options.
The Roam Air electric motorcycle boasts impressive specs, including a dual battery solution, a range of 160 km, a top speed of 90 km/h, and a payload capacity of 220 kg. With features like different driving modes, increased carrying capacity, onboard telemetry, and an improved user interface, the Roam Air offers a reliable and efficient solution for businesses looking to transition to electric vehicles. The partnership between Roam and BBROOD highlights the growing trend towards sustainable transportation in Africa and emphasizes the importance of collaborations to drive positive change in the transportation sector.
Overall, the shift towards electric motorcycles for commercial and personal transportation purposes in Africa showcases the continent’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. By embracing electric vehicles, companies like Roam and BBROOD are not only reducing emissions and improving delivery efficiency but also supporting local communities through charitable initiatives. As more businesses and organizations adopt electric motorcycles, Africa is moving towards a cleaner, greener future in the transportation sector.
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