Roam Air, an African-made electric motorcycle, has successfully completed a landmark 6,000-kilometer journey across five African nations, relying solely on solar energy. The expedition, which began in Nairobi on 29 September 2024 and ended in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on 16 October, showcased the motorcycle’s adaptability to the continent’s diverse terrains and the potential for sustainable energy to power long-distance travel in Africa.
Roam, a Nairobi-based electric mobility company, partnered with Stellenbosch University (SU) and received support from organizations such as the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), Scatec, Charlie’s Travel, and Throttle Pitstop to make the journey possible. The aim was to test the durability and efficiency of Roam Air, promote clean mobility in sub-Saharan Africa, and donate two motorcycles to Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Lab to support research into sustainable transport solutions.
“This ambitious journey represents a major leap in showcasing the potential of sustainable electric mobility across sub-Saharan Africa,” said Professor Thinus Booysen, founder of the Electric Mobility Lab at Stellenbosch University. He noted that despite facing technical challenges and adverse weather conditions, the motorcycle’s performance, especially in solar recharging, was a significant success.
The expedition crossed Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana before reaching Stellenbosch. Along the way, Roam Air’s drivetrain and solar-powered portable charging systems were rigorously tested under real-world conditions. The motorcycle achieved a record-breaking 113 kilometers on a single battery charge and covered a distance of 1,000 kilometers in under 18 hours on the final leg of the trip, traveling from Kimberley to Africa’s southernmost point, Cape Agulhas.
“This journey is a historic milestone for Roam Air,” said Masa Kituyi, Product Owner at Roam, who rode alongside Stephan Lacock during the expedition. “The warm welcomes we received from local communities showed us how excited people are about electric mobility made in Africa. It’s proof that African innovation can not only compete but lead in sustainable technology.”
Roam’s solar-powered journey also coincides with South Africa’s Transport Month, which aims to raise awareness about the future of mobility in the country. The motorcycle’s arrival in Stellenbosch will be followed by the Electric Mobility Day on 18 October, marking the official launch of the university’s Electric Mobility Lab. The event will include a handover ceremony for the two Roam Air motorcycles and a retrofitted 65-seater electric bus for Golden Arrow Bus Service.
“This is just the beginning for sustainable transport in Africa,” said Kituyi. “We’ve proven that clean energy can power more than just vehicles—it can power a movement toward a greener, more sustainable future.”
The success of Roam Air’s journey will be documented in a film that captures the expedition’s technical challenges, groundbreaking innovations, and the unforgettable natural beauty of Africa, including encounters with elephants along the Zambezi River and camping near the Chobe River among hippos.
