Roam Air Electric Motorcycle Proves Its Power: A 900-Km Journey Across Kenya

A Kenyan boda boda rider has put electric mobility to the test, successfully covering over 900 kilometers from Malaba to Mombasa on the Roam Air electric motorcycle. This ambitious journey highlighted the motorcycle’s reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, proving its potential to transform the boda boda industry in Kenya.

Joel Amboka, a boda boda leader from Ruaraka Sub-County in Nairobi, embarked on the long-distance ride, navigating through diverse terrains and making six charging stops in Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi, Machakos Town, Kibwezi, and Voi before reaching his final destination. With a dual-battery system, the Roam Air maintained an impressive range of 160 to 200 kilometres per charge, handling both urban roads and rugged countryside tracks with ease.

Throughout the journey, Amboka engaged with fellow boda boda riders at each charging stop, sharing insights on the benefits of electric motorcycles. He emphasized the affordability of the Roam Air, noting that while he previously spent KES 1,200 daily on petrol, charging the bike’s dual battery cost him only KES 140 to 160 per stop. Additionally, he found that using the motorcycle’s mode 2 setting provided the ideal balance of speed and stability on Kenyan highways.

Lumbi Muchui, Roam’s Technical Manager, hailed the trip as a major milestone for the company’s mission to drive sustainable transport in Africa. “This journey demonstrated that Roam Air is not just an innovative concept but a practical solution for everyday riders. By completing this distance, the bike has shown that it can reliably support boda boda operators in both urban and rural settings,” he said.

Unlike Roam’s previous solar-powered trip to South Africa, which was led by engineers, this “Border-to-Beach” ride focused on the real-world experience of an everyday rider. Amboka’s success reinforced the practicality of electric motorcycles for Kenya’s hardworking boda boda community, demonstrating that they offer not only environmental benefits but also significant cost savings.

With this achievement, Roam plans to expand its reach across Kenya and beyond, making electric mobility more accessible to boda boda riders. Amboka’s journey is a testament to the future of sustainable transport, one where riders can earn more, spend less, and contribute to a cleaner environment.