In a remarkable achievement for both electric mobility and African innovation, Roam Air, an electric motorcycle developed in Kenya, has completed the first-ever solar-powered journey across Africa. The motorcycle traveled 6,000 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya to Stellenbosch, South Africa, showcasing the potential of sustainable transport solutions for the continent.
The 17-day expedition, which started on September 29, 2024, passed through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana, before reaching its final destination in Stellenbosch on October 16. The journey was not only a demonstration of Roam Air’s capability to handle Africa’s diverse terrain, but it also relied entirely on solar charging, proving that renewable energy can power long-distance travel even in remote areas.
Accompanied by two solar-powered support vehicles, the Roam Air motorcycle was tested under real-world conditions. It traversed rugged paths and highways, while its portable batteries were charged using solar energy, highlighting the practicality of clean energy. On the final day of the journey, Roam Air covered 1,000 kilometers in under 18 hours, setting a new record for the longest distance traveled in a single day on a single battery charge—113 kilometers.
The trip coincided with South Africa’s Transport Month, providing a unique opportunity to demonstrate the future of clean mobility in Africa. Roam’s effort is a collaborative project involving Roam, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Engineering, and partners including SANEDI, Scatec, Charlie’s Travel, and Throttle Pitstop.
In a gesture to support ongoing research in sustainable transport, Roam has donated two Roam Air motorcycles to SU’s Electric Mobility Lab. These bikes will aid in research focused on creating electric mobility solutions tailored to the African landscape.
“This journey is a significant milestone for sustainable electric mobility in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Thinus Booysen, Professor of Engineering at Stellenbosch University. “Despite the challenges, the resilience of our team and the Roam Air motorcycle showed the power of innovation and collaboration.”
Roam’s Product Owner, Masa Kituyi, who rode the motorcycle alongside fellow rider Stephan Lacock, reflected on the success of the trip. “This journey is proof that African innovation can thrive, and the warm welcomes we received along the way showed the excitement people have for locally built electric mobility,” Kituyi said.
Throughout the journey, Roam Air offered a unique view of Africa’s natural beauty, passing landmarks such as Victoria Falls and the Chobe River, where the team camped near hippos and elephants.
The journey’s success was celebrated at Stellenbosch University on October 18, during the official launch of the Electric Mobility Lab. The event featured the handover of an electric bus to the Golden Arrow Bus Service and the presentation of Roam Air to the lab, with government officials, industry leaders, and researchers gathered to discuss the future of electric mobility in Africa.
This pioneering journey is a powerful reminder of the continent’s potential to lead in sustainable transport. The success of the Roam Air’s solar-powered journey is expected to inspire future innovations and the adoption of clean energy solutions across Africa.
For further details, Roam’s groundbreaking journey will be documented in an upcoming film, highlighting the challenges, innovations, and unforgettable moments experienced by the team.