E-mobility tech driven company, Roam, has announced that its African-made e-motorcycle, Roam Air has completed a historic 6000km solar-powered journey from Nairobi, Kenya to Stellenbosch, South Africa.
In a statement by Roam, the expedition was a testament to African ingenuity and sustainable innovation, aimed at showcasing Kenya’s leadership in the future of clean mobility.
The expedition was a collaborative effort between Roam and Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Engineering, with crucial support from partners like SANEDI, Scatec, Charlie’s Travel, and Throttle Pitstop.
The expedition, which began on September 29 2024, saw Roam Air travel through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana before arriving in Stellenbosch on the morning of October 16.
The company noted that 2 Roam Air motorcycles have been donated to the Electric Mobility Lab at SU to support ongoing research into sustainable transport solutions tailored for Africa.
“Accompanied by two solar-powered support vehicles, the trip coincided with South Africa’s Transport Month and tested Roam Air’s drivetrain, portable dual batteries, and solar recharging capabilities under real-world conditions,” Roam said.
“Throughout the journey, the motorcycle’s batteries were charged with solar energy, proving that clean energy can be a reliable solution for long-distance travel in Africa.”
The company further noted that on the final day, the Roam Air covered 1,000 km in under 18 hours as it travelled from Kimberley to Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost point.
SU Professor of Engineering and founder of the Electric Mobility Lab Thinus Booysen said the ambitious journey represents a major leap in showcasing the potential of sustainable electric mobility across sub-Saharan Africa.
“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,” Booysen said.
Developed in Nairobi, Roam Air’s design reflects the diverse needs of African terrain.
Roam said the journey was a significant test of its portable charging systems, achieving a new record of 113 km on a single battery charge.
The trip also revealed Africa’s unique beauty; from the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls to the stunning Chobe River, where the team camped among hippos and marvelled at the continent’s natural wonders.
Roam Product Owner Masa Kituyi, who joined the expedition as a rider alongside Stephan Lacock added that completing the journey was a historic milestone for Roam Air.
“This proves that African innovation can thrive. The warm welcomes from local communities showed us how excited people are about electric mobility built right here in Africa,” Kituyi said.
The motorcycle’s arrival coincides with Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Day in October 18, where the lab will officially launch.
The event will feature the handover of a retrofitted 65-seater electric bus to Golden Arrow Bus Service and a presentation of Roam Air to the lab.
Government officials, industry leaders, and researchers are expected to gather to celebrate advancements in electric mobility and explore demonstrations of EVs and charging infrastructure.
Roam said the groundbreaking journey has proven that clean energy solutions can power more than just vehicles; they can power a sustainable future for Africa.
The company further noted that the expedition’s success will be documented in a film, capturing the challenges, innovations, and unforgettable moments, like setting a new battery range record and a surprise encounter with elephants along the Zambezi River.
“Roam’s solar-powered journey stands as a powerful symbol of the continent’s potential to lead in sustainable transport, one vehicle at a time,” the company said.
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