Roam Launches The Second Generation of Its Roam Air Electric Motorcycle In Kenya

Last Updated on: 12th June 2025, 04:35 am

Good things are happening in Africa, especially in the electric vehicle sector. We are starting to see significant traction in a number of countries on the African continent. In Ethiopia, a total ban on the import of fully built internal combustion engine (ICE) cars has resulted in an incredible increase in the number of electric vehicles on the roads. In Senegal, a ground-breaking 100% electric bus rapid transit service is up and running. A number of countries are also pushing for adoption of electric buses. Over 90% of all vehicles imported in most African countries come in as used vehicles. With the growing number of used electric vehicles in Europe, China, and America, we are also starting to see a lot more used EVs coming to West, East, Central, and Southern Africa.

One of the hottest topics in Africa at the moment, however, is the rise of the electric motorcycle sector. Motorcycles are a really big deal in a lot of African countries, with most of them deployed as taxis. Close to 30 million motorcycles on the continent are used in this motorcycle taxi industry. With almost 99% of them still being internal combustion engine motorcycles, there is a huge opportunity and a large addressable market for electrification. In Kenya, for example, there are an estimated 3 million boda boda riders, whose work sustains an estimated 5 million livelihoods nationwide, according to United Nations (UN) data. So, you can see that the motorcycle taxi sector is a major pillar in the economy.

The move towards electric vehicles in Africa, especially in this electric motorcycle sector, has mainly been driven by the private sector and led by small startup companies. One of the leaders in Kenya is Roam. Roam has just launched the new Generation 2 Roam Air, an upgraded electric motorcycle designed with direct input from boda boda riders. The good thing is we are now starting to see increasing numbers of electric motorcycles from Roam and other players hit the road in Kenya. The KNBS Economic Survey Report (2025) shows that 68,804 new motorcycles were registered Kenya in 2024. Of these, 4,862 motorcycles were electric according to data presented by the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK). That means 7.1% of all new motorcycle registrations in Kenya in 2024 were electric. With all these electric motorcycles hitting the road, it gives firms such as Roam a massive opportunity to get a lot of real use case data from the users of their electric motorcycles. This data can then be used to make improvements and adapt the product offering to meet users’ needs. Roam has therefore incorporated a lot of feedback from users of their Roam Air Gen 1 to produce the much improved Gen 2 Roam Air.

Roam says the new Gen 2 Roam Air features over 40 practical improvements and has been extensively tested in both urban and rural settings. Roam says the Roam Air 2 was designed and engineered by Roam’s in-house team and showcases a strong commitment to local innovation and manufacturing.

The team says “a direct response to the economic and practical needs of Kenya’s more than 3 million boda boda riders.” The Gen 2 Roam Air is one kilogram lighter than its predecessor, contributing to improved battery efficiency and overall handling. Roam adds that a reinforced frame now supports up to 240 kilograms — 20 kilograms more than the original model — allowing the motorcycle to better handle the demands of daily transport on Kenya’s diverse roads. The new version introduces a lockable single-door battery compartment aimed at reducing theft and simplifying the battery exchange process, one of the key concerns raised by riders in the earlier model.

Boda bodas really get tested in everyday use cases as riders carry passengers or transport various items which can be a large as a couch. It is therefore important that any electric motorcycle needs to be as robust as possible to handle all of this. Therefore, Roam says the Gen 2 model factors all this in and, as a result, durability has also been improved, including better weather resistance — key components now offer increased rust protection and further waterproofing, including the storage and electronics. The new Roam Air variant also features a more simplified cabling, more sophisticated lighting, and mechanical refinements designed for everyday wear and tear.

Roam also says the Gen 2 has enhanced comfort with redesigned footrests, a reshaped seat, and a stronger rear carrier to better support the rider, their passenger, and their load. In line with its commitment to local manufacturing, Roam has increased domestic production of key parts to 36%, including the body panels, wire harness, connectors, battery compartment, mechanical auxiliaries, and storage unit. This step is expected to shorten the supply chain, reduce maintenance costs, and support Kenya’s growing cleantech manufacturing sector by creating jobs.

Under Kenya’s Legal Notice 112, manufacturers that localize 11 key parts qualify for the Duty Remission Scheme (DRS). Roam’s Generation 2 goes further, with over 40 locally produced components, including plastic, metal, and electronic parts. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Roam owns its designs and tooling, enabling greater local value addition and long-term affordability. This is one of the highlights of the transition to electric in Kenya and in other parts of Africa. The moves to go electric have been initiated by locally based companies that are working to offer solutions that are a best fit for the local market, and this has resulted in increasing the penetration of locally sourced components.

Roam’s Production Manager, Monicah Mwalo, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the redesign process. “We didn’t just update a few features — we rethought the motorcycle with input from the people who use it every day. This version is grounded in Kenyan realities.”

Some early users have reported measurable cost savings. Joel Amboka, a Nairobi-based boda boda rider, said, “Before Roam, most of my money went to petrol and repairs. Now I charge at home, spending under KES 200, and ride all day. It’s made a real difference in my income. I can also easily run my daily activities thanks to the strong frame.”