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Journey of Electric Innovation: A Boda Boda Rider’s 900 km Trek
A boda boda operator embarked on a remarkable journey covering more than 900 kilometers from Malaba, located at Kenya’s western border with Uganda, to Mombasa, situated along Kenya’s southern coastline—all powered by the ROAM Air electric motorcycle and a portable charger.
The Evolving Landscape of Electric Motorcycles in Africa
For over six years, we’ve explored advancements in the electric motorcycle industry across various African nations. Numerous startups have navigated through different developmental stages—from initial trials to early market introductions. Today, many are ramping up their production capabilities across countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The motorcycle sector has gained significant attention as a promising avenue for electrification efforts; currently, there are over 27 million internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles registered throughout Africa—approximately 80% utilized in taxi services. This creates an expansive potential market for businesses operating within this sphere.
Innovative Solutions for Everyday Riders
In response to common consumer behavior targeting mainly motorcycle taxi operators frequently on the move, several startups have chosen designs integrating one or two removable batteries into their motorcycles. These models often come with a battery swapping network allowing riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones within seconds. Typically maintained by companies themselves, this ownership structure lowers the upfront costs associated with purchasing electric motorcycles and shifts capital demands related to charging infrastructure development onto manufacturers—a factor that may impact adoption rates if substantial investments aren’t secured.
The Infrastructure Challenge
Many boda boda operators I’ve spoken with express concerns about limited battery swapping options beyond major urban areas like Nairobi and Mombasa. Consequently, these limitations confine their operational scope primarily within these cities while preventing spontaneous travel outside urban centers due to most batteries being tied solely to swap stations without provisions for personal home charging options.
Pioneering Change: ROAM’s Approach
Leading innovation in electric vehicles tailored specifically towards Africa’s needs is ROAM—a finalist in the prestigious Earthshot Prize and recognized among Norrsken Foundation’s top 100 impact startups of 2024. The company has cleverly designed its electric motorcycles featuring slots that accommodate two removable batteries; customers can choose between owning or renting these batteries which they can swap at designated ROAM HUBs when needed. Furthermore—and notably—ROAM supplies riders with portable chargers enabling them to utilize standard wall sockets anywhere they go; thus broadening access significantly—charging approximately takes around 90 minutes using a typical 240V outlet.
A Trailblazing Expedition from Border to Beach
To reassess perceptions surrounding travel constraints linked with inadequate battery swap facilities outside primary metropolitan zones like Nairobi or Mombasa—and instill confidence amongst riders—ROAM joined forces with Kenyan rider Joel Amboka who courageously undertook this extensive trip showcasing just what their machine is capable of achieving daily amid realistic circumstances: traversing scenic terrains all through diverse counties including Eldoret and Nakuru before reaching Mombasa’s picturesque shores.
The Performance Assessment of ROAM Air
- Peak Torque: 58 nm
- Maximum Speed: 90 km/h
- Sprint Time (0–60 km/h): Approximately 6.9 seconds
- Mileage per Battery Pack:: Around 70km depending on riding style
- Total Battery Capacity:: Dual packs totaling 3x kWh each
- Cargo Capacity:: Upwards of 220 kg < li >< b > Weight: < /b >129 kg (single battery),149 kg (dual )< / li >
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