Two solar-powered Motorcycles undertaking 6000 kilometers Journey from Kenya to South Africa Via Tanzania

From Erick Wanjala in Nairobi

Roam Air has just flagged off two of its solar-powered electric motorcycles that are setting off to undertake an ambitious expedition which covers 6000 Kilometers’ journey from Kenya to South Africa.

It is expected that this maiden multinational cross-country electric motorcycle safari will take 18 days.

The expedition gets flagged off from Nairobi City on the evening of Sunday, September 29.

The two clean-energy motorcycles will cross the Namanga Border into Tanzania before covering the rest of Southern African Development Community (SADC) region countries afterwards.

These African-designed electric motorcycles are set to make a new world record.

They will cover an average of 6000 kilometers of both smooth and rugged terrains, demonstrating the motors capability, sustainability and durability.

According to organizers, the expedition coincides with South Africa’s Transport Month.

The journey is the perfect on field testing for the performance of Roam Air’s drivetrain, portable charging dual batteries, and solar recharging mobility solutions.

“This is not just about whether the feat can be undertaken but rather to prove that African innovation, powered by solar energy, can overcome the challenges of transportation on the vast continent,” said Stephan Lacock a PHD candidate at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.

The E-Initiative is a partnership between Roam, a technology-driven electric mobility company based in Nairobi and the Faculty of Engineering at the Stellenbosch University’s (SU).

Researchers, Transport dealers and agents as well as ordinary East Africans seem eager to see how the Roam Air machines perform in tackling long-distance travel, different weather conditions and terrains far beyond their initial urban designs.

“This journey showcases Kenya’s ability to design and locally manufacture world-class electric vehicles capable of handling African conditions,” stated Masa Kituyi the head of production at Roam, adding that it was a testament to local innovation, leading the way in sustainable mobility solutions.

The success of the adventure on the Roam Electric motorcycle project will contribute intricate insights into the future of electric mobility in Africa more so in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Stellenbosch where the bikes will be traversing.

The entourage includes two solar-powered vehicles accompanying the motorcycles, ensuring the Roam Air batteries are charged entirely by the sun throughout the expedition.

A number of organizations are supporting the initiative; these include SCATEC ASA, formerly Scatec Solar ASA, a Norwegian company which specializes in renewable energy systems.

There is also SANEDI via the Long-term European Union and African Union Partnership on Renewable Energy (LEAP-RE) project, Balancell, a company that produces lithium Ferro-Phosphate batteries for industrial, residential, marine, and commercial use.

Throttle Pitstop, Voetspore, and Tracks for Africa, Bush Lapa, and Charlie’s Travels, all of which contribute to the success of this journey through the project which aims to highlight the potential of solar-powered transport in Africa.

Kenyan President William Ruto previously inaugurated the Roam Park East Africa, which is the Largest electric motorcycle assembly plant based in Nairobi.