Even as electric two-wheelers are gradually gaining traction and changing the game for Kenya’s transport sector, Kenyan boda boda rider, Joel Amboka, completed an over 900 km journey from Malaba to Mombasa using the Roam Air electric motorcycle, relying solely on portable charging.
Hailing from Ruaraka, Nairobi, Amboka embarked on the ambitious border-to-beach trip that was aimed at demonstrating the potential of Roam Air for everyday riders.
Along his journey, he passed through Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from the furthest west to Eldoret and Nakuru, and ended at the sandy beaches of Mombasa.
The ride was targeted to showcase how Roam Air’s portable charging feature, battery ownership, and dual-battery system are designed to empower boda boda riders to ride with no limits
This is because they only require a power outlet to charge the motorcycle battery, proving the motorcycle’s reliability, efficiency, and practicality for Kenya’s market use case.
According to Amboka, the Roam Air performed seamlessly across all terrains, covering an average of 160 kilometres on a full charge of its dual batteries.
He completed the journey with 6 different charging stops including Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi, Machakos Town, Kibwezi, and Voi.
Amboka commended Roam Air’s performance across Kenya’s diverse terrains, from rough backroads to busy highways.
“The motorcycle handled every challenge with ease right from the hilly parts of the Rift Valley, to the rough roads and also, I only spent Sh 140 – 160 on charging the dual battery at each stop,” he said.
“I also noticed that mode 2 is the best speed to use on the Kenyan highway as it keeps the motorcycle stable and speedy on the road. Before switching to an e-motorcycle, I was spending Sh 1200 on petrol daily for the same distance.”
Throughout the journey, Roam noted in a statement that Amboka connected with fellow boda boda riders at the stops where he was charging the batteries, sharing his story and encouraging them to embrace electric mobility.
“His leadership as the Ruaraka Sub-county boda boda chairperson and first-hand experience as a boda boda rider highlighted how Roam Air is built specifically for their needs; offering affordability, environmental benefits, and reliability,” the statement read in part.
On his part, Roam’s Technical Manager Lumbi Muchui noted that the journey was a true test of Roam Air’s performance.
“By covering over 900 kilometres with Joel, the Roam Air proved that it is ready to power the daily lives of boda boda riders, whether in the city or the countryside,” he said.
“It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a reliable partner for riders looking to earn more and spend less.”
Muchui further said that the trip also emphasised the importance of empowering local riders adding that it was evident in every stop that Roam Air has been accepted in the whole country.
Unlike Roam’s previous solar-powered journey to South Africa, where engineers were at the helm, the Border-to-Beach ride focused on showcasing the everyday rider’s experience.
“Amboka’s success proved that electric motorcycles are a solution designed for Kenya’s hardworking boda boda community,” Muchui said.
“The Border-to-Beach journey marks another milestone in Roam’s mission to drive sustainable and affordable transport solutions in Africa.”
Following this success, the company plans to expand its reach across Kenya and beyond, bringing electric mobility closer to the riders who need it most.
“Amboka’s journey inspires a new vision for boda boda riders, proving that with Roam Air, they can earn more, spend less, and embrace cleaner mobility,” Muchui concluded.
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