Summary
- Boda boda rider traveled over 900 kilometers from Malaba to Mombasa on ROAM Air electric motorcycle with portable charger
- Startups in African countries are ramping up production of electric motorcycles targeting motorcycle taxi industry
- Most startups use battery swapping networks and offer removable batteries to reduce motorcycle costs
- ROAM Air features two removable batteries and a portable charger for easy charging anywhere
- ROAM Air’s successful 900-kilometer journey showcases performance, affordability, and reliability for boda boda riders
Article
The electric motorcycle sector in Africa has seen significant growth over the past few years, with startups in countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya ramping up production. With an estimated 27 million ICE motorbikes registered in Africa, the motorcycle taxi industry presents a large addressable market for electrification. Many of these startups have adopted a business model that includes removable batteries and a battery swapping network, allowing riders to easily swap out low batteries for fully charged ones. However, the capital requirements for setting up sufficient charging and swapping infrastructure can be a barrier to widespread adoption of electric motorcycles.
ROAM, a company focusing on electric vehicle technology in Africa, has introduced the ROAM Air electric motorcycle with two removable batteries. Riders have the option to own the batteries or rent them and swap at a ROAM HUB charging and swapping center. With a portable charger provided by ROAM, riders can charge the batteries using a standard wall outlet, offering increased flexibility. A recent 900-kilometer journey from Malaba to Mombasa by a boda boda rider demonstrated the potential of the ROAM Air for everyday use, showcasing its reliability, efficiency, and practicality for Kenyan riders.
The ROAM Air specifications include a peak torque of 58 nm, top speed of 90 km/h, and a range of 70 km per battery pack. With a payload capacity of 220 kg and a dual battery system, the motorcycle is designed to handle diverse terrains and provide a smooth riding experience. During the 900-kilometer journey, the rider made multiple charging stops and found that the motorcycle performed well across various landscapes and road conditions. The journey highlighted the affordability, environmental benefits, and reliability of electric motorcycles for boda boda riders in Kenya.
ROAM’s Border-to-Beach journey aims to empower local riders by providing sustainable and affordable transport solutions in Africa. With over 2,000 electric motorcycles in customers’ hands, ROAM plans to expand its reach across Kenya and beyond. The success of the ROAM Air in the 900-kilometer journey demonstrates the practicality and convenience of electric mobility for boda boda riders, offering them the opportunity to earn more, spend less, and embrace cleaner transportation options. The company’s focus on driving sustainable transport solutions marks a significant step towards a greener future in Africa’s motorcycle taxi industry.
In addition to targeting individual riders, ROAM is also partnering with ride-hailing firms and B2B companies to expand its electric motorcycle market. By collaborating with various industry players and showcasing the benefits of electric mobility, ROAM aims to accelerate the adoption of clean transportation solutions in Africa. The success of the Border-to-Beach journey not only highlights the performance of the ROAM Air electric motorcycle but also underscores the importance of supporting local riders and communities with innovative transport options. As the company continues to grow its fleet and reach, ROAM is poised to make a lasting impact on the electric vehicle market in Africa.
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