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Roam Electric

Roam Electric

Kenya Kenya · Est. 2017
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Cloud Hosted Mobile App B2B B2C Africa-focused
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Roam Electric is a pioneering Kenyan electric mobility company that designs, develops, and manufactures electric motorcycles and buses for emerging markets. They provide integrated clean transportation solutions, leveraging local production and a comprehensive solar-powered charging network across Africa, aiming to empower communities and reduce environmental impact.

Core Capabilities

Roam Electric's core capabilities revolve around the design, development, and manufacturing of electric vehicles specifically tailored for African markets. Their flagship product, the Roam Air electric motorcycle, is Kenya's first locally designed and manufactured electric motorcycle, known for its robustness and dual-battery system, suitable for diverse terrain and extended range. Beyond motorcycles, Roam also produces electric buses, reshaping urban mobility with sustainable transport solutions built for Africa’s roads. The company actively invests in local manufacturing, operating Roam Park, East Africa's largest electric motorcycle assembly plant in Nairobi, which also serves as a hub for development and battery labs. This commitment to local production includes pioneering the manufacturing of renewable energy components like solar panels and batteries, further integrating their electric mobility solutions with clean energy sources.

Who It's Built For

Roam Electric's solutions are primarily built for individual riders and commercial operators in emerging markets across Africa, addressing critical pain points associated with traditional petrol-powered transport. Target users include 'boda boda' operators, delivery riders, and produce transporters who previously faced high daily fuel costs and maintenance expenses. Roam's electric vehicles offer significant savings, with users reporting substantial reductions in daily operational costs, making ownership more affordable and profitable. By partnering with financiers like M-KOPA, Roam has made its electric motorcycles accessible through flexible daily micro-payments, lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring owners. The company's focus on affordability, reliability, and sustainability directly empowers these communities, driving economic growth and cleaner urban environments.

Charging & Energy Infrastructure

A cornerstone of Roam Electric's ecosystem is its robust and expanding charging and energy infrastructure, designed to ensure widespread accessibility and convenience for electric vehicle users. The company has established a network of solar-powered EV charging stations, known as Roam Hubs, which are strategically located to support riders across Kenya and beyond. These hubs not only provide affordable charging solutions but also demonstrate the feasibility of integrating renewable energy with electric mobility, reducing reliance on grid electricity and fossil fuels. Roam actively promotes local manufacturing of renewable energy components, investing in large-scale production of solar panels and batteries at Roam Park, further strengthening the self-sufficiency and sustainability of its charging network. This comprehensive approach ensures that riders can easily access power wherever and whenever they need it, mitigating range anxiety and accelerating electric vehicle adoption.

Impact & Innovation

Roam Electric stands as a testament to African innovation and impact, consistently earning recognition for its transformative work in sustainable mobility. The company has been named one of Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies by the Financial Times and an Earthshot Prize Finalist for its role in transforming transport and reducing air pollution. Roam's pioneering spirit is evident in achievements like completing a 6,000 km journey from Kenya to South Africa using only solar-charged motorcycles, showcasing the durability and potential of electric transport on the continent. By designing and manufacturing vehicles locally in Kenya, Roam is creating jobs, fostering technological expertise, and building an industry that is 'built in Africa, for Africa.' The company's active advocacy for policies supporting renewable energy and electric mobility further solidifies its commitment to driving a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future for the continent.

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