KEY POINTS
- The Roam Air traveled 6,000 km through five African countries.
- Solar-powered batteries supported the motorcycle throughout the journey.
- The expedition demonstrates the viability of sustainable transport in Africa.
An important milestone for sustainable mobility in Africa has been reached when an electric motorbike built in Africa completed a 6,000-kilometer solar-powered ride from Nairobi, Kenya, to Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Roam Air electric motorcycle travels 6,000 km across five countries
Before reaching Stellenbosch on October 16, the Roam Air electric motorcycle traversed tea estates, dusty highways and wildlife in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana. The party saw hippos and other wildlife while camping along the Chobe River and passing Victoria Falls during the adventure, which started on September 29.
The trip was a joint venture between the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU) and Roam, an electric mobility firm based in Kenya. The journey demonstrated the Roam Air’s drivetrain, dual batteries, and solar recharging capabilities in real-world scenarios with the help of partners like SANEDI, Scatec, Charlie’s Travel, and Throttle Pitstop.
During South Africa’s Transport Month, the trip was accompanied by two solar-powered support vehicles. The Roam Air’s batteries were charged by solar power during the voyage, demonstrating the feasibility of clean energy for long-distance transportation. On the last day, the motorbike travelled from Kimberley to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, covering 1,000 kilometres in less than eighteen hours.
According to Thinus Booysen, an engineering professor and the creator of SU’s Electric travel Lab, “this journey represents a major leap in demonstrating the potential of sustainable electric mobility across sub-Saharan Africa.”
Journey highlights local enthusiasm for electric mobility in Africa
Accordintg to a report by ESI Africa, the Roam Air set a new record by travelling 113 kilometres on a single battery charge, despite obstacles like bad weather and technical issues. The Electric Mobility Lab has received two Roam Air motorcycles as a donation to help with ongoing studies on environmentally friendly transportation options for Africa.
Masa Kituyi, Product Owner of Roam, who accompanied Stephan Lacock on the mission, called it a “historic milestone,” emphasising the excitement of local communities for African-made electric mobility.
The motorbike will arrive on October 18, SU’s Electric Mobility Day, when the lab will open and Golden Arrow Bus Service will get a modified 65-seater electric bus. Roam intends to film the expedition’s triumph, documenting significant events such as an unexpected meeting with elephants along the Zambezi River.
According to the firm, “Africa’s potential to lead in sustainable transport is symbolised by Roam’s solar-powered journey.”
