Roam launches new motorcycle model

From the newsletter

Kenya-based electric motorcycle manufacturer Roam has unveiled a new generation of its Roam Air motorcycle. The company says the new model features 40 upgrades that have come out of local market research. The bikes now carry an additional 20 kg, and are built with 36% locally sourced components. The first Roam Air was unveiled three years ago.

• African EV companies such as Ampersand, Spiro and Dodai all regularly launch new models. They are usually designed to enhance competitiveness via improved performance and functionality. 

• EV technology is evolving rapidly, rendering best-selling models from just a few years ago outdated. As a result, EVs in general will be updated more frequently than their fuel counterparts.

More details

• The Generation 2 Roam Air features a reinforced frame designed to withstand Kenya’s rugged and varied road conditions. Guided by a community-driven innovation strategy, Roam has introduced a lockable, single-door battery compartment that deters theft and simplifies battery swapping.

• Additionally, Roam marks a step-change in product sophistication with enhanced waterproofing, cleaner cabling, and improved lighting. These upgrades boost the motorcycle’s appeal while minimising wear and tear, ultimately reducing the total cost of ownership.

• Roam has significantly increased the local content of its components, surpassing the threshold set by Kenya’s Legal Notice 112. The notice provides import duty exemptions for locally assembled vehicles, including EVs, on condition that manufacturers use 12 locally sourced components and comply with licensing, annual reporting, and localisation requirements.

• This strategic move qualifies the company for the Duty Remission Scheme (DRS), which reduces import duties and enhances product affordability. 

• Despite Roam's efforts to increase local content and qualify for tariff incentives, the price of the Generation 2 Roam Air remains unchanged at KES 296,000 ($2,285), making it the most expensive electric motorcycle in Kenya. This price point significantly exceeds competitors like the Spiro Ekon 450 M1 at KES 153,500 ($1,185) and Ampersand’s GEN 3 at KES 220,000 ($1,698). 

• However, if the Kenyan government fully enforces Legal Notice 112 and reduces tariffs on Roam Air Gen 2, it could significantly lower production costs, thus a decrease in the current market price. Such policy support would also strengthen Kenya’s clean-tech ecosystem by encouraging more local manufacturing and reducing the overall cost of e-mobility adoption.

• Roam’s Gen 2 Air, Ampersand’s Alpha, and Zeno’s Emara each bring unique strengths. Roam Air Gen 2 is deeply rooted in local manufacturing and rugged design for Kenyan roads. Ampersand’s Alpha adds 50 rider-driven upgrades for comfort, safety, and performance. The Emara leads on power, speed, and style, with a 100 km range, 250 kg load capacity, and custom features for urban and off-road use. 

Our take

• The next generation of EVs must be purpose-built to survive Africa’s rugged, uneven roads by featuring reinforced frames, stronger suspension, and durable brakes. Also, their design should rely on long-lasting batteries to overcome limited charging infrastructure in rural and peri-urban areas.

• Moreover, the integration of AI and telematics will shape how electric motorcycles are used, maintained, and optimised. Real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, location tracking, and ride data analytics will improve efficiency, enhance safety, and personalise user experiences. 

• The future success of African electric motorcycle makers relies on actively involving local riders, engineers, and entrepreneurs in the design and production process. By tapping into homegrown innovation, manufacturers can create bikes tailored to real-world conditions while driving job creation and economic growth across the continent.