Africa is seeing positive developments, particularly in the field of electric vehicles. Significant progress is beginning to be made in a number of African nations. The number of electric vehicles on Ethiopian roads has skyrocketed as a result of a complete restriction on the importation of fully constructed internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. A revolutionary 100% electric bus rapid transit service has begun operations in Senegal. Several nations are also promoting the usage of electric buses. In the majority of African nations, used cars make up more than 90% of all imported automobiles. We’re beginning to see a lot more used EVs arriving in West, East, Central, and Southern Africa as a result of the growing number of used EVs in Europe, China, and America.
However, the growth of the electric motorcycle industry is currently one of the most talked-about subjects in Africa. In many African nations, motorcycles are highly valued, and the majority are used as taxis. The motorcycle taxi sector uses about 30 million motorcycles throughout the continent. Since over 99 percent of motorbikes are still powered by internal combustion engines, electrification presents a significant opportunity and a sizable addressable market. For instance, according to United Nations (UN) figures, there are an estimated 3 million boda boda riders in Kenya, whose labour supports an estimated 5 million livelihoods across the country. As you can see, one of the main economic pillars is the motorbike taxi industry.
Small startup businesses in the private sector have been at the forefront of Africa’s transition to electric vehicles, particularly in the electric motorcycle market. Roam is one of the leaders in Kenya. The new Generation 2 Roam Air, an improved electric motorcycle created with direct feedback from boda boda riders, was just released by Roam. The good news is that more and more electric motorcycles from Roam and other manufacturers are beginning to appear on Kenyan roads. 68,804 new motorbikes were registered in Kenya in 2024, according to the KNBS Economic Survey Report (2025). According to data provided by the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK), 4,862 of these motorcycles were electric. This indicates that 7.1% of all newly registered motorcycles in Kenya in 2024 were electric. With so many electric motorcycles on the road, companies like Roam have a huge potential to collect a lot of actual use case data from their electric motorcycle consumers. The product offering can then be modified to better suit the needs of users using this data. In order to create the far better Gen 2 Roam Air, Roam has taken into account a lot of user comments regarding its Gen 1 Roam Air.
According to Roam, the new Gen 2 Roam Air has undergone thorough testing in both urban and rural environments and has more than 40 useful enhancements. According to Roam, their in-house team created and engineered the Roam Air 2, which demonstrates their strong commitment to local production and innovation.
“A direct response to the practical and economic needs of Kenya’s more than 3 million boda boda riders,” according to the team. The Gen 2 Roam Air weighs one kilogram less than its predecessor, which helps in handling and energy efficiency. The motorcycle can now support up to 240 kg, which is 20 kg more than the original model, thanks to a stronger frame, Roam continues, making it more capable of meeting the needs of daily transportation on Kenya’s varied roads. One of the main issues brought up by riders in the previous model was theft, and the new model addresses these issues by adding a secure, one-door battery compartment that makes battery swapping easier.
When riders carry passengers or move various objects, some of which can be as big as couches, boda bodas are put to the test in real-world situations. In order to manage all of this, it is crucial that any electric motorcycle be as sturdy as possible. Roam claims that because the Gen 2 model takes all of this into account, endurance has also been enhanced, including higher weather resistance. Important parts, such as the electronics and storage, now provide more rust protection and additional waterproofing. In addition, the new Roam Air model has improved illumination, simpler cabling, and mechanical improvements made to withstand normal wear and tear
In order to better support the rider, their passenger, and their load, Roam claims that the Gen 2 boasts improved comfort thanks to new footrests, a rearranged seat, and a stronger rear carrier. Roam has boosted domestic production of essential components, such as the body panels, wire harness, connectors, battery compartment, mechanical auxiliaries, and storage unit, to 36% in keeping with its dedication to local manufacture. It is anticipated that this action will shorten the supply chain, lower maintenance costs, and generate employment in Kenya’s expanding cleantech manufacturing industry.
Manufacturers who localise 11 essential parts are eligible for the Duty Remission Scheme (DRS) under Kenya’s Legal Notice 112. With more than 40 locally made pieces, including plastic, metal, and electronic components, Roam’s Generation 2 goes one step further. Roam’s ownership of its designs and tooling as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) allows for longer-term affordability and more local value creation. One of the most notable aspects of Kenya’s and other African countries’ electric transformation is this. Local businesses who are trying to provide solutions that are most appropriate for the local market have started the push to become electric, which has increased the use of components that are supplied locally.
Monicah Mwalo, the production manager for Roam, stressed the value of community participation in the redesign process. With feedback from those who ride the motorbike on a daily basis, we redesigned it rather than only updating a few functions. Kenyan realities serve as the foundation for this interpretation.
Measurable cost savings have been recorded by a few early adopters. Joel Amboka, a boda boda rider from Nairobi, stated, “I spent the majority of my money on repairs and gas before Roam. I now ride all day and charge at home for less than KES 200. My income has significantly changed as a result. Because of my robust build, I can also carry out my regular tasks with ease.