Roam Launches 2nd-Gen Electric Bike Co-Designed with Boda Boda Riders
Kenyan electric vehicle manufacturer Roam has launched the Generation 2 Roam Air, a major upgrade to its flagship electric motorcycle. The Roam Electric Bike is designed with direct input from boda boda riders in Kenya.
The second-generation Roam Air introduces more than 40 new features and improvements, spanning performance, durability, comfort, and safety. Roam Electric Bike enthusiasts will note the significant upgrades tailored to meet local needs.
The upgrades come after extensive testing across both urban and rural settings, and they address the specific challenges faced by boda boda operators, who form a critical part of Kenya’s transport economy.
Among the key changes is a lighter frame, reducing the bike’s weight by one kilogram compared to the original model. This not only enhances battery efficiency but also improves overall handling. The newly reinforced frame now supports up to 240 kilograms, 20kg more than the previous version, ideal for carrying passengers or cargo over long distances on rough roads.
Roam has also introduced a lockable, single-door battery compartment, a direct response to concerns from riders over battery security. This ensures Roam Electric Bike riders can swap batteries quicker and more securely.
Other performance-related upgrades include better weather resistance, rust protection, and waterproofing of sensitive components like electronics and storage compartments. The cabling system has been simplified, while the lighting setup has been enhanced for better visibility and energy efficiency, benefiting every Roam Electric Bike user.
To improve rider and passenger comfort, the Generation 2 features a redesigned seat, upgraded footrests, and a stronger rear carrier to support both people and heavy loads. These enhancements make the motorcycle more suitable for all-day use, especially for riders who depend on their bikes for their livelihoods.
“We didn’t just update a few features—we rethought the motorcycle with input from the people who use it every day,” said Monicah Mwalo, Roam’s Production Manager. ”This version is grounded in Kenyan realities.” Riders of the Roam Electric Bike can appreciate these enhancements rooted in their experiences.
Commitment to Local Manufacturing
A major step forward in this release is Roam’s increased investment in local production. The company now produces 36% of the motorcycle’s components locally, including body panels, wire harnesses, connectors, the battery compartment, mechanical auxiliaries, and storage units. This localization aligns with Kenya’s Duty Remission Scheme (DRS), which supports manufacturers that produce key parts locally.
Roam has exceeded the 11-component requirement under Legal Notice 112, achieving over 40 locally produced parts, ranging from plastics and metals to electronic systems. As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Roam owns all designs and tooling for its products—an advantage that allows for more control over quality, affordability, and long-term scalability of the Roam Electric Bike.
This step, it says, is expected to reduce maintenance costs, shorten supply chains, and create new jobs within Kenya’s growing clean-tech manufacturing sector, further benefiting every Roam Electric Bike associated enterprise.
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