By Dennis Gichuiri
In an unprecedented showcase of African innovation, the Roam’s electric motorcycle Roam Air will undertake a 6,000 km journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to Stellenbosch, South Africa beginning today.
Powered solely by solar energy, this expedition marks the first time an African-designed electric motorcycle will cover such a distance, demonstrating the continent’s leadership in sustainable mobility solutions starting with Kenya. The journey will coincide with South Africa’s Transport Month, which aims to test the performance of Roam Air’s drivetrain, portable charging dual batteries, and solar recharging solution.
The initiative is a partnership between Roam, technology-driven electric mobility company based in Nairobi, and Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Engineering.
Researchers at SU’s Electric Mobility Lab are eager to see how Roam Air performs in long-distance conditions, far beyond its urban design. The project will also contribute valuable insights into the future of electric mobility in Africa.
The Roam Air will travel through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana, before reaching aching Stellenbosch by October 18. Two solar-powered vehicles will accompany the motorcycle, ensuring the Roam Air batteries are charged entirely by the sun throughout the expedition.
PhD candidate Stephan Lacock and Roam’s Product Owner Masa Kituyi will ride the motorcycle, capturing real-world performance data over diverse terrains.
“This journey isn’t just about whether it can be done it’s about showing that African innovation, powered by solar energy, can overcome the continent’s unique challenges,” said Lacock.
Together with Roam, the research team will focus on testing the performance of Roam Air’s drivetrain, portable charging technology, and solar recharging systems. The motorcycle’s journey will provide a unique opportunity to assess its reliability and efficiency over an extended distance under various environmental conditions.
The Roam Air, built with the African terrain in mind, will demonstrate its versatility as it takes on this long-distance trip.
“This journey showcases Kenya’s ability to design and locally manufacture world-class electric vehicles for African conditions. It’s a testament to local innovation, leading the way in sustainable mobility solutions,” remarked Masa Kituyi.
The collaboration between SU and Roam aims to advance electric mobility solutions that not only sustainable but also practical for African conditions.
This expedition is made possible through the support of SANED via the LEAP-RE project, Throttle Pitstop, Scatec, Balancecell, Voetspore, Tracks for Africa, Bush Lapa, and Charlie’s Travels, all of which contribute to the success o of this journey.
The project aims to highlight the potential of solar-powered transport in Africa and demonstrate that electric motorcycles can complete long-distance journeys with renewable energy.
The joumey will be documented and plans to produce a documentary showcasing the challenges and
innovations that emerge to illustrate the potential for solar-powered mobility across the continent. It will culminate in Stellenbosch on October 18, in time for the University’s Electric Mobility Day celebration.
During the event, SU’s Electric Mobility Lab will officially launch at the Sustainability Institute, marking a significant step forward in the development of electric mobility in Africa. A highlight of the event will be the handover of a retrofitted 65-seater electric bus to Golden Arrow Bus Service, as well as the formal presentation of the Roam Air motorcycle to the Electric Mobility Lab
Government officials, industry representatives, and researchers will gather to celebrate the advances in electric mobility, with demonstrations of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure forming part of the day’s activities.
