- A Kenyan boda boda rider has completed an impressive journey of more than 559 miles from the Malaba border to Mombasa using an electric motorcycle called Roam Air.
- Joel Amboka made charging stops at Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi, Machakos Town, Kibwezi, and Voi before reaching Mombasa.
- Ambaka said he maintained a steady range of 160-200 kilometers per charge with his dual battery, which cost him less than KSh 1,000
It's said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Joel Amboka's journey started at the Malaba border, where he embarked on an adventurous trip from the border to the beach on an electric motorcycle.
The over 900-kilometer journey was undertaken to showcase the potential of Roam Air, an electric motorcycle designed for daily use by riders in Kenya.
Amboka, from Ruaraka sub-county in Nairobi, finished the journey after traveling through different landscapes across Kenya, from its westernmost regions, including Eldoret and Nakuru, to the sunny beaches of Mombasa.
What features does Roam Air electric boda offer?
Amboka made charging stops at six towns, which included Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi, Machakos, Kibwezi, and Voi, before finally reaching Mombasa.
Based on the available information, a Roam Air customer stayed on the trip from Monday, January 20th through to Sunday, January 26th, a total duration of one week.
"Amboko was fully charged over a period of 7 days. The journey began on Monday, 20 January 2025, and ended on Sunday, 26 January 2025. The vehicle was charged from regular wall sockets," said Albin Wilson, from Roam.
The rider stated he maintained a consistent range of 160 to 200 kilometers per dual battery charge, which cost him less than KSh 1,000.
The motorcycle performed well on all terrain, from the mountainous areas around the Rift Valley to the rough roads. I was able to keep costs down by charging the dual battery for between KSh 140 - 160 at each stop. During my journey, I discovered that using mode 2 on the Kenyan highways resulted in a stable and fast ride. Initially, I was spending around KSh 1,200 on fuel for 160km of travel.
According to Amboka, the Roam Air performed seamlessly across all terrain, covering an average distance of 160 kilometers on a full charge of its dual batteries.
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The company stated that the ride was an illustration of how Roam Air's portable charging feature, battery ownership, and dual-battery system are designed to enable boda boda riders to carry on riding without limits.
The riders simply need a power outlet to charge the motorcycle battery, thus demonstrating the motorcycle's dependability, productivity, and practicality for Kenya's specific situation.
“ This journey was a real test of Roam Air’s reliability. By traveling over 900 kilometers with Joel, the Roam Air demonstrated its ability to serve as a trusted companion for boda boda riders, whether in urban or rural areas. The motorcycle is more than just a vehicle; it is a dependable partner for riders seeking increased earnings and reduced expenses,” said Lumbi Muchui, Roam’s Technical Manager.
Muchui pointed out that the trip underscored the significance of giving local riders the power to make their own decisions and it was clear in every stop that Roam Air has been embraced throughout the entire country.
Unlike Roam's previous solar-powered journey to South Africa that had engineers in charge, the Border-to-Beach ride sought to highlight the typical rider's experience.
The Border-to-Beach journey is a significant milestone in Roam's mission to promote eco-friendly and affordable transportation options in Africa.
The company plans to expand its service across Kenya and further afield, making electric transportation more accessible to those who require it most.
Kenya is Experiencing a Shift Towards Electric Mobility with Roam Leading the Way
Following Roam's emergence as a leader in Kenya's electric mobility sector.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) elected Hans van Toor from ROAM as chair of the Electric Mobility Sub-Sector, alongside Matt Lloyd from Associated Vehicles Assemblers (AVA) as vice chair.
The KAM Electric Mobility Sub-Sector aims to enhance local production to decrease Kenya's dependence on imports of electric vehicles and related components.
The establishment of local manufacturing and the development of a strong supply chain for electric vehicles is expected to provide employment opportunities for residents of Kenya.