● Roam Air completes a 6,000 km journey across varied African terrains, from rugged paths to highways,
showing its adaptability in the African landscape.
● The entire 17-day journey relied on solar charging, proving the feasibility of sustainable energy even in
remote areas.
● Roam donates 2 Roam Airs to the Electric Mobility Lab at SU to advance research in sustainable transport
for Africa.
● Roam Air achieved a new single battery record range of 113 km, and a 1,000 km distance under 18 hours,
highlighting its efficiency.
October 16, Nairobi, Kenya— Roam Air, an African-made electric motorcycle, has completed a historic 6,000-kilometer solar-powered journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to Stellenbosch, South Africa. The expedition was a testament to African ingenuity and sustainable innovation, aimed at showcasing Kenya’s leadership in the future of clean mobility. This was a collaborative effort between Roam, an African electric mobility pioneer company, 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 29 September 2024, saw Roam Air travel through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana before arriving in Stellenbosch on the morning of 16 October. 2 Roam Airs 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. 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. On the final day, the Roam Air covered 1,000 km in under 18 hours as it traveled from Kimberley to Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost point.
“This ambitious journey represents a major leap in showcasing the potential of sustainable electric mobility across sub-Saharan Africa,” said Thinus Booysen, Professor of Engineering and founder of the Electric Mobility Lab at Stellenbosch University. “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.”
Developed in Nairobi, Roam Air’s design reflects the diverse needs of African terrain. 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 marveled at the continent’s natural wonders.
Masa Kituyi, Roam’s Product Owner, who joined the expedition as a rider alongside Stephan Lacock, shared, “Completing this journey is a historic milestone for Roam Air, proving 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.”
The motorcycle’s arrival coincides with Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Day on 18 October, 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 will gather to celebrate advancements in electric mobility and explore demonstrations of EVs and charging infrastructure.
This groundbreaking journey has proven that clean energy solutions can power more than just vehicles—they can power a sustainable future for Africa. 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.
About Roam
Roam, a trailblazer in electric vehicle technology, develops and deploys innovative electric solutions tailored for the African
market. As a finalist in Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, Roam continues to drive the transition to sustainable transport across
the continent.
