E-mobility firm Roam has launched a groundbreaking expedition with its electric motorcycle, Roam Air. The expedition, which will cover 6,000 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya, to Stellenbosch, South Africa, is powered entirely by solar energy and aims to showcase Africa’s potential in sustainable mobility solutions
The Roam Air expedition will span across five African countries—Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa—culminating in Stellenbosch on October 18, coinciding with Stellenbosch University’s Electric Mobility Day.
This ambitious journey is a first for an African-designed electric motorcycle, designed to test its performance and durability over long distances while being charged solely by solar energy.
In collaboration with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering, this expedition will allow researchers and engineers to evaluate the Roam Air’s drivetrain, portable charging dual-battery system, and solar recharging capabilities.
Two solar-powered support vehicles will accompany the team, ensuring that the motorcycle’s batteries are charged throughout the expedition using 100% renewable energy.
The Roam Air is built specifically for African terrain and will be put to the test under various environmental conditions. This journey aims to demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the electric motorcycle on diverse landscapes, reinforcing Kenya’s capability to design world-class electric vehicles tailored to local conditions.
“The expedition is not just about whether it can be done—it’s about proving that African innovation, powered by solar energy, can overcome the continent’s unique mobility challenges,” said Stephan Lacock, a PhD candidate from Stellenbosch University, who, along with Masa Kituyi, Roam’s Product Owner, will be riding the motorcycle during the journey.
The expedition is supported by SANED via the LEAP-RE project, Throttle Pitstop, Scatec, Balancecell, Voetspore, Tracks for Africa, Bush Lapa, and Charlie’s Travels.
These partners are instrumental in advancing the project’s goal of promoting electric, solar-powered transportation across Africa.
The entire journey will be documented, with plans to produce a documentary showcasing the challenges, innovations, and milestones achieved during the expedition. The documentary will aim to inspire further adoption of solar-powered electric vehicles across the continent, highlighting the potential of renewable energy in Africa’s transportation sector.
The expedition will conclude at Stellenbosch University on October 18, when the Electric Mobility Lab will officially launch during Electric Mobility Day.
The event will also see the handover of a retrofitted 65-seater electric bus to Golden Arrow Bus Service and the formal presentation of the Roam Air motorcycle to Stellenbosch’s Electric Mobility Lab.
This celebration will gather government officials, industry leaders, and researchers to witness demonstrations of electric vehicles and their supporting infrastructure, marking a pivotal moment in Africa’s shift toward sustainable transportation.